KCB Group PLC has reported a profit after tax of KShs 68.4 billion for the year ending December 2025, representing an 11% increase from the previous year.
The growth was supported by an expanded loan book, higher income across key business lines, and continued cost management.
Following the strong performance, the Board has proposed a final dividend of KShs 3 per share, subject to shareholder approval.
This follows an interim dividend of KShs 4 per share paid in November 2025, bringing the total dividend for the year to KShs 7 per share, amounting to KShs 22 billion in total payouts.
The Group’s total assets grew 9.3% to KShs 2.15 trillion, despite divesting its stake in National Bank of Kenya, highlighting its financial resilience and successful diversification strategy.
Customer loans rose 15% to KShs 1.59 trillion, funding interest-earning assets of KShs 1.84 trillion, up 13.8% year-on-year.
Revenue increased to KShs 214 billion, driven by higher net interest income and support for households, businesses, and the public sector. Non-funded income contributed 31% of total revenues, reflecting growth from digital banking initiatives.
Speaking during the announcement, Paul Russo, KCB Group CEO, said:
“Despite a challenging operating environment, disciplined execution, continued investment in digital innovation, and sector-focused lending enabled us to deliver solid growth while supporting economic transformation across the region.”
The Group’s regional diversification strategy also strengthened performance, with subsidiaries outside Kenya contributing 30.7% of profit before tax and 30.5% of total assets. Non-banking subsidiaries recorded significant growth:
KCB Bancassurance Intermediary – KShs 1.14B (+29%)
KCB Investment Bank – KShs 348M (+31%)
KCB Asset Management – KShs 160M (+54%)
The cost-to-income ratio improved to 42.5%, while operating expenses declined 2.5% year-on-year. Gross loans and advances rose 16.2% to KShs 1.25 trillion, and deposits increased 15% to KShs 1.59 trillion. The non-performing loans (NPL) ratio improved to 16.9% from 19.2%.
KCB also maintained strong capital and liquidity, with core capital at 18.4%, total capital at 22.1%, and a liquidity ratio of 50.8%. Shareholder returns remained robust, with ROE of 22.5% and ROA of 3.3%, while shareholder funds stood at KShs 331 billion.
On future prospects, Dr. Joseph Kinyua, KCB Group Chairman, said:
“We are optimistic about sustained business activity across our markets, and remain committed to governance and strategic oversight while driving long-term value and economic transformation in East Africa.”
Key Corporate Developments include sponsorship of the 2026 Safari Rally Kenya (KShs 227M), a $150 million green financing package with AfDB, and strategic investments in Pesapal Limited. The Group also launched a unified mobile banking app and received multiple accolades, including Top Bank in Africa (The Banker).