Equity, KCB Lead Most Valuable Brands in Kenya 2026 as Banking Sector Dominates Rankings
Kenya’s banking sector continues to dominate the list of the most valuable brands in Kenya, with lenders accounting for a majority of the top positions in the 2026 rankings.
The latest data places Equity Bank at the top for a third consecutive year, ahead of Kenya Commercial Bank and telecom operator Safaricom, highlighting the central role financial institutions play in the country’s economy.
The rankings, which track brand value based on financial performance, customer perception and market reach, show a mix of stability at the top and shifts driven by profitability, digital adoption and regional expansion.
Equity Bank held onto the top position with a brand value of KES73.9 billion, maintaining its lead among the most valuable brands in Kenya. The lender has now ranked first for three consecutive years. Its valuation is supported by a digital-first operating model, with more than 90% of customer transactions processed through its mobile application. The bank’s expanding asset base and continued push into regional markets across Africa have strengthened its position as one of the continent’s leading banking brands.
Kenya Commercial Bank moved up to second place with a brand value of KES59.7 billion, marking a 9% increase from the previous year. The lender reported a record profit after tax in the 2024 financial year, the highest ever recorded by a Kenyan bank. Its scale, supported by its position as the largest bank by assets in East and Central Africa, alongside strategic partnerships, continues to support its brand strength.
Safaricom ranked third with a brand value of KES55.7 billion, down 4% from the previous year. Despite the decline, the company remains Kenya’s most profitable single entity. Its valuation was affected by regulatory pressures and the cost of expanding into Ethiopia, although its core service revenue in Kenya grew by 9%, providing some offset.
Mobile money platform M-PESA ranked fourth with a brand value of KES33.8 billion, reflecting a 10% increase. The platform now has nearly 40 million active users, surpassing Safaricom in customer numbers. Its evolution into a broader financial and lifestyle ecosystem has driven growth, with the platform handling large volumes of transactions annually across payments, savings and credit services.
Co-operative Bank of Kenya ranked fifth with a brand value of KES26.9 billion. The bank’s long-standing cooperative model continues to anchor its performance, supported by consistent dividend payouts and the adoption of digital channels such as MCo-op Cash. Its integration with cooperative societies remains a key part of its business structure.
NCBA Group ranked sixth with a brand value of KES19.7 billion, despite a slight dip. The group’s asset finance and digital lending segments remain core drivers, while its investment banking division recorded growth in 2025. A 17% increase in topline revenue indicates recovery momentum following earlier post-merger integration.
Kenya Power and Lighting Company ranked seventh with a brand value of KES16.7 billion. The utility is the only non-financial infrastructure firm in the top ten, with its valuation supported by ongoing operational changes, including the rollout of smart meters and digital billing systems aimed at improving efficiency.
Beer brand Tusker ranked eighth with a value of KES11.1 billion and achieved the highest Brand Strength Index score of 97.9 out of 100. Its performance was driven by a rebound in the hospitality sector and marketing campaigns targeting younger consumers, contributing to a 67% increase in brand value in 2025.
I&M Bank ranked ninth with a brand value of KES8.9 billion, supported by a 30% increase in its loan book and a focus on retail lending through digital platforms.
Diamond Trust Bank completed the top ten with a brand value of KES6.2 billion. The bank reported record profits in 2025, with deposits surpassing the half-trillion mark.
Jefferson Wachira is a writer at Africa Digest News, specializing in banking and finance trends, and their impact on African economies.
