KCB Group Plc has reported an 8% growth in net profit for the first half of 2025, reaching KSh 32.3 billion, and announced the largest interim dividend payout in its history.
The bank’s board has recommended an interim dividend of KSh 2.00 per share and a special dividend of KSh 2.00 per share linked to the sale of National Bank of Kenya (NBK) bringing the total payout to shareholders to KSh 13 billion. This marks the first time the bank has issued a special dividend.
Group CEO Paul Russo attributed the strong performance to resilience across markets, with subsidiaries outside Kenya contributing over a third (33.4%) of pre-tax earnings and 31.4% of total assets. “We have placed our customers at the fore, ensuring we meet their needs in a timely manner despite a challenging operating environment,” Russo said.
Financial Highlights
Total assets stood at KSh 1.97 trillion, maintaining stability despite NBK’s sale in Q2 2025.
Loan portfolio grew 2.8% to KSh 1.18 trillion, or 12% excluding NBK’s impact.
Customer deposits closed at KSh 1.48 trillion, reflecting strong client confidence.
Revenue rose 4.3% to KSh 69.1 billion, boosted by higher interest income.
Non-funded income accounted for 29.9% of total revenue at KSh 29.5 billion.
Digital banking remains a key growth driver, with 99% of transactions conducted through non-branch channels. The group recently launched a unified mobile app in Kenya, offering AI-powered onboarding and integrated mini-apps for payments, savings, investments, and entertainment.
Cost control remained tight, with expenses rising just 2.4% to KSh 45.4 billion and the cost-to-income ratio steady at 46.0%. Non-performing loans dropped slightly to 18.7% from 19.2% at the end of 2024, while capital and liquidity ratios stayed well above regulatory requirements.
Strategic Moves & Recognitions
During the period, KCB completed the sale of NBK to Access Bank, opened six new branches across Kenya, Tanzania, and Rwanda, and issued KSh 26.9 billion in green loans in Kenya and Tanzania. The group also screened loans worth KSh 133.2 billion for environmental and social compliance.
KCB continued its strong presence in sports sponsorship, supporting rugby, football, volleyball, and chess, alongside major events like the World Rally Championship and Athletics Kenya Trials.
The bank earned multiple international accolades, including “Africa’s Best Bank for Corporate Responsibility” from Euromoney and “African Bank of the Year” from the African Business Leadership Awards. CEO Paul Russo received a Special U.S. Congressional Commendation from the State of Georgia for his contribution to East Africa’s banking sector.
KCB Group Chair Dr. Joseph Kinyua praised the performance, noting, “Our strong half-year results and positive trajectory have given us the bandwidth to propose a historic special and interim dividend to shareholders. We remain committed to putting People and Planet first while pursuing growth.”
