Diamond Trust Bank (DTB) has opened a branch in Diani at the coast increasing its total branch network in Kenya to 23.

Early this year the bank opened branches in Bungoma, Kitale, Karicho and Buru Buru.

Diani becomes DTB's fifth branch at the Coast Province following those in Changamwe, Jomo Kenyatta Avenue and Malindi.

The bank's Chairman Mr. Mahmood Manji said the move was aimed at extending the bank's services to its customers particularly those in the tourism sector who presently have to travel to Mombasa for their banking.

"We are delighted to announce the opening of our new branch at Diani in the South Coast to support all our from all surrounding areas including Ukunda, Kwale, Ramisi, Msambweni and Shimba Hills," he said. 

Manji said the bank was committed to increasing its foothold in the coast province with at least two more branches planned for opening in the coming months - in Voi and in the Shimanzi area in Mombasa.

"The opening of the Diani Branch is testimony to the ambitious branch expansion strategy that DTB has been implementing in recent years, across the East Africa region, which is expected to increase the groups network from 30 to over 50 branches by the end of this year," said Manji.

"This is in line with DTB's strategy to enhance distribution channels across the region and meet the ever increasing customer demand for quality banking products and services," he added.

The launch was witnessed by among others tourism minister Najib Balala.

DTB is an affiliate of the Aga Khan Fund for Economic Development (AKFED), the economic development arm of the Aga Khan Development Network.

Amongst the bank's key shareholders are Habib Bank Limited (HBL), an AKFED subsidiary, and the International Finance Corporation, the private sector lending arm of the World Bank.