Nairobi — KCB Group posted a profit after tax of Sh47.3 billion for the nine months ending September 2025, driven by higher income across business segments and disciplined cost management.
The lender said its subsidiaries outside Kenya continued to play a larger role, contributing 35 per cent of profit before tax and 31 per cent of the Group's assets.
The balance sheet expanded 2.6 per cent to Sh2.04 trillion, despite the May sale of National Bank of Kenya (NBK). On a like-for-like basis, excluding NBK assets, growth was 10.9 per cent, reflecting strong support for customers across its seven operating markets.
Gross loans rose 7 per cent to Sh1.24 trillion, supported by lending to construction, agriculture, manufacturing, energy, and water sectors.
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Non-banking subsidiaries also recorded improved performance, with KCB Bancassurance posting Sh833 million, KCB Investment Bank Sh230 million, and KCB Asset Management Sh118 million.
"Despite a tough operating environment in all our markets, we have delivered a strong performance showing the resilience of the Group. We continue to execute our business strategy anchored on 'Transforming Today Together'," said Group CEO Paul Russo.
4.5pc revenue increase
Total revenue increased 4.5 per cent to Sh149.4 billion, boosted by a 12.4 per cent rise in net interest income to Sh104.3 billion. Non-interest income stood at Sh45.1 billion, with digital channels helping cushion pressures from reduced foreign exchange earnings and lower fees following branch closures in Eastern DRC.
The Group rolled out a new mobile banking app mid-year, accelerating digital transactions. Non-funded income accounted for 30.2 percent of total revenue.
Costs rose 2 percent, below inflation, improving the cost-to-income ratio to 46.2 per cent from 47.4 per cent. Customer deposits closed at Sh1.52 trillion, supported by a stable mix across markets.
Asset quality improved, with the non-performing loan ratio easing to 17.8 per cent from 18.5 per cent, aided by recoveries and the NBK sale.
KCB maintained strong capital and liquidity positions, with its core capital to risk-weighted assets at 17 per cent against a minimum of 10.5 percent. Total capital ratio stood at 19.6 percent, while liquidity remained elevated at 46.7 per cent.
Return on equity was 21.6 per cent, and return on assets reached 3.1 per cent. Total equity attributable to shareholders rose to Sh308.5 billion.
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"We are optimistic that we will close the year strong. The Group is well-positioned to navigate the operating environment and deliver the best outcome for all our stakeholders," said Chairman Joseph Kinyua.
The Group paid a Sh4.00 per share dividend on November 11, amounting to a Sh13 billion payout.
