The East African Breweries has posted KES11.2 billion in half-year net earnings, reflecting a 38 percent increase from a similar half in 2025 attributable to higher revenues, allowing the group to raise its interim dividend.

According to a market update released on Thursday, the strong results underpin a broad improvement in business across the group, marked by higher sales, and cost cutting measures.

The Board has declared the payment of an interim dividend of KES4 per share, which will be a 60 percent year-on-year increase, representing a total payout of KES4.35 billion for the half-year. 

Announcement of strong dividend payout comes just a month after EABL announced the proposed sale of its stake in East Africa's largest brewery to Japan's Asahi Group subject to regulatory approvals. The $2.3 billion (about KES296.6 billion) transaction is expected to be finalised later this year.

"We delivered a strong holistic performance across key metrics on volume, revenue, profit with margin expansion, a strong balance sheet and strong cash generation," said EABL Group CEO Jane Karuku.

She added: "We continued investing smartly behind our brands and innovations combined with sharper execution in the market helped drive growth across categories." 

During the period under review, net revenue increased to KES75.5 billion marking an 11 percent increase even as the group managed to cut debt stock by KES2.3 billion.

The group recorded higher net sales, supported by improved demand across its core markets, led by Tanzania which delivered 35 per cent increase. Overall, favourable pricing, and focus on premiumisation of EABL's product portfolio saw volume grow by 8 percent across spirits and beer.

The balance sheet also showed notable strengthening over the half with cash and cash equivalents closing at KES17.7 billion, reflecting a 25.62 percent increase from the same period last year.

"We have a healthy balance sheet. We used the Medium Term Note to lower our cost of debt, ensuring our loans continue to generate strong returns for the business," noted outgoing EABL Group Chief Financial Officer, Risper Ohaga. 

The higher cash position provides the group with enhanced financial flexibility to meet its operational requirements, fund capital expenditure, and support shareholder returns.

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