Analysis of shariah compliant banking in Kenya

Abstract

The study conducted an analysis of Shariah compliant banking in Kenya. It employs a quantitative approach in order to determine the perception, use and willingness of respondents to take up Shariah compliant banking. The principle objective of the study was to determine the banks that offer shariah compliant banking products should target the general public (both Muslims and non-Muslims) or just the niche Muslim market because of their faith (Muslims only). From the findings, indeed a majority of the respondents, 73%, fully assert the shariah compliant banking should target the general public giving various reasons to support the assertion. The Muslim respondents affirm that Islam is a way of life for them and hence shariah compliant should be considered as a way of life for Muslims. The Non-Muslims assert that deposits are collected in other banks and non Bank Financial Institutions (NBFIs) irrespective of whether one is a Muslim or not and hence the same basic principles should apply to all Kenyans irrespective of religion. A key recommendation to the banks offering shariah compliant banking products is to raise to the challenge and marshal resources to focus on both the niche Muslim market and the general public at large. This report presents the findings from the study.