NCBA Group PLC has reported a profit after tax of KES 23.4 billion for the year ended 2025, representing a 7.0 per cent increase from KES 21.9 billion recorded in 2024, supported by strong growth in digital banking, corporate lending, and regional expansion.
The lender also announced a 30 per cent rise in dividend payout, with total dividends rising to KES 11.7 billion, up from KES 9.1 billion, alongside a final dividend recommendation of KES 7.10 per share.
Strong Full-Year Performance
NCBA recorded a 10.9 per cent increase in profit before tax to KES 27.9 billion, driven by a 17 per cent rise in operating income to KES 73.3 billion. Operating expenses also grew by 17 per cent to KES 37.5 billion.
The Group’s balance sheet strengthened further, with customer deposits rising 6 per cent to KES 532 billion and total assets increasing 8 per cent to KES 716 billion. However, provisions for credit losses surged 46.3 per cent to KES 8.0 billion.
Digital lending remained a key growth driver, with digital loans disbursed increasing 33 per cent to KES 1.4 trillion, reinforcing NCBA’s position as a regional leader in digital financial services.
Strategy Milestone and Leadership Commentary
NCBA Group Managing Director John Gachora said the results mark the successful conclusion of the Group’s 2020–2025 strategy cycle.
“The 2025 outcomes are a great milestone to close out our 2020–2025 strategy. Over the last five years, disciplined execution and diversification have delivered a more robust institution with momentum to carry us forward,” he said.
Five-Year Strategy Deliverables
The Group said its strategy focused on five pillars including brand strength, retail banking expansion, corporate banking leadership, digital transformation, and culture development.
NCBA improved its brand ranking to Top 10 in Kenya and Top 100 in Africa, while achieving a customer Net Promoter Score of 72 per cent in 2025.
Retail banking expanded its footprint to 123 branches, doubling its core customer base since 2020.
Corporate banking remained strong with KES 215 billion in deposits and over 20,000 customers onboarded to its ConnectPlus platform. Asset finance market share remained above 30 per cent, supported by innovations such as AI-powered Carduka.
Sustainability and Social Impact
Under its “Change The Story” agenda, NCBA mobilised KES 9.5 billion in green financing, planted over 1.3 million trees, and empowered more than 70,000 women and youth through skills programmes.
The Group also reported recycling 83.6 per cent of waste in selected offices, installing EV charging stations, and impacting 1.2 million livelihoods through community initiatives.
Subsidiaries Drive Earnings Growth
Kenya banking operations contributed 82 per cent of Group profit before tax at KES 22.9 billion.
Regional subsidiaries delivered KES 3.6 billion, while non-banking units including investment banking and insurance contributed KES 1.9 billion. The Investment Bank surpassed KES 100 billion in assets under management, while insurance profits rose 82 per cent.
New Ubuntu Strategy Unveiled
NCBA also launched its 2026–2030 “Ubuntu Strategy,” anchored on the purpose “Banking on Belief – Empowering Ambitions.”
The strategy will focus on strengthening core banking, scaling high-growth segments such as SME, consumer, wealth, and insurance, unlocking new markets, and transforming the operating model for long-term growth.
Nedbank Deal and Outlook
The Group highlighted the proposed acquisition of a 66 per cent stake by Nedbank as a major opportunity to accelerate growth, strengthen capital, and expand beyond East Africa.
Customers, NCBA said, will benefit from enhanced products and access to global financial hubs including London, Jersey, Isle of Man, and Dubai.
Gachora said the new strategy and proposed partnership will accelerate the Group’s next phase of growth.
“We are proud of the progress we have made and excited about the Ubuntu strategy, which will accelerate our ambitions,” he said.