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KCB Group Plc posted a profit after tax of Sh47.3 billion for the nine months ending September 2025, powered by higher income across its business lines and tighter cost controls. The lender said the performance reflects strong resilience despite a difficult operating environment across its regional markets.
The Group’s balance sheet expanded 2.6 percent to Sh2.04 trillion, a result the bank said underscores its stability even after completing the sale of National Bank of Kenya in May. On a like-for-like basis, assets were up 10.9 percent, signalling what KCB described as solid capacity to support customers across its seven markets.
Loans and Subsidiaries Drive Growth
Loans and advances increased 7 percent to Sh1.24 trillion, with lending concentrated in construction, agriculture, manufacturing, energy and water. Subsidiaries outside KCB Kenya remained strong profit centres, contributing 35 percent of profit before tax and 31 percent of the asset base.
KCB Bancassurance reported Sh833 million, KCB Investment Bank posted Sh230 million and KCB Asset Management delivered Sh118 million, all recording notable growth during the period.
Group CEO Paul Russo said the numbers affirm the lender’s strength in a volatile environment. “Despite a tough operating environment in all our markets we have delivered a strong performance showing the resilience of the Group,” he said.
He added that the bank is pushing ahead with its strategy under “Transforming Today Together” to build an agile institution delivering value to customers and shareholders.
Digital Channels Lift Revenue
Total revenue rose 4.5 percent to Sh149.4 billion, helped by a 12.4 percent increase in net interest income. Non interest income closed at Sh45.1 billion, supported by higher usage of digital channels.
KCB highlighted the new mobile banking app launched mid-year that allows customers to self-onboard instantly and has boosted digital activity across the network.
Costs rose only 2 percent, helping the cost to income ratio fall to 46.2 percent. Customer deposits grew to Sh1.52 trillion.
Asset Quality Improves as NPLs Fall
The lender reported improved asset quality with non performing loans dropping to 17.8 percent, supported by recoveries and the exit of NBK from its books.
KCB maintained strong capital buffers, with core capital at 17 percent against the regulatory minimum of 10.5 percent and liquidity at 46.7 percent.
Board Chairman Joseph Kinyua said the bank remains optimistic about finishing the year strongly. He noted that the Group is well positioned to navigate challenges across the region.
Strategic Moves Strengthen Outlook
Recent developments include a Sh4 per share dividend payout, a planned minority investment in Pesapal, a partnership with Invest Kenya and green financing initiatives that saw Sh53.2 billion issued as sustainability-linked loans.
KCB also finalized the NBK sale, sealed a financing partnership with Afreximbank and received several global recognitions, including a listing by the Financial Times among Africa’s fastest growing companies.
KCB said it is confident of closing the year with a strong performance across all its markets.
