Regional lender KCB Group has reported an 11 percent increase in net profit to KES68.4 billion for the trading period ended December 2025, attributable to rise in lending and cost management measures.

The strong performance has enabled the board to reward shareholders with a total dividend payout of KES7 per share, totaling KES22 billion payout for the year under review.

“Our 2025 performance reflects the strength of the KCB franchise, the resilience of our regional footprint, and the continued trust that customers place in us. We remained focused on sustainable growth, supporting customers and delivering long-term value for shareholders," said Group CEO Paul Russo.

He added, "Despite a challenging operating environment, we delivered solid growth driven by disciplined execution, continued investment in digital innovation, and our unwavering commitment to supporting sector-focused lending that catalyzes economic transformation across the region."

KCB Group Total Assets

Group maintained a strong balance sheet with total assets increasing by 9.3 percent to KES2.15 trillion despite divesting in National Bank of Kenya. Customer loans grew by 15 percent to close at KES1.59 trillion, this growth was utilized to fund interest earning assets which closed at KES1.84 trillion year-on-year increase of 13.8 percent.

Total revenues grew steadily to KES214 billion from KES204 billion a similar period last year powered by net interest income as the lender deepened its support for households, businesses and the public sector. 

Non-Funded Income delivered 31 percent of the total revenues, on the back of investments in digital banking. 

The Group's regional footprint continued to pay off with subsidiaries excluding KCB Bank Kenya contributing 30.7 percent in profit before tax (PBT) and 30.5 percent of the Group balance sheet. 

Its three non-banking subsidiaries also recorded strong gross earnings with KCB Bancassurance Intermediary posting 29 percent growth to KES1.14 billion. KCB Investment Bank experienced 31 percent increase in gross earnings to KES348 million even as KCB Asset Management saw profit before tax jump by 54 percent to KES160 million.

The Group’s focus on cost management saw the cost-to-income ratio dropping to 42.5 percent from 45.4% the previous year. Overall, operating expenses declined by 2.5 percent YoY.

The Group also maintained a stable deposit franchise across all markets with the deposit book rising by 15 percent to close at KES1.59 trillion.

Loans and advances 

KCB's stock of gross loans and advances increased by 16.2 percent to KES1.25 trillion in what the lender attributed to push to drive growth across key sectors of the regional economy.

Non-Performing Loans (NPL) ratio improved to close at 16.9 percent down from 19.2 percent driven by a proactive rehabilitation strategy, aggressive recovery and the hive out of National Bank of Kenya. The stock of gross NPL stood at KES211.8 billion down from KES225.7 billion the previous year.

The Group maintained a strong capital and liquidity position, with core capital as a proportion of total risk-weighted assets closing at 18.4 percent against the statutory minimum of 10.5 percent. Total capital to total risk-weighted assets ratio was at 22.1 percent against a regulatory minimum of 14.5 percent. The Group’s liquidity ratio was 50.8 percent against a regulatory minimum of 20 percent.

“Looking ahead, we are optimistic about sustained business activity and economic growth prospects this year across the markets we operate in. We are closely watching the increased global uncertainties attributed to heightened geopolitical tensions and higher tariffs,” said KCB Group Chairman Dr. Joseph Kinyua.

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