BAT Kenya shareholders have approved a final dividend of KSh60 per share for the year ended 31 December 2025, raising the total payout to KSh70 per share, the highest in the cigarette maker's history.

The dividend payout follows BAT Kenya’s strong profit growth for the year ended 31 December 2025, driven by effective cost management and lower finance costs, which more than offset the adverse impact of a marked rise in the incidence of illicit tobacco trade to 45 percent of total market in 2025, an 8 percent growth from the previous year.

During the period, profit before tax rose to KSh 7.7 billion, up from KSh 6.5 billion in the previous year, representing an 18 percent increase. 

The company said it continues to strengthen livelihoods across its value chain, supporting over 80,000 dependents and beneficiaries, contributing to their overall well-being and economic development. 

During the year, BAT Kenya paid KSh1.4 billion to farmers for tobacco leaf purchases across the country, up from KSh1.1 billion paid in 2024. 

Through its sustainable agriculture initiatives, 100 percent of all BAT Kenya contracted farmers are now growing alternative crops alongside tobacco, compared to 98 percent in the previous year. This has been achieved through farmer training on crop diversification and sustainable practices. 

The company’s Rural Women Development Programme (RuWDep) also expanded, reaching 334 participants in 2025 with capacity building, financial literacy, and income diversification opportunities. The company also made notable progress in waste reduction and circularity, reducing total waste to 1,105.6 tonnes in 2025 from 1,151.8 tonnes in 2024. 

Of this, 1,095 tonnes (99%) were recycled, with zero waste sent to landfill. BAT Kenya also achieved a 55 percent reduction in Scope 1 and 2 emissions, compared to its 2020 baseline, reflecting the company’s ongoing focus on responsible resource use across its operations, biodiversity conservation and energy efficiency. 

During the period under review, the Company recycled 42 percent of its total water consumption, exceeding its 2025 target of 30 percent. This contributed to enhanced water security and the sustainable use of this critical natural resource. 

Outlook and strategic focus 

BAT Kenya said it remains focused on delivering sustainable value while advancing BAT’s global purpose of realising A Better Tomorrow by Building a Smokeless World. This means a focus on accelerating Tobacco Harm Reduction through science-based innovation, highlighted by the successful relaunch of velo oral nicotine pouches in Kenya, alongside continued advocacy for progressive, evidence-based regulation. 

That said, combatting illicit cigarettes trade will continue to be a top priority given its impact on government revenue and the sustainability of legitimate businesses. Whilst efforts have been made by relevant Government agencies to address the growing challenge of illicit trade, more robust measures and enhanced enforcement actions are required to arrest the menace. 

Commenting on the report, BAT Kenya Managing Director Crispin Achola, said: “2025 was a remarkable year for BAT Kenya. Despite a challenging operating environment in which the illicit trade in tobacco continues to grow. 

“The year was, however, marked by a continued rise in illicit cigarette trade, which remains a significant global and domestic challenge. We continue to engage with relevant stakeholders and government agencies in support of efforts to strengthen appropriate enforcement action and drive a more stable and compliant operating environment.”