Gulf African Bank (GAB) is a commercial bank licensed by the Central Bank of Kenya and dedicated to Shariah-compliant banking. Established in 2006 and operational since January 2008, it offers personal accounts, business accounts, financing and digital banking services to customers of all faiths. Shariah-compliant products are structured around Islamic financial principles and reviewed by the bank’s independent Shariah board.
How does Shariah-compliant banking work?
Islamic banking avoids conventional interest-based lending and uses approved contracts involving ownership, trading, leasing, profit-sharing or other financial arrangements. For example, an eligible financing arrangement may involve a bank purchasing an asset and selling it to the customer at an agreed disclosed price or providing it through an approved lease. Customers must understand the contract, total finance cost, payment schedule and consequences of default before signing.
Gulf African Bank personal current accounts
- Infinite Personal Account: an account designed for eligible day-to-day personal banking.
- ME Account: current-account services under the bank’s specific eligibility rules.
- Salary Account: for qualifying customers receiving employment income.
- Diaspora Current Account: for eligible customers who live or work outside Kenya.
- Fixed Deposit Account: a Shariah-compliant deposit arrangement governed by its applicable contract.
Gulf African Bank personal savings accounts
- Kuza Account: savings options intended to encourage planned saving.
- Hajj Account: saving toward a future Hajj pilgrimage.
- SASA Kids Account: saving for a child’s future under the applicable guardian requirements.
Minimum deposits, expected returns, withdrawal restrictions and charges vary by product. Consult the latest product fact sheet and tariff before opening an account.
Personal, mortgage and business financing
Gulf African Bank provides financing for eligible homebuyers, property developers, salaried customers and enterprises. Its financing catalogue includes asset-based finance, construction and mortgage finance, stock finance, trade finance, financing against approved local purchase orders and SME facilities. It also promotes Annisaa Biashara financing aimed at eligible women-owned businesses.
Digital banking: GAB Express and GABNet
Customers can use the bank’s digital services, including GAB Express for supported mobile banking and GABNet for eligible online banking. Service availability, registration requirements, fees and transfer limits depend on the account. Download or access these tools only through the bank’s official website and verified app stores.
How to open an account
- Select a personal or business account on the official Gulf African Bank website.
- Review the Shariah contract, permitted withdrawals, profit-sharing terms and tariff.
- Prepare your valid national identification or passport, KRA PIN and contact details as requested.
- For a business, submit registration information and authorised signatory records.
- Visit an approved branch or follow a bank-authorised account-opening process.
- Review and accept the final agreement only after confirming all fees and conditions.
Gulf African Bank head office and contacts
Head office: Geminia Insurance Plaza, first floor, Kilimanjaro Avenue, Upper Hill, Nairobi. Postal address: P.O. Box 43683-00100, Nairobi. Call centre: +254 711 075 000 or 020 274 0000. The bank publishes atyourservice@gab.co.ke and customercare@gab.co.ke for customer support. Check the bank’s website for current opening times.
Banking and fraud protection
Do not share account PINs, internet banking passwords, app codes or one-time passwords. Ask the bank directly to verify any financing terms or payment instructions. Bank employees should never require you to transfer funds to a private mobile number to secure your account or guarantee financing.
Official websites and contacts
- Gulf African Bank official website
- Bank history and Shariah-compliant principles
- Personal accounts and banking
- Official contacts and branch help
- Branch locator
