KCB Group PLC recorded KShs. 24.4 billion in pre-tax profit for the first quarter ending March 31, 2026, representing a 15.3% growth, compared to KShs. 21.2 billion a similar period last year, underscoring the resilience of the Group’s diversified business model.
The improved performance, amid a difficult operating environment, was driven by an 8.5% growth in total operating income to KShs. 53.6 billion which mostly streamed from growth in interest bearing assets offsetting decline in Net Interest Margin.
The sustained rate cuts by regulators in the region saw a drop in asset yield across all our markets in the period under review.
The Group’s balance sheet stood at KShs. 2.3 trillion, expanding 10.8% on the back of increased customer activity across key business segments which pushed our customer deposits upwards by 15.7%
Excluding the impact of NBK which the Group divested from in May 2025, year on year growth pre-tax profit and operating income stood at 17% and 16% respectively.
Subsidiaries excluding KCB Bank Kenya maintained strong performance, with their profit before tax making up 29.5%of the overall Group earnings and 31.5% of the Group balance sheet. The three non-banking subsidiaries sustained their PBT contribution— KCB Bancassurance Intermediary (KShs. 209M), KCB Investment Bank (KShs. 274M) and KCB Asset Management (KShs. 64M).
Commentary: Group Chief Executive Officer, Paul Russo “Despite the challenging operating environment, we delivered solid growth driven by
disciplined execution, continued investment in digital innovation, and our unwavering commitment to providing financing which catalyzes economic transformation across the region. We continued to optimize our regional footprint and scale to best serve our customers and create sustainable shareholder value,” said KCB Group CEO, Paul Russo.
“While economic activity in East Africa remained resilient, we continued to see the impact of the Middle East conflict on economies, with a likely ripple effect of depressed credit demand, increased credit risk and lower remittance receipts, and on deposits,” he added.
