KCB Group Plc started 2026 on a strong footing, posting KES 24.4 billion in pre-tax profit for the first quarter ended March 31, 2026. This was a 15.3% rise from KES 21.2 billion reported in the same period last year.
A Stronger Regional Engine
The performance points to the growing strength of KCB’s regional business, wider income base and disciplined balance sheet management at a time when banks are operating in a softer interest rate environment.
Total operating income rose 8.5% to KES 53.6 billion, supported by growth in interest-earning assets. This helped offset pressure on margins as central banks across the region continued to cut rates, reducing asset yields in several markets.
KCB’s balance sheet expanded by 10.8% to KES 2.3 trillion, driven by stronger customer activity across key business segments. Customer deposits rose 15.7% to KES 1.7 trillion, reflecting continued growth in both retail and corporate banking.
Excluding National Bank of Kenya, which KCB divested in May 2025, pre-tax profit grew 17%, while operating income increased 16% year-on-year.
KCB Group, Beyond Kenya, Beyond Banking
A key feature of the quarter was the rising contribution of KCB Group subsidiaries outside KCB Bank Kenya. These businesses accounted for 29.5% of Group pre-tax profit and 31.5% of the Group balance sheet. This shows the value of KCB Group’s regional diversification strategy.
The Group’s non-banking units also remained profitable. KCB Group Bancassurance Intermediary contributed KES 209 million, KCB Investment Bank posted KES 274 million, while KCB Asset Management delivered KES 64 million in pre-tax profit.
Non-funded income grew 8.3% to KES 17 billion, helped by digital lending and foreign exchange income. The KCB Group also improved asset quality, with the non-performing loan ratio falling to 16.6% from 19.3%.
Group CEO Paul Russo said disciplined execution, digital investment and continued financing across the region supported the performance. Chairman Joseph Kinyua said the results affirmed the strength of KCB’s long-term strategy, even as global risks remained a concern.
