Follow up lost cheque with the beneficiary, says National Bank

Let me start by applauding your efforts to ensure that customers receive fair treatment. You are an inspiration to us all.

I graduated from Moi University, main campus, Eldoret, and I have a problem. While in my first year, I bought a banker’s cheque on January 12, 2010, from National Bank, Moi University branch, to pay Sh2,500 accommodation fees.

However, due to a busy schedule, I delayed in presenting the cheque to the student finance officers. I kept the document inside a book, which was later borrowed by a fellow student.

A few weeks to my final exam, as I was clearing my fee balance, I could not trace the cheque.

I reported to the bank immediately, asking it to block the cheque and issue me with a new one. I also presented my receipt as proof of payment together with my national and school ID. However, the bank instructed me to write a letter requesting it to issue a new cheque. I complied.

On 1 September, 2011, nearly two years later, I received a letter from National Bank informing me that the cheque had not yet been presented for payment.

This renewed my hopes of tracing the document and I decided to visit the bank to see if the matter could finally be resolved.

While in my fourth year in 2013, I went to National Bank, Moi University branch, but was referred to the Eldoret town outlet, where I was informed that the banker’s cheque had been presented.

My question is, why had the bank not invalidated the cheque once I informed it that it was lost?

If the bank wanted to verify my identity, would it not have been easier to ask the university? Please help me because I cannot clear from the university without paying the balance.

— Emmanuel.

Thank you, Emmanuel, for trusting us to solve this problem.

We got in touch with National Bank and the lender noted that indeed you bought a banker’s cheque on the said date.

However, National Bank stated that on September 1, 2011, through its Eldoret branch, it wrote to inform you that the cheque was outstanding in its records.

It also instructed you to request the beneficiary to present the cheque for payment without further delay. According to the bank, you did not respond.

Later, the cheque was presented and paid through Moi University account by another student.

Given the nature of the transaction, the bank advised you to follow up with the student whose name we have sent you via the email address through which you contacted us.

Just before we went to press, you responded to our email, saying the information we sent you has been helpful and that it would help you to follow up on your money.

We are glad to have been of help in finding out who presented your cheque for payment.

Keep us posted on how this case ends. We also urge you to kindly get in touch with us if you need further assistance.

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I got to appreciate your work through the Daily Nation of 7 March.

I took a Sh200,000 loan in March 2007 from Family Bank. The bank has been deducting about Sh6,000 each month to service the loan.

My January payslip shows I still owe it about Sh87,000. Please find attached a copy of a letter of release for that loan.

I am kindly requesting you to ask the bank to stop the deductions as this is making my life very difficult.

Please help me by pushing Family Bank, Eldoret branch, to stop the deductions

— Vilembwa

Vilembwa, thank you for contacting us.

We also appreciate you for being an ardent reader of the Nation.

We got in touch with Family Bank and we thank the lender for responding promptly.

The bank noted that it has been in communication with you over this case and that it is working with you to resolve it without further ado.

We hope that you have reached an agreement with the financial institution regarding your loan account.