(NAIROBI, KENYA) – KCB Group PLC has announced a historic dividend of KSh 13 billion (approximately US$93.9 million), marking the largest mid-year payout in its 127 year history. The announcement follows an 8% increase in net profit, reaching KSh 32.3 billion (US$233 million) for the first half of 2025. Growth in earning assets and strong performance across regional subsidiaries were key drivers of the results.
The bank’s board has recommended an interim dividend of KSh 2.00 per share (US$0.014) and a special dividend of KSh 2.00 per share (US$0.014), linked to the sale of National Bank of Kenya (NBK) to Access Bank. This is the first time KCB has issued a special dividend.
Group Chairman Dr Joseph Kinyua attributed the payout to strong financial results and a positive outlook for the business. “The strong half-year performance and the projected trajectory of the business has allowed us a great bandwidth to propose a historic special and interim dividend to shareholders,” he said.
KCB’s total assets closed at KSh 1.97 trillion (US$14.2 billion), maintaining stability despite the NBK divestment in Q2 2025. Subsidiaries outside KCB Bank Kenya contributed 33.4% of pre-tax profit and 31.4% of the balance sheet, highlighting the benefits of regional diversification.
The loan portfolio reached KSh 1.18 trillion (US$8.5 billion), while customer deposits stood at KSh 1.48 trillion (US$10.7 billion), reflecting strong client confidence. Total revenue rose 4.3% to KSh 98.6 billion (US$709 million), supported by a jump in net interest income to KSh 69.1 billion (US$497 million).
| Metric | H1 2025 | US$ Equivalent |
|---|---|---|
| Net Profit | KSh 32.3B | 233M |
| Total Assets | KSh 1.97T | 14.2B |
| Loan Portfolio | KSh 1.18T | 8.5B |
| Customer Deposits | KSh 1.48T | 10.7B |
| Total Revenue | KSh 98.6B | 709M |
| Net Interest Income | KSh 69.1B | 497M |
| Cost-to-Income Ratio | 46% | N/A |
| Return on Equity (ROE) | 22.2% | N/A |
| Return on Assets (ROA) | 3.3% | N/A |
The bank maintained a stable cost-to-income ratio of 46%, with return on equity at 22.2% and return on assets at 3.3%.
KCB has accelerated its digital transformation, with 99% of transactions now conducted through non-branch channels. On 11 August 2025, the bank launched a new unified mobile app featuring self-onboarding, AI-driven services, and a mini-app ecosystem to improve accessibility and convenience.
Key corporate developments during the period include:
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Sale of 100% NBK shares to Access Bank on 30 May 2025.
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Opening six new branches across Kenya, Tanzania, and Rwanda.
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Issuance of KSh 26.9 billion (US$193 million) in green loans and screening KSh 133.2 billion (US$957 million) under environmental and social due diligence.
KCB also received multiple global accolades, including Africa’s Best Bank for Corporate Responsibility and Kenya’s Best Bank for ESG by Euromoney, and African Bank of the Year by the African Business Leadership Awards. Group CEO Paul Russo received a Special U.S. Congressional Commendation for his contributions to East Africa’s banking sector.
For investors, the combined KSh 13 billion payout offers a significant mid-year return, signalling both financial strength and the board’s confidence in sustained growth. The sale of NBK has freed capital for strategic initiatives, and ongoing regional expansion positions shareholders to benefit from KCB’s competitive standing in East Africa.
| Dividend Type | Amount per Share (KSh) | Amount per Share (US$) | Total Payout (KSh) | Total Payout (US$) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Interim Dividend | 2.00 | 0.014 | 6.5 billion | 46.9 million | Standard mid-year dividend |
| Special Dividend | 2.00 | 0.014 | 6.5 billion | 46.9 million | Linked to NBK sale to Access Bank |
| Total Dividend | 4.00 | 0.028 | 13 billion | 93.9 million | Historic combined payout for H1 2025 |
