KCB Group Plc reported a profit after tax of KShs. 68.4 billion for the full year ending December 2025, reflecting a year-on-year increase of 13.8 percent.
The strong performance was largely driven by higher net interest income as the Group continued to deepen its presence across the region and expand its loan book.
Total revenues grew steadily to KShs. 214 billion from KShs. 204 billion recorded in a similar period the previous year.
The Group maintained a strong balance sheet during the period under review, with total assets growing by 9.3 percent to close at KShs. 2.15 trillion despite the divestiture in National Bank of Kenya.
Customer loans grew by 15 percent to close at KShs. 1.59 trillion while the stock of gross loans and advances rose by 16.2 percent.
Deposits remained stable across all markets, with the deposit book closing at KShs. 1.25 trillion driven by new-to-bank growth across key sectors of the economy.
Speaking during the announcement of the financial results on Wednesday, Group CEO Paul Russo said the 2025 performance reflects the strength of the KCB franchise and the resilience of its regional footprint.
He noted that despite a challenging operating environment, the Group delivered solid growth driven by disciplined execution, sustained cost management, continued investment in digital innovation, and a strong commitment to sector-focused lending that catalyzes economic transformation across East Africa.
Non-funded income delivered 31 percent of total revenues, supported by investments in digital banking and innovative financial solutions.
The Group also improved efficiency, with the cost-to-income ratio dropping to 42.5 percent from 45.4 percent the previous year while operating expenses declined by 2.5 percent year-on-year.
On the back of the strong performance, the Board has proposed a final dividend payout of KShs. 3 per share subject to shareholder approval.
This will be in addition to an interim dividend of KShs. 4 per share paid in November 2025, bringing the total dividend payout for the year to KShs. 7 per share, amounting to about KShs. 22 billion for shareholders.
The Group maintained a strong capital and liquidity position, with core capital as a proportion of total risk-weighted assets at 18.4 percent against the statutory minimum of 10.5 percent.
Total capital to total risk-weighted assets stood at 22.1 percent compared to a regulatory minimum of 14.5 percent, while the liquidity ratio closed at 50.8 percent against a regulatory requirement of 20 percent.
Shareholder funds stood at KShs. 331 billion.In terms of returns, Return on Equity stood at 22.5 percent while Return on Assets was recorded at 3.3 percent, signaling efficient deployment of capital.
The Non-Performing Loans ratio improved to 16.9 percent from 19.2 percent the previous year due to a proactive rehabilitation strategy, aggressive recovery efforts and the hive-out of National Bank of Kenya. Gross non-performing loans declined to KShs. 211.8 billion from KShs. 225.7 billion the previous year.
The Group continued to benefit from its regional diversification strategy, with subsidiaries outside Kenya contributing 30.7 percent of profit before tax and 30.5 percent of total revenues.
The three non-banking subsidiaries also delivered strong performance.
KCB Bancassurance Intermediary recorded KShs. 1.14 billion in profit before tax representing 29 percent growth, KCB Investment Bank posted KShs. 348 million reflecting 31 percent growth, while KCB Asset Management recorded KShs. 160 million representing 54 percent growth.
KCB continued to deepen its digital footprint with the rollout of a new unified mobile application focused on payments, savings and investments.
The Group also maintains a vast network of correspondent relationships totaling more than 200 banks globally to facilitate international trade for its customers.
In terms of corporate developments, the Group received approval from the Competition Authority of Kenya in January to acquire a 75 percent stake in the payments technology firm Pesapal Limited, a transaction expected to accelerate digital commerce and expand financial inclusion.
The deal remains subject to customary transaction conditions including regulatory approvals.
In December, African Development Bank Group partnered with KCB Bank Kenya in a $150 million financing package to support green finance and climate-smart investments aimed at strengthening trade finance capacity, particularly for small businesses and the corporate banking sector in Kenya.
The Group also continued supporting community and sports initiatives through targeted sponsorships. KCB Bank Kenya set aside KShs. 227 million for the 2026 World Rally Championship Safari Rally Kenya in Nakuru, marking the sixth consecutive year of sponsorship since the iconic rally returned to the country.
Group Chairman Joseph Kinyua said the Board remains committed to strong governance and strategic oversight to ensure the bank continues delivering long-term value while supporting economic transformation across East Africa.
Looking ahead, the Group expressed optimism about sustained business activity and economic growth across the markets where it operates despite increased global uncertainties driven by geopolitical tensions and higher tariffs.
KCB Group Plc, established in 1896 and headquartered in Nairobi, is East Africa’s largest commercial bank.
The Group operates banking subsidiaries in Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, South Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo, with representative offices in Ethiopia and Brussels.
It also owns several non-banking subsidiaries including KCB Bancassurance Intermediary Limited, KCB Investment Bank, KCB Asset Management and KCB Foundation.
The bank serves millions of customers through a wide network of more than 450 branches, 1,249 ATMs and over 1.3 million merchants and agents offering 24-hour banking services across the region.
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