Bankers will soon be required to attain professional banking qualifications to be able to work in banks. Kenya Bankers Association chief executive Habil Olaka says its time the industry defined who a professional banker is because at the moment, individuals with bachelors degrees can work as banking executives.

The Kenya Institute of Bankers has made proposals that will require bankers to not only attain bachelors degrees, but also go through a standard module course that will make them professionals in the banking industry. Upon completion of the courses, the bankers will join a professional body taking the leads of the legal, medical and accounting professions.

According to The Star, the Kenya Institute of Bankers plans to hold the national banking and finance conference next month where the institute plans to have the legal framework that makes it up strengthened. The institute's members include banks, financial corporate institutions, bank employees and students.

Prudential guidelines released by the Central Bank of Kenya requires that professionals working in the financial sector need specific skills and knowledge to help them provide quality services.