KCB Group PLC has reported a profit after tax of KSh47.3 billion for the nine months ending September 2025, supported by stronger income across business lines and tight cost management.
The Group’s total assets grew by 2.6% to KSh2.04 trillion, despite the sale of National Bank of Kenya (NBK) earlier in the year. On a like-for-like basis, the balance sheet expanded by 10.9%, underscoring the Group’s robust capacity to support customers across its seven operating markets.
According to the financial results released on Wednesday, KCB’s gross loans and advances increased by 7% to KSh1.24 trillion, driven by targeted lending to key economic sectors including building and construction, agriculture, manufacturing, energy and water.
Subsidiaries outside Kenya continued to play a pivotal role in the Group’s performance, contributing 35% of profit before tax and 31.3% of total assets. Strong performances were recorded in the non-banking units: KCB Bancassurance Intermediary (KSh833 million, +16%), KCB Investment Bank (KSh230 million, +90%), and KCB Asset Management (KSh118 million, +71%).
Group CEO Paul Russo noted that the impressive performance reflects the organisation’s resilience amid a challenging operating environment. “We continue to execute our business strategy anchored on ‘Transforming Today Together’ and build an agile business that transforms the lives of our customers while delivering value to shareholders,” he said.
KCB’s total revenue grew 4.5% to KSh149.4 billion, driven by a 12.4% rise in net interest income to KSh104.3 billion. Non-interest income closed at KSh45.1 billion, accounting for 30.2% of total revenue. The Group’s digital platforms helped stabilise non-funded income amid reduced forex trading returns and lower contributions from TMB following the closure of Eastern DRC branches. A new mobile banking app launched mid-year also accelerated onboarding and customer transactions.
Operating costs rose marginally by 2%, below prevailing inflation, lowering the cost-to-income ratio to 46.2% from 47.4% last year. Customer deposits remained strong, closing at KSh1.52 trillion with a stable mix.
Asset quality improved, with the NPL ratio easing to 17.8% from 18.5%, supported by recovery efforts and the NBK sale. Capital and liquidity buffers remained robust, with core capital at 17% (minimum 10.5%), total capital at 19.6% (minimum 14.5%) and liquidity at 46.7%.
Shareholder returns remained strong, with ROAE at 21.6% and ROA at 3.1%. Total equity attributable to shareholders stood at KSh308.5 billion.
KCB Group Chairman Dr. Joseph Kinyua expressed optimism for a solid full-year performance. “We are well positioned to navigate the operating environment and deliver the best outcomes for all stakeholders,” he said.
Key Corporate Developments
The Group paid a KSh4.00 per share dividend on November 11, totalling KSh13 billion.
KCB agreed to acquire a minority stake in Pesapal Ltd to drive digital inclusion and commerce across Africa, pending regulatory approvals.
KCB Bank Kenya partnered with Kenya Investment Authority to support foreign investors entering the Kenyan market.
The Group’s 2024 sustainability report showed KSh578.3 billion worth of loans assessed for environmental and social risks and KSh53.2 billion disbursed in green loans, raising its green portfolio to 21.3%.
KCB and Afreximbank sealed a financing deal to support investors in the Vipingo SEZ with a combined US$800 million.
The sale of NBK to Access Bank was completed on May 30, 2025.
The Group received global accolades, including listing among Africa’s fastest-growing companies by the Financial Times.
KCB says it remains focused on building a sustainable, innovative and customer-centric financial institution as it enters the final quarter of 2025.