Kenya’s banking sector has delivered a solid set of half-year 2025 results, with leading lenders reporting steady profit growth, generous interim dividends, and continued strategic expansion in high-demand sectors such as affordable and mid-tier housing.
The financial statements from top banks reveal resilience amid a changing market environment, with strong investor confidence reflected in rising share prices across the Nairobi Securities Exchange.
KCB Group posted a profit before tax of KSh 9.6 billion for Q1 2025, up 6.8% year-on-year, driven largely by real estate lending in Nairobi, Mombasa, and Kisumu. The bank declared an interim dividend of KSh 1.50 per share, reinforcing its image as a stable, shareholder-friendly institution.
Co-operative Bank matched KCB’s pace, reporting a KSh 9.63 billion pre-tax profit, also a 6.8% increase from last year. Its investments in affordable housing and commercial developments remain key growth drivers. It too declared an interim dividend of KSh 1.50 per share.
Equity Group continued its aggressive growth strategy, particularly in property development financing. The bank announced a hefty interim dividend of KSh 4.25 per share, signalling robust earnings and strong market positioning.
NCBA Group reported KSh 3.25 billion in pre-tax profit for Q1 2025, maintaining consistent performance through diversification and strategic sector lending. It declared an interim dividend equal to its profit — KSh 3.25 per share.
Standard Chartered Kenya stood out with a staggering KSh 37.0 billion pre-tax profit and an equally striking interim dividend of KSh 37.00 per share. Diversified revenues and disciplined cost control were key contributors.
ABSA Bank Kenya delivered KSh 1.75 billion in pre-tax profit, coupled with an interim dividend of KSh 1.75 per share, supported by cost efficiency and customer-focused strategies.
Stanbic Bank Kenya posted KSh 4.5 billion in pre-tax profit, maintaining its stronghold in corporate and investment banking. It declared a KSh 5.00 per share dividend.
In mid-May 2025, the sector’s upbeat performance fuelled notable stock gains: KCB Group’s share price jumped 11.3%, Co-operative Bank rose 8.8%, and Equity Group gained 2.5% in a single week.
While the sector’s growth is buoyed by strategic lending — particularly in real estate and affordable housing — challenges remain. Rising non-performing loans and market volatility require careful risk management. Still, consistent dividends and strong earnings reinforce banks’ central role in Kenya’s economic resilience.
