KCB Group Q1 2025 profit soared to KShs. 16.53 billion, signaling a steady performance in a volatile macroeconomic environment. The Group’s balance sheet surpassed the KShs. 2 trillion mark, driven by stable lending, digital transformation, and regional expansion.
Compared to KShs. 16.48 billion in Q1 2024, this year’s results highlight a consistent upward trend. Total revenues increased by 2% to KShs. 49.4 billion, while customer deposits hit KShs. 1.4 trillion and customer loans closed at KShs. 1.02 trillion.
Strong Strategic Aid from Subsidiaries and Scale Regionally
KCB’s diversification strategy is evidently paying off since now other subsidiaries apart from Kenya contribute 32% to the Group’s profit before tax. He reiterated that, “resilience, digital innovation, and new business lines” sustained performance for the business during tough economic times. Using these strategies enables customers to have better banking relationships and improves their financial inclusion.”
Key Financial Metrics at a Glance
- Operating costs grew by 7.8% to KShs. 22.7 billion, driven by tech investment and workforce expenses.
- Credit loss provisions declined by 11.3%, thanks to targeted non-performing loan (NPL) management.
- Gross NPLs stood at KShs. 233 billion, with the NPL ratio at 19.3%.
- Return on Equity improved to 23.3%, and total shareholder equity surged 28.4% to KShs. 297.1 billion.
- Core capital ratio was 16.7% against a statutory minimum of 10.5%.
Chairman’s comment: Long term value, with resilience
I have also witnessed members of parliament invest in and offer strategic moves for the business and have head the KCB Group Chairman Dr. Joseph Kinyua commend these CBOs offers as uncomprehensive investments claiming, “KCB has demonstrated extraordinary level of resilience. Their fundamentals alongside strong leadership allows them to operate even when the world and our surroundings expect less of us.”
Corporate Moves & Strategic Investments
NBK Sale Nearing Completion
Regulatory clearances for NBK sale to Access Bank are near completion, marking a major restructuring milestone.
Fintech Acquisition
The Bank signed a deal in March to acquire 75% stake in Riverbank Solutions, a fintech firm present in Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda—aimed at enhancing digital and agency banking capacity.$100M BII Tier 2 Capital Facility
KCB purchased a $100 million facility from British International Investment to finance lending to climate-smart projects and women-owned SMEs.
Accelerating Financial Inclusion & Innovation
KShs. 250 billion to be invested in financing women in business under the KCB FLME Proposition.
Introduction of an enhanced mobile banking platform across Kenya, Tanzania, South Sudan, and Burundi.
Introduction of a multi-currency card accommodating 18 global and regional currencies.
Integration into Pan-African Payment and Settlement System (PAPSS) for faster and less expensive cross-border transactions.
Investments in Community and Sports.
KShs. 209 million sponsorship of the 2025 Safari Rally (WRC).
Launch of the 2025 EA Golf Tour with KShs. 90 million of capital funding.
“Revvvisha na KCB” campaign for savings and financial literacy.
Recognitions & Future Focus
KCB Group was recently listed among Africa’s Fastest Growing Companies 2025 by the Financial Times, cementing its status as a regional banking behemoth.
The Group is further developing its Digital Centre of Excellence, unveiling innovations like digital loans for MSMEs and the Worship 360 App for religious institutions.
Read Also: How KCB’s Integration with PAPSS Will Transform Cross-Border Payments in Africa
KCB Group Q1 2025 Profit Reveals Strength and Strategy
With its profound capital buffers, regional diversification, digitalization-driven innovation, and customer-focused strategy, the KCB Group Q1 2025 profit update cements its place as a pacesetting provider of financial services negotiating uncertainty with purpose.
