KCB Group has reported a KSh49.3 billion gross profit for the first half of 2026, marking a 20.8 per cent increase compared to the same period last year. The banking group attributed the strong performance to higher income, effective cost management and improved performance across its regional operations. KCB’s total assets increased by 16.8 per cent to KSh2.3 trillion, supported by customer deposits of KSh1.7 trillion and gross loans of KSh1.3 trillion.
KCB Increases Dividend Payout
The KCB Group board has approved an interim dividend distribution of KSh9.64 billion, with the dividend per share rising to KSh3.00 from KSh2.00 paid in 2025. Group CEO Paul Russo said the results demonstrate the bank’s commitment to strengthening its regional presence while delivering value to shareholders and supporting customers. He noted that despite challenging economic conditions, KCB would continue supporting businesses and households while investing in digital transformation and long-term growth.
Regional Units Boost Performance
KCB’s regional banking subsidiaries contributed 27.7 per cent of the Group’s profit and accounted for 31.1 per cent of its total balance sheet, highlighting the growing contribution of operations outside Kenya. The Group’s total income rose to KSh108.1 billion, with funded income contributing KSh74 billion and non-funded income reaching KSh34.1 billion.
KCB Records Improvement in Loan Quality
The bank also reported an improvement in its asset quality, with gross non-performing loans (NPLs) declining by KSh17.3 billion to KSh203.8 billion. KCB attributed the reduction to tighter credit risk management and efforts to rehabilitate distressed loans.
The Group’s loan-to-deposit ratio also improved from 79.5 per cent to 78.8 per cent, while return on assets remained steady at 3.3 per cent. Meanwhile, shareholders’ equity grew by 16.3 per cent, rising from KSh306.8 billion in 2025 to KSh357 billion. KCB said the results demonstrate the resilience of its balance sheet and its continued focus on sustainable growth despite a challenging operating environment.
