KCB Group has increased its dividend payout to shareholders to KSh22 billion after reporting strong financial results for the year ended December 2025.
The regional lender posted a profit after tax of KSh68.4 billion, representing an 11 percent growth driven by an expanded loan book, higher income across key business lines and disciplined cost management.
Higher Dividend for Shareholders
The bank’s board has proposed a final dividend of KSh3 per share, subject to shareholder approval. This comes on top of the interim dividend of KSh4 per share paid in November 2025, bringing the total dividend for the year to KSh7 per share.
The payout represents the lender’s largest dividend distribution to shareholders, underscoring its commitment to delivering value to investors while maintaining strong financial fundamentals.
Revenue Growth and Strong Earnings
KCB’s total revenues rose to KSh214 billion from KSh204 billion in the previous year, supported mainly by higher net interest income as the bank expanded lending to households, businesses and the public sector.
Non-funded income accounted for 31 percent of the total revenues, reflecting the growing contribution of digital banking and other non-interest income streams.
Speaking during the announcement of the results, KCB Group Chief Executive Officer Paul Russo said the performance reflects the strength of the bank’s regional franchise and the continued trust of its customers.
“Our 2025 performance reflects the strength of the KCB franchise, the resilience of our regional footprint and the continued trust that customers place in us,” he said, adding that the lender remained focused on sustainable growth and digital innovation.
Regional Diversification Boosts Performance
The Group continued to benefit from its multi-market growth strategy, with subsidiaries outside Kenya contributing 30.7 percent of profit before tax and 30.5 percent of the Group balance sheet.
Non-banking subsidiaries also recorded strong growth, including KCB Bancassurance Intermediary, KCB Investment Bank and KCB Asset Management, which posted significant increases in profit before tax.
Strong Balance Sheet Supports Dividend Growth
KCB maintained a strong balance sheet during the year, with total assets rising 9.3 percent to KSh2.15 trillion despite the divestment from National Bank of Kenya.
Gross loans and advances increased 16.2 percent to KSh1.25 trillion while customer deposits grew 15 percent to KSh1.59 trillion across its regional markets.
Asset quality also improved, with the non-performing loans ratio declining to 16.9 percent from 19.2 percent due to aggressive recovery strategies and restructuring initiatives.
The bank maintained strong capital and liquidity buffers, with core capital at 18.4 percent and total capital at 22.1 percent, well above regulatory requirements.
KCB Group Chairman Joseph Kinyua said the board remains confident about future growth prospects across East Africa despite global uncertainties.
He noted that strong governance and strategic oversight will remain key in ensuring the bank continues delivering long-term value to shareholders while supporting economic transformation in the region.