Case study
[Africa]
Victoria Commercial Bank
Taking Victoria Commercial Bank from quiet strength to public confidence
Taking Victoria Commercial Bank from quiet strength to public confidence
What started as a short reputation management project in 2024 turned into a long-term partnership with Victoria Commercial Bank (VCB) to strengthen its visibility, credibility and influence. Our work for them now focuses on building a consistent narrative of trust, positioning them as a thought leader in financial compliance, trade and sustainability.
Client background
Victoria Commercial Bank is a Tier II Kenyan bank known for its strong corporate banking heritage, bespoke client service and commitment to governance. The bank’s reputation for stability and personalised financial solutions has made it a trusted partner for corporates and high-net-worth clients across Kenya.
The challenge
While VCB has maintained a strong balance sheet and high trust among existing clients, it needed to increase visibility after a period of turbulence following heightened government and public scrutiny. In a shifting banking environment where innovation, regulation and reputation intersect, we needed to expand its thought leadership, elevate brand awareness, and align its public profile with strategic ambitions.
Solution implementation
Media relations & thought leadership
Secured and coordinated feature stories, op-eds, and interviews in top-tier publications such as The Standard, Business Daily, Asian Weekly and Hapa Kenya.
Positioned VCB as a thought leader through high-impact thought leadership pieces around Trade-Based Money Laundering and Human-centric banking, reframing technical issues into mainstream business concerns.
Consistently achieved at least six media placements monthly, strengthening the bank’s profile as a trusted voice in responsible banking.
Event support & stakeholder visibility
Provided on-ground support and media coordination for flagship initiatives including the Faraja Cancer Fund sponsorship, Trade-Based Money Laundering workshop and University of Nairobi Leadership Summit.
Managed end-to-end event communications ensuring each stakeholder engagement buillt brand equity and trust
Proactive communications & monitoring
Delivered daily media monitoring across print and digital outlets, providing insights into market sentiment, competitor activity, and emerging trends in finance and policy.
Supported leadership communications through tailored messaging, briefing notes, and strategic recommendations to strengthen engagement across key audiences.
Strategic counsel & capacity building
Advised VCB teams on media prioritization, content hierarchy, and visual storytelling.
Recommended systems for capturing and archiving high-quality event photography and video to support future storytelling.
Facilitated alignment between internal communications, external messaging, and brand storytelling.
Outcomes & results
6+ high-quality media features each month across Kenya’s leading financial and business publications every month.
Enhanced visibility at major industry events and community partnerships.
Positive reinforcement of VCB’s image as a responsible and innovative bank.
Continuous improvement through structured learnings and communications insights.
Client testimonial
“Woodrow’s partnership has been instrumental in strengthening our communications foundation. Their team has provided steady strategic guidance, positioned us positively in the media and helped us tell our story in ways that connect with our stakeholders and the broader banking community.”
Ravneet Sehmi - Customer Experience and Communication Manager, Victoria Commercial Bank
Interested in similar results?
Woodrow Africa helps financial institutions, corporates, and brands in Africa build visibility, credibility, and influence through strategic communications. Our expertise lies in turning complex stories into clear, trusted narratives that earn confidence from clients, regulators and the public alike.