Absa on Friday announced it intends to up its stake in Kenyan subsidiary Absa Bank Kenya to 85% from 68.5% in a R4bn transaction that marks a growing push by South African banks to mark their territory in the East African market.

Standard Bank wants to become Kenya’s largest lender by 2030, betting on acquisitions, infrastructure financing and East Africa’s growth despite rising economic risks

The proposed offer price comes after Absa Bank Kenya’s share price had rallied to hit an all-time high of Sh33 before easing to close at Sh29.4 on Thursday.