Thats a tricky question? It can be YES/NO but i will say it will be a leader in some fronts but not the leading bank. My take would be NIC & KCB. Why?

a)There is a revolution ongoing in the banking sector where people want a one stop shop to do all your transaction,preferably online i.e.current account,saving account,financial consultant,Stock Broker.This in tandem with the +ve economic growth,opening of the east africa community..NIC is the leader with a very stable online banking sytem.

b)Equity has adopted a model of targeting the masses.It has worked.But not for too long.They have realised that and are trying to ammend that.You see,with products you can target the masses and reach the unbanked lower income groups because they spend and do not save.Not so with services.It reaches a saturation point.You do not want a bank with soo much political perceptions,and majority of the bankers un-educated.NIC is always growing.Corporate clients,middle class,the rich..you never go wrong with such.

c)KCB is a C- student with A+ capability.Biggest asset worth and network by branches.Expanded more in other markets.So,with some changes or a minor merger or acquisition has more potential.It pays good dividends than Equity.

So,for 5yrs, KCB & NIC are much better than Equity.