Absa’s $238 million move to increase its stake in Absa Bank Kenya highlights growing competition among African banking giants seeking expansion in East Africa’s largest economy

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.

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…