KCB Group Plc has posted stronger financial results for the year ending December 2025, driven by higher lending, increased deposits, and steady growth across its regional 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 show continued growth in the bank’s core operations and its expanding presence across East Africa.
Total income also increased during the year. The group reported revenues of KSh 214 billion compared to KSh 204 billion recorded in the previous year. The growth came mainly from interest income on loans as well as higher activity in digital banking and customer transactions.
The bank’s asset base also expanded significantly. Total assets grew to KSh 2.15 trillion, representing an increase of more than 9 percent compared to the previous year. Growth in lending and deposits contributed to the expansion of the group’s balance sheet.
Customer lending remained a key driver of the bank’s performance. Loans and advances grew by about 15 percent to reach KSh 1.59 trillion. This growth reflects increased borrowing by businesses and households across sectors such as trade, agriculture, manufacturing, and small enterprises.
Customer deposits also recorded strong growth during the year. Deposits rose by about 15 percent to reach KSh 1.59 trillion. The increase indicates continued trust from customers who rely on KCB for savings, payments, and business banking services.
Regional operations continued to support the bank’s performance. Subsidiaries 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 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 financial results. The bancassurance unit reported profits of about KSh 1.14 billion while the investment banking arm recorded KSh 348 million. The asset management business also delivered profits of about KSh 160 million.
The group also reported improved 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 the year before. Lower operating costs helped strengthen overall profitability.
Loan quality also improved. The ratio of non performing loans declined to about 16.9 percent compared to 19.2 percent in the previous year. The total stock of bad loans also reduced to about KSh 211.8 billion compared to more than KSh 225 billion the year before.
The bank maintained strong capital and liquidity levels throughout 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, well above regulatory minimum requirements.
Shareholders are set to receive dividends following the improved financial results. 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 for the year therefore stands at KSh 7 per share, amounting to about KSh 22 billion.
During the year the group also expanded its digital banking and financial technology partnerships. The bank secured a financing facility of about 150 million dollars from the African Development Bank to support trade finance and green investment projects.
KCB also signed an agreement to invest in payments technology company Pesapal in a move aimed at strengthening digital payments and supporting businesses across Africa.
The bank also launched a unified mobile banking application designed to provide payments, savings, and investment services in one platform as part of its strategy to expand digital financial services.
Beyond banking operations, KCB continued supporting national events and community programs. The bank committed KSh 227 million to sponsor the Safari Rally in Nakuru, marking the sixth consecutive year of sponsorship since the global motorsport event returned to Kenya.
Bank leadership says the group expects steady economic activity across East Africa and plans to continue expanding lending, strengthening digital banking services, and supporting businesses across the region.