KCB Group PLC has announced a KSh49.3 billion pre-tax profit for the first half of 2026, marking a 20.8% increase compared to the same period last year.
The strong financial performance was driven by robust income growth, disciplined cost management and improved asset quality, reinforcing the bank’s position as one of East Africa’s leading financial institutions.
The lender also rewarded shareholders by increasing its interim dividend by 50%, from KSh2.00 to KSh3.00 per share, translating to a total dividend payout of KSh9.64 billion.
Assets rise to KSh2.3 trillion
KCB said its total assets grew by 16.8% to KSh2.3 trillion, supported by strong customer confidence and continued lending across the region.
Key balance sheet highlights include:
- Customer deposits increased to KSh1.7 trillion
- Gross loans reached KSh1.3 trillion
- Equity grew 16.3% from KSh306.8 billion to KSh357.0 billion
- Loan-to-deposit ratio improved to 78.8%
The Group noted that the healthy funding profile demonstrates resilience despite challenging economic conditions.
Total income surpasses KSh108 billion
KCB’s total income climbed to KSh108.1 billion, reflecting growth across both interest and non-interest revenue streams.
| Income Stream | H1 2026 |
|---|---|
| Funded income | KSh74.0 billion |
| Non-funded income | KSh34.1 billion |
| Total income | KSh108.1 billion |
The diversified revenue mix continued to strengthen the bank’s earnings while reducing dependence on traditional lending income.
Regional subsidiaries drive profitability
KCB’s regional operations continued to play a significant role in the Group’s growth strategy.
According to the bank:
- Regional subsidiaries contributed 27.7% of total profit.
- They accounted for 31.1% of the Group’s total balance sheet.
The performance underscores KCB’s expanding footprint across East Africa and its focus on regional banking growth.
CEO Paul Russo: We remain committed to customers
Group Chief Executive Officer Paul Russo said the results reflect the bank’s long-term strategy of supporting businesses while investing in digital transformation.
“Despite a tough operating environment, we remain committed to supporting businesses and households, accelerating digital transformation and creating long-term sustainable value for our shareholders and the communities which we serve,” Russo said.
He added that KCB remains focused on building a strong regional franchise while maintaining customer confidence across its markets.
Non-performing loans decline
The bank also reported improved asset quality, with gross non-performing loans (NPLs) falling by KSh17.3 billion to KSh203.8 billion.
KCB attributed the improvement to disciplined credit risk management and successful rehabilitation of distressed loan facilities.
Additionally, the Group maintained a Return on Assets (ROA) of 3.3%, highlighting efficient utilization of its expanding asset base.
KCB H1 2026 performance at a glance
- Pre-tax profit: KSh49.3 billion (+20.8%)
- Total assets: KSh2.3 trillion (+16.8%)
- Customer deposits: KSh1.7 trillion
- Gross loans: KSh1.3 trillion
- Total income: KSh108.1 billion
- Interim dividend: KSh3.00 per share (+50%)
- Dividend payout: KSh9.64 billion
- Gross NPLs: KSh203.8 billion
- Equity: KSh357.0 billion (+16.3%)