KCB Group Profit Rises 11% to KSh 68.4 Billion as Balance Sheet Reaches KSh 2.1 Trillion
KCB Group Profit after tax rose 11% to KSh 68.4 billion in FY 2025, supported by prudent cost management and moderate revenue growth.
The lender posted total revenues of KSh 214 billion, up from KSh 204 billion a year earlier, driven mainly by higher net interest income as the bank expanded lending to households, businesses and the public sector.
The Group’s balance sheet grew 9% to KSh 2.1 trillion, supported by growth in loans and deposits across its regional operations. Customer deposits rose 15% during the period while net loans increased 16%, indicating continued credit demand across the bank’s markets.
Subsidiaries outside Kenya continued to account for a growing share of the bank’s operations. They contributed 30.7% of Group profit before tax and 30.2% of total assets, according to the bank’s FY2025 investor update.
Chair Says Growth Driven by Ecosystem Expansion
Group Chairman Joseph Kinyua said the bank’s performance came from disciplined lending and expansion across targeted business ecosystems.
“The risk-calibrated business growth was achieved through the focus on ecosystems and high-yield operations by deepening market coverage while ensuring discipline in credit and profitability across business segments.” Kinyua said during the FY2025 results announcement.
He noted that the operating environment remained relatively stable in 2025.
“The year 2025 was characterised by steady resilience with roughly 2.7% 3.3% growth, driven by technology, trade and energy. While inflation eased toward 3.4%, global economic growth is projected to remain subdued at 2.6% in 2026.” he said.
Kinyua also pointed to geopolitical tensions that may influence global markets.
“The geopolitical landscape remains fluid characterised by seismic geopolitical shifts especially emanating from the ongoing US/Israel-Iran Conflict which we are closely monitoring.” he said.
Regional Operations Support Earnings
KCB’s regional diversification continued to contribute to earnings growth as subsidiaries across East Africa expanded their share of group performance. Operations outside Kenya accounted for 30.5% of total assets during the year.
The bank has operations in several African markets including Rwanda, Tanzania and Uganda, where it has been expanding lending and financial services.
Green Lending and Sustainability Initiatives
According to the FY2025 investor update, KCB issued KSh 50 billion in green loans across Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania and Uganda. The bank also screened KSh 587 billion worth of loans through its Environmental and Social Due Diligence framework to manage climate and social risks.
Beyond lending, the bank and its partners planted 3.5 million trees and supported 265,300 jobs through programmes including DIGIFLME, 2Jiajiri, Young Africa Works and Mifugo ni Mali.
Through the KCB Scholars Programme, the bank supported 4,261 students from disadvantaged backgrounds, including teen mothers, survivors of harmful cultural practices and persons with disabilities.
Dividend Payout Rises to KSh 22 Billion
KCB’s board recommended a final dividend of KSh 3.00 per share for the year ended December 31, 2025. Shareholders on record as of April 2, 2026 will be eligible for the payout, which is expected to be made on or around May 22, 2026, subject to shareholder approval.
The bank had already paid an interim dividend of KSh 4.00 per share earlier in the year, bringing the total dividend for FY2025 to KSh 7.00 per share. Total dividend payout for the period is set to reach approximately KSh 22 billion.
Jefferson Wachira is a writer at Africa Digest News, specializing in banking and finance trends, and their impact on African economies.
