KCB Group Plc has released its financial results for the year ending December 2025, showing steady growth in profits, lending, and deposits across its regional operations.
The bank reported a net profit of KSh 68.4 billion. This represents an increase of about 11 percent compared to the previous year. The growth reflects higher lending activity, increased customer transactions, and stronger performance from the bank’s regional subsidiaries.
Total income also increased during the year. The group generated KSh 214 billion in revenue compared to KSh 204 billion recorded the previous year. Higher interest income from loans and growth in digital banking transactions contributed to the increase.
The bank’s balance sheet also expanded significantly. Total assets grew to KSh 2.15 trillion, representing a growth of more than 9 percent compared to the previous year. The expansion reflects increased lending to customers and strong deposit growth across the bank’s markets.
Customer lending continued to drive the bank’s growth. Loans and advances increased by about 15 percent to reach KSh 1.59 trillion. The growth reflects increased borrowing by businesses and individuals across sectors such as trade, agriculture, and manufacturing.
Customer deposits also grew strongly during the year. Deposits rose by about 15 percent to reach KSh 1.59 trillion. The growth signals rising customer confidence and increased savings by both individuals and businesses.
Regional operations continued to play a major role in the group’s performance. Subsidiaries outside Kenya contributed about 30 percent of the group’s profit before tax and accounted for roughly the same share of the group’s balance sheet. KCB currently operates in several countries including Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, Burundi, South Sudan, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Non banking businesses also contributed to the group’s earnings. The bancassurance unit recorded profits of about KSh 1.14 billion. The investment banking arm reported profits of KSh 348 million while the asset management business generated about KSh 160 million.
The bank also improved its cost management during the year. Operating expenses declined by about 2.5 percent compared to the previous year. The cost to income ratio improved to about 42.5 percent from 45.4 percent recorded a year earlier.
Loan quality also improved during the year. The ratio of non performing loans declined to about 16.9 percent compared to 19.2 percent the previous year. The stock of bad loans also reduced to about KSh 211.8 billion from more than KSh 225 billion recorded earlier.
The bank maintained strong capital levels during the year. Core capital stood at about 18.4 percent while the total capital ratio reached about 22.1 percent. Liquidity remained strong at about 50.8 percent, remaining well above regulatory requirements.
Shareholders are set to receive dividends following the improved financial results. The board proposed a final dividend of KSh 3 per share. This follows an interim dividend of KSh 4 per share that was paid earlier in the year. The total dividend payout for the year therefore stands at KSh 7 per share, translating to a payout of about KSh 22 billion.
During the year the bank also expanded its digital and financial services through several strategic initiatives. The group secured a financing facility of about 150 million dollars from the African Development Bank to support trade finance and green investment projects.
KCB also entered into an agreement to invest in payments technology company Pesapal. The investment aims to strengthen digital payment services and support businesses across Africa.
The bank also launched a new unified mobile banking application designed to provide payments, savings, and investment services in a single platform as part of its digital banking strategy.
Beyond banking services, KCB continued supporting national events. The bank committed KSh 227 million to sponsor the Safari Rally in Nakuru, marking the sixth year of its sponsorship of the global motorsport event.
The bank expects business activity across East Africa to remain stable. Its leadership says the group will continue expanding lending, strengthening digital banking services, and supporting economic growth across the region.
