The Central Bank of Kenya has assured Kenyans that the country’s banking sector is stable.
In a statement on Wednesday, the bank termed as malicious claims doing rounds online and other channels that the banking sector could be headed into turmoil.
“CBK is aware that malicious actors may attempt to circulate erroneous information on online and other channels about the banking system. The banking sector in Kenya remains stable and resilient, and is adequately capitalised. All customers should continue transacting as normal,” the regulator said in a brief statement.
Some social media users have in recent days alleged that some banks had frozen withdrawals from all accounts through mobile and internet banking following claims that some customers were withdrawing more than their balances.
There were also claims that some banks were limiting daily withdrawals to avert the collapse of the banks due to lack of operating capital.
“Banks are out of cash. Soon they will restrict withdrawals and later every Kenyan will lose 20-30 per cent of deposits,” said one such claim.
The CBK said such reports are false.
“CBK has not issued any press release, or other information with regard to the operation of the banking sector of any other element of its mandate. We thus advise the public to disregard any such purported information,” the regulator said.
CKB said the intention of such malicious claims is to try and induce panic, leading to action which may destabilise the market.
“We wish to emphasise that creating or circulating such information is in contravention of several laws including the Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes Act, and will lead to criminal prosecutions,” CBK said.
The bank advised Kenyans to verify all press releases via it official channels regarding any policy changes in the banking sector.
“All CBK press releases are published on our website and additionally social media channels including X @cbkkenya," CBK said.
