Access Bank Kenya has begun integrating operations with National Bank of Kenya (NBK), allowing customers of either lender to use a shared branch network as the Nigerian lender steps up its push into East Africa. On Tuesday, Access told TechCabal that customers can now conduct routine transactions like deposits, withdrawals, and account enquiries at more than 100 combined branches countrywide. “By opening our networks to each other’s customers, we are ensuring that banking is simpler, faster, and more accessible,” Access Kenya country director Ralph Opara said. The banks say the integration will blend NBK’s strong public-sector and retail banking business with Access Bank’s global footprint and digital innovations. The integration could also be read as Access Bank shoring up its position ahead of new capital rules set by the Central Bank of Kenya.