Nairobi, June 16 -- Kenya's top four banks last year made 6,058 new hires despite fears that increased digitisation in the sector would trigger job losses in an economy struggling with high unemployment.

Equity Group, KCB Group, Co-operative Bank of Kenya and NCBA Group reported a 36 percent jump in new hires last year compared to 2024, resulting in their total headcount rising to 35,114 from 33,305 a year earlier.

The additional staff represented hiring for expansion as well as the replacement of those who exited for various reasons, including retirement, sackings and resignations.

Notably, the impact of the new hires was watered down by the exit of 4,107 persons from the banks' payroll, signalling a high turnover.

Banks have been ri...