KCB Group Plc has reported a KShs. 16.53 billion profit after tax for the first quarter ending March 2025, maintaining its strong financial footing amid a tough operating environment. The slight increase from KShs. 16.48 billion in Q1 2024 reflects the bank’s resilience and strategic focus on diversification and innovation.
The Group’s total revenues rose by 2 percent to KShs. 49.4 billion, while its balance sheet expanded to KShs. 2.03 trillion from KShs. 1.99 trillion, supported by a stable loan portfolio and robust customer deposits of KShs. 1.4 trillion. The Group’s profit before tax contribution from regional subsidiaries grew to 32 percent, signaling success in its continental growth agenda.
Group CEO Paul Russo attributed the performance to consistent execution across the business. “We were able to match 2024’s performance, which was impressive by all standards. Our robust balance sheet positions us well to support our customers amid regional challenges,” he said.
KCB maintained strong capital buffers, with a core capital ratio of 16.7 percent against the statutory 10.5 percent, and a total capital-to-risk-weighted assets ratio of 19.7 percent, surpassing the regulatory minimum of 14.5 percent.
Return on equity stood at 23.3 percent, underlining sustained shareholder value. Shareholder equity grew by 28.4 percent to KShs. 297.1 billion.
While the lender has not disclosed interim dividends for Q1, the strong performance and capital position strengthen expectations for solid end-year payouts, subject to board and regulatory approvals.
Driving financial inclusion and empowerment
Beyond strong numbers, KCB reinforced its commitment to inclusive banking. Through its Female-Led Micro Enterprises (FLME) proposition, the bank has set aside KShs. 250 billion over five years to support women in business. Already, KShs. 150 billion has been disbursed, with plans to engage women entrepreneurs in all 47 counties of Kenya in 2025.
In line with its 2024–2026 strategic pillar of “Digital Leadership,” KCB is launching an enhanced mobile banking platform across Kenya, Tanzania, South Sudan, and Burundi. The Group also advanced financial inclusion through partnerships, such as the $100 million Tier 2 capital facility from British International Investment (BII) to boost lending to climate-focused and women-led SMEs.
Strategic investments and regional integration
KCB continued to invest in fintech, acquiring up to 75 percent of Riverbank Solutions Limited, a financial technology firm with operations in Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda. The deal, pending regulatory approvals, is expected to boost KCB’s digital capabilities, especially in agency banking and social payments.
Additionally, the bank became the first in East Africa to integrate with the Pan-African Payment and Settlement System (PAPSS), improving cross-border trade efficiency and customer access across the continent.
Group Chairman Dr. Joseph Kinyua emphasized long-term sustainability amid global economic headwinds. “KCB has demonstrated remarkable resilience and robust performance. We remain dedicated to ensuring long-term sustainability and shared value for all stakeholders,” he noted.
Outlook
As KCB eyes the remainder of 2025, its focus remains on leveraging technology, regional integration, and inclusive finance to expand its footprint and drive shareholder value. With an aggressive push into fintech, climate financing, and cross-border trade, the Group remains a leading force in transforming banking across Africa.