Two of Kenya's Islamic banks, First Community Bank and Gulf African Bank, are growing rapidly after opening their doors about a year ago.

The Standard reports the two firms are expanding across Kenya in order to lure the country's 10 million-strong Muslim community and other potential clients.

Under Sharia law, Islamic banks are not allowed to lend money on interest because it is seen as exploitative.

First Community Bank grew its deposits by more that 24% from Sh2 billion (US$26 million) in December 2008 to Sh2.6 billion ($34 million) in June 2009. Its total asset base increased by 8% from Sh3.1 billion ($40.6 million) to Sh3.4 billion (44.6 million).

Gulf African Bank, yet to publish its half-year results, has opened ten branches in Kenya's major towns, as well as the Muslim-dominated regions.

According to Najmul Hassan, Gulf African Bank chief executive officer, Islamic banking is about providing useful goods and services to society and not trading money in the way conventional banks do.