Co-op Bank ranked among most admired financial services brands in Kenya
While global brands continue to dominate the Kenyan brandscape, local stalwart brands, MPesa, Safaricom, and Equity Bank continue to set the pace for made in Kenya brands
Co-op Bank has been picked as one of the most admired financial services brands in Kenya, according to the latest the results of the 15th annual Brand Africa 100 following a survey conducted in collaboration with the Gina Din Group and Capital Club.
The ranking puts Co-op Bank at position three in Kenya after Equity Bank and KCB in the category.
Samsung is the most admired brand in Africa followed by M-Pesa/Safaricom and Coca-Cola. In Kenya, MPesa/Safaricom was ranked top followed by Equity Bank and Softcare.
The announcements were made by Brand Africa Founder and Chairman, Thebe Ikalafeng, and Gina Din Kariuki, Vice-Chairperson of Brand Africa.
While global brands continue to dominate the Kenyan brandscape, local stalwart brands, MPesa, Safaricom, and Equity Bank continue to set the pace for made in Kenya brands.
While 68 per cent of Kenyans belief in Africa’s potential, the 2025 rankings reveal that only 25 per cent of the Top 100 most admired brands in Kenya are made-in-Kenya. This reflects a continent-wide challenge in converting patriotic sentiment into brand loyalty. African brands only account for 11 per cent of the Top 100 brands.
Across generations, Nike emerged as the most admired brand among Gen Z, while Samsung leads among Millennials, and Coca-Cola tops the list for Gen X.
“While Kenyans believe in Africa’s promise, the fact that only 25 per cent of the most admired brands are local calls for and urgent bold action to catalyse home-grown enterprises and brands,” Ikalafeng said.
“Globally celebrated brands such as MPesa, Safaricom and Equity Bank demonstrate that Kenya has the capacity and ability to build world-class brands and win.”
Safaricom received the Grand Prix: Most Admired Kenyan Brand for its exceptional, purpose-led leadership and impact. Ranked the #1 overall most admired brand in Kenya, Safaricom excels across financial services, digital inclusion, sustainability, and social contribution.
Its flagship subsidiary brand, M-Pesa, continues to transform lives and redefine financial empowerment, cementing Safaricom as a true Kenyan success story and a continental benchmark. M-Pesa was inducted into the Brand Africa Hall of Fame at the global Brand Africa 100 | Africa’s Best Brands in Ethiopia on Africa Day.
Citizen TV, Equity Bank, and Tusker were honoured for outstanding category leadership in media, financial services, and alcoholic beverages, respectively. Each brand reflects deep cultural relevance, consumer trust, and leadership in its sector.
Sarova Hotels & Resorts was presented with the Special Recognition Award for Heritage and Homegrown Excellence in celebration of 50 years of a homegrown heritage brand and a legacy of excellence, entrepreneurial spirit, and economic patriotism.
As one of Kenya’s most iconic hospitality brands, Sarova has consistently showcased the nation’s warmth, culture, and quality, championing Kenyan excellence on both regional and global stages.
