KCB Group Plc has reported improved financial performance for the year ending December 2025, posting higher profits and growth in lending and deposits across its East African markets.
The bank recorded a net profit of KSh 68.4 billion during the year. This represents an increase of about 11 percent compared to the previous year. The results highlight steady growth in the bank’s core banking activities and its expanding regional footprint.
Total income also increased during the year. The group generated revenues of KSh 214 billion compared to KSh 204 billion recorded in the previous financial year. The growth was driven mainly by interest income from loans and higher transaction volumes through digital banking platforms.
The bank’s asset base expanded during the year as lending and deposits increased. Total assets grew to KSh 2.15 trillion, representing growth of more than 9 percent compared to the previous year. The increase reflects stronger banking activity across the group’s markets.
Customer lending continued to support the bank’s growth. Loans and advances increased by about 15 percent to reach KSh 1.59 trillion. Businesses and households across sectors such as trade, agriculture, and manufacturing contributed to the demand for credit.
Customer deposits also grew during the year. Deposits rose by about 15 percent to reach KSh 1.59 trillion. The growth shows continued customer confidence and increased savings by individuals and businesses.
Regional subsidiaries remained an important source of earnings for the bank. Operations outside Kenya contributed about 30 percent of the group’s profit before tax and accounted for a similar share of the group’s balance sheet. KCB operates in Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, Burundi, South Sudan, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Non banking businesses also contributed to the group’s performance. The bancassurance division reported profits of about KSh 1.14 billion. The investment banking business recorded profits of KSh 348 million while the asset management arm 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 improved during the year as the bank reduced its stock of non performing loans. The ratio of non performing loans declined to about 16.9 percent compared to 19.2 percent the previous year. Total non performing loans dropped to about KSh 211.8 billion from more than KSh 225 billion previously recorded.
The bank maintained strong capital and liquidity positions during the year. Core capital stood at about 18.4 percent while the total capital ratio reached about 22.1 percent. Liquidity levels remained strong at about 50.8 percent, remaining above regulatory requirements.
Shareholders are also set to benefit from the bank’s improved performance. The board proposed a final dividend of KSh 3 per share after paying an interim dividend of KSh 4 per share earlier in the year. The total dividend payout therefore stands at KSh 7 per share, amounting to about KSh 22 billion.
During the year the bank also strengthened its digital and financial technology partnerships. The group secured a financing facility of about 150 million dollars from the African Development Bank to support trade finance and green investment projects across the region.
KCB also entered into an agreement to invest in payments technology company Pesapal to strengthen digital payments and support businesses across Africa.
The bank also launched a unified mobile banking application that provides payments, savings, and investment services within one platform as part of its digital banking strategy.
Beyond banking operations, the bank continued supporting major national events. KCB committed KSh 227 million to sponsor the Safari Rally in Nakuru, marking the sixth consecutive year of sponsorship.
The bank says it expects economic activity across East Africa to remain stable and plans to continue expanding lending, strengthening digital banking services, and supporting businesses across the region.