KCB Group PLC has announced a strong half-year performance for 2025, posting a net profit of Ksh 32.3 billion, an 8% increase from Ksh 29.9 billion in the same period last year. The growth was driven by higher earnings across its business franchises and expansion in earning assets.
For the first time in its history, the Board of Directors has proposed a special dividend of Ksh 2 per share, alongside an interim dividend of Ksh 2 per share for 2025. The combined payout of Ksh 13 billion marks the largest interim distribution ever made by the bank and follows the sale of National Bank of Kenya (NBK).
“The business across markets remains resilient despite the tough operating environment in key markets like Kenya,” said KCB Group CEO Paul Russo. “We have placed our customers at the fore, to ensure we meet their needs in a timely manner.”
Subsidiaries outside KCB Bank Kenya continued to show strong performance, contributing 33.4% of profit before tax (PBT) and 31.4% of the Group’s total assets. Non-banking entities — KCB Investment Bank, KCB Asset Management, and KCB Bancassurance Intermediary Limited — also improved their PBT contribution to 2.1%, up from 1.8% last year. Total assets stood at Ksh 1.97 trillion despite the sale of NBK earlier this year.
The loan book grew to Ksh 1.18 trillion, representing a 2.8% rise (12% excluding NBK’s impact), supported by new business across subsidiaries. Customer deposits reached Ksh 1.48 trillion, with deposit growth offsetting the NBK sale and changes in Uganda’s oil import programme.
Revenue rose 4.3%, driven by higher net interest income of Ksh 69.1 billion, up from Ksh 61.3 billion, thanks to better yields and increased loan volumes. Operating costs grew modestly by 2.4% to Ksh 45.4 billion, keeping the cost-to-income ratio stable at 46%.
Non-Performing Loans (NPLs) dropped slightly to 18.7% from 19.2% in December 2024, with the NPL stock at Ksh 221.1 billion. Provisions for expected credit losses rose as the Group maintained cautious risk management in challenging market conditions.
KCB Group Chairman Dr Joseph Kinyua said the robust results and positive business outlook provided the capacity to offer the historic special dividend, while pursuing strategic growth focused on community impact, sustainability, and shareholder returns.
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