A story shared online about a businessman named Powel and his dealings with KCB Group has drawn attention to how the bank treated one of its own tenants.
The details, posted by Ndungu Nyoro, describe a relationship that went beyond the usual bank and customer arrangement. Powel ran a stitching workshop, and KCB housed him. He was their tenant. That alone says something about how close the two parties were.
The arrangement required Powel to pay rent quarterly, in advance.
On the first of January, for example, he would pay for January, February, and March. Then in April, he would pay for the next three months.
This is a common arrangement, but it leaves little room for a tenant whose income depends on deals that can fall through.
When a business transaction with India collapsed, Powel could not keep up with the rent. He had two units, each going for 55,000. For the next quarter, he was supposed to pay 330,000, but he was billed 465,000 instead. That is a significant difference, and it is not clear from the account why the figure changed.
What followed was auctioneers. Powel’s stitching machines, valued at 950,000 shillings, were taken. Branding machines worth 200,000 were taken. Office tables worth 15,000 were taken. In total, assets worth about 1.2 million shillings were carted away.
The auctioneer then valued the whole lot at 200,000. That is a fraction of what the items were worth, and it raises questions about how the valuation was done.
The post does not hide its anger. It says this looks like someone out to destroy Powel completely. It describes a man who is bleeding, whose whole investment collapsed. And it calls on KCB Group to answer, with the words “Mungu anawaona,” meaning God sees them. That is a strong statement from someone who feels the bank went too far.
There is also a call to help Powel rise again. The post shares an M-Pesa number and an account name for anyone willing to contribute.
A commenter, Mathayo John, echoes the sentiment. He says the story is heartbreaking, and that the focus should be on helping a fellow Kenyan rebuild, not on blame or online arguments. He suggests restoring the fabric supply, replacing essential machines, raising working capital, or connecting Powel with the right people.
The bigger issue here is how banks treat small businesses that fall on hard times. KCB is a large institution. Powel was a tenant and a customer. When his deal collapsed, he needed time, not auctioneers.
Instead, his tools of trade were taken and undervalued. That is not just a business loss. It is a blow to a man’s ability to earn a living.
Powel may have lost a lot, but he has not lost his skill or his experience. If the details are accurate, then KCB should reflect on how it handled this case.
A bank that houses a client and then auctions his equipment at a quarter of its value sends a message to every small business owner. That message is simple. When you stumble, you may lose everything.
Helping Powel rebuild is a good cause. But the larger lesson is about how institutions with power treat those who depend on them.
