Shareholders of KCB Group plc have approved a total dividend payout of KShs. 22.5 billion for the financial year ended December 31, 2025, reflecting the lender’s strong financial performance and continued focus on delivering shareholder value. The approval was made during the Group’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) held on Thursday.
Dividend Rises by 133 Per cent
The total dividend comprises an interim and special dividend of KShs. 4.00 per share approved in November 2025, and a final and special dividend of KShs. 3.00 per share.
This brings the total dividend payout for the year to KShs. 7.00 per share, representing a 133 per cent increase compared to the previous year.
The final dividend, net of withholding tax, will be paid on or about May 22, 2026, to shareholders registered at the close of business on April 2, 2026.
Strong Financial Performance Drives Payout
Speaking during the AGM, Dr. Joseph Kinyua said the dividend payout demonstrates the Group’s resilience and strong balance sheet despite economic pressures across the region.
“The payout reaffirms the Group’s strong financial performance, resilient balance sheet, and commitment to delivering sustainable shareholder value. As we look ahead to 2026, we remain cautiously optimistic about the outlook. Despite the pressures in the
operating environment, opportunities continue to emerge through regional integration, intra-African trade, infrastructure development, digital innovation, and the expanding role of the private sector in driving economic transformation,” he said.
During the 2025 financial year, KCB Group’s net profit grew by 11 per cent to a record KShs. 68.4 billion, while total assets increased by 9 per cent to KShs. 2.1 trillion.
Regional Subsidiaries Strengthen Growth
The Group’s regional diversification strategy continued to support earnings growth, with subsidiaries outside Kenya contributing 29.5 per cent of total net profit and accounting for 30.5 per cent of the Group’s total assets.
KCB Group CEO Paul Russo said the bank’s diversified business model and continued investments in digital transformation have strengthened operational resilience across its markets.
“We are running a well-diversified business which is sustaining our resilience, leveraging our regional footprint and scale, customer
confidence and continued investment in digital transformation. The business continues to benefit from strong momentum across key business segments, improved operational efficiency, and our deliberate focus on supporting businesses, SMEs, and
households across the markets we operate in,” said Russo
He added that the Group continues to experience strong momentum across key business segments, including support for businesses, SMEs, and households.
First Quarter 2026 Profit Rises
For the first quarter of 2026, KCB Group reported a pre-tax profit of KShs. 24.4 billion, marking a 15.3 per cent increase compared to KShs. 21.2 billion recorded during a similar period last year.
The growth was driven by an 8.5 per cent rise in total operating income to KShs. 53.6 billion, supported by growth in interest-bearing assets despite declining net interest margins.
The lender noted that continued interest rate cuts by regulators across regional markets led to reduced asset yields during the period under review.
Focus on Sustainability and Green Finance
Beyond financial performance, KCB Group also intensified its sustainability and Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) agenda.
Under its Environmental and Social Due Diligence (ESDD) framework, the bank screened loans worth KShs. 587.8 billion in 2025 to ensure lending decisions align with environmental and social considerations.
The Group also disbursed KShs. 48.8 billion in green loans, reinforcing its commitment to sustainable finance, climate resilience, and supporting businesses transitioning towards low-carbon and environmentally sustainable operations.
KCB said the initiatives align with its broader strategy of promoting responsible banking while supporting economic growth and community development across the region.