Featured: BK’s 60-year journey told through the voices of its clients

Bank of Kigali (BK) Plc on Friday, January 23, marked 60 years of operations with a BK Legacy Gala Dinner that placed customers at the centre of the celebration, recognising their role in shaping the bank’s growth since its establishment in 1966. Hosted at the Kigali Convention Centre, the event brought together hundreds of clients, partners and stakeholders. The evening featured traditional and contemporary dance performances, while customers who have banked with BK for more than 30 years were honoured for their long-standing loyalty. Several attendees were also rewarded through a raffle draw, winning air tickets to destinations including Dakar, Seychelles, Dubai, Morocco, Singapore and Zanzibar. ALSO READ: Nine-month results show solid growth momentum for Bank of Kigali For many clients, the milestone offered an opportunity to reflect on relationships built over decades. Saidat Mukanoheri said her connection with BK dates back to childhood and has remained central to both her personal and professional life. “I started working with BK when I was still a child. My parents introduced me to the bank in 1987, when they paid my school fees through it,” she said. Mukanoheri noted that her relationship with the bank now spans generations. “I use the bank in my daily activities and in business, and I have also opened accounts for my children so I can support them through BK in their academics and lifestyle,” she said. ALSO READ: BK expands talent pipeline with fourth ELTP and sixth management trainee graduations She added that she works with BK on various initiatives, particularly through the Nanjye ni BK programme. “The bank supports our association significantly, and it makes a real difference,” she said. For Mukanoheri, BK’s 60-year milestone carries deep meaning. “For us as clients, BK’s 60 years symbolise growth; building projects, achieving personal dreams, and contributing to the development of the nation,” she said. ALSO READ: PRESS RELEASE: Shora I Rwanda: BK invites Rwandans abroad to invest in the Nation’s Future at the 2025 Rwanda Convention USA She also praised improvements in service delivery, noting that the bank has significantly increased the speed and efficiency of its services. “I appreciate how the bank has sped up its services and how it accompanies clients in their activities,” she added. The celebration became even more memorable for Mukanoheri when she won a raffle prize. “Winning a ticket to Seychelles made me very happy. I have travelled across Asia, America and Africa, but I had never been to Seychelles. I am delighted that BK is taking me there,” she said. ALSO READ: FEATURED: Bank of Kigali Continues to Empower Communities and Businesses, Driving Financial Success in Q3 2024 Gerard Sina, a business philanthropist and founder of Urwibutso Enterprise, said his more than 35-year partnership with BK has accompanied him throughout his entrepreneurial journey. “Wherever I am, I am always with BK. If the bank is marking 60 years of operation, I have already spent more than 35 of those years working alongside it, which speaks for itself,” Sina said. “At the headquarters of Urwibutso Enterprise, the branch we work with supports us in paying employees and managing purchases. Recently, I was also recognised for contributing to BK’s international visibility through the way I use its Visa Card,” he added. Sina highlighted the convenience of BK’s digital services, particularly during international travel. “When I travel, I do not worry about currencies—whether dollars, euros or shillings. Wherever I go, the Visa Card works seamlessly, even for shopping, and that gives me confidence,” he said. ALSO READ: Beyond banking: BK backs Rwanda's healthcare goals “One of the reasons I value BK is that its Visa Card ensures you are never stranded abroad, even in places such as hotels. It allows access to funds and flexible repayment within two months, which I truly appreciate.” Beyond personal convenience, Sina said BK’s systems have also benefited his employees. “Because my staff are paid through BK, they find it easier to access loans, which has had a positive impact on their livelihoods,” he noted. Reflecting on the bank’s evolution, Sina pointed to major improvements in customer service. “When I first started working with BK, service interruptions were common, and clients could be left waiting for hours. Today, service is continuous, with staff rotating to ensure customers are always attended to,” he said. ALSO READ: BK launches new banking space for NGOs, religious bodies, embassies “Previously, you had to go to the bank to get support. Now, BK comes to you, reviewing your operations, advising you on your plans, and guiding you on how to access larger financing and more.” He added that, as the Bank of Rwandans, BK represents security, sound financial management and national economic growth. “As the bank grows, it grows with the people. Its presence across the country promotes inclusion and encourages financial literacy,” he said. BK Chief Executive Officer Diane Karusisi said the milestone was a tribute to the trust customers have placed in the bank over six decades. “We call this BK at 60 because the bank has been operating in this country for six decades. The theme is legacy. We have built a legacy with our clients, and we are making a promise to walk together for the next 60 years and beyond,” Karusisi said. ALSO READ: RELEASE : Tuza na BK: Making school fees more affordable for families She noted that BK’s growth mirrors Rwanda’s recovery and development following the Genocide against the Tutsi. “We have followed government programmes by investing in infrastructure, power plants, housing, industries and facilities like this convention centre. Going forward, we will continue supporting the transformation of lives,” she said. Karusisi attributed BK’s strong customer loyalty to a deliberate focus on locally developed, client-centred technology. “We put the client at the centre of everything we do. We build our own technology because, as a Rwandan bank, we understand the context and what our clients expect. That allows us to design services that truly meet their needs,” she explained. ALSO READ: BK’s Strong Start in 2025: A Profitable Quarter Focused on Business and Community Growth Recognising customers who have banked with BK for over three decades, she said, was both an expression of appreciation and a long-term commitment. “We are celebrating loyalty and assuring our clients that we will stand by them across generations, supporting their dreams and aspirations,” she said, adding that the bank will continue aligning with government priorities to build infrastructure and transform the lives of Rwandans. BK pioneered post-Genocide banking in Rwanda, becoming the first bank to reopen in 1994. As part of its 60-year celebrations, the bank is undertaking nationwide outreach initiatives targeting one million members, including small and medium enterprises, with a strong focus on youth-centred services. Having surpassed 700,000 members, BK’s loan portfolio now exceeds Rwf2 trillion, driven by strategic stakeholder partnerships and channelled into agriculture, business and personal development, particularly housing.

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Featured: BK’s 60-year journey told through the voices of its clients