National Bank of Kenya (NBK) posted a net profit of KSh1.03 billion for the first quarter ended March 31, 2026, marking a 275 per cent increase from the KSh275.7 million recorded during the same period last year.
The lender attributed the growth to higher net interest income and a sharp decline in loan loss provisions.
NBK’s net interest income rose to KSh2.84 billion, up from KSh2.4 billion in Q1 2025, supported by improved funding efficiency and disciplined asset pricing.
Non-interest income rose to KSh664.3 million, due to the stability of performance in fees and commissions amid competition in the business environment.
Operational expenses were constant at KSh2.1 billion with the bank pursuing measures that help in cost management.
In contrast, loan losses provisions declined by 92 per cent from KSh618 million previously booked to KSh50 million. This is according to the bank that improved credit quality in addition to declines in non-performing loans.
Total assets for NBK were KSh145.3 billion compared to KSh141.1 billion registered in December 2025.
The level of customer deposits was KSh106.7 billion whereas net loans and advances had increased to KSh57 billion from KSh51 billion in December last year, an indication of lending activities to the business and customers in various industries.
Commenting on the results, NBK Managing Director George Odhiambo noted that the bank had kicked off the year on a high note thanks to customer confidence and efficiency drives.
“We have started off the year on a strong footing, driven by customer confidence, cost management and operations efficiency initiatives. We are reinventing ourselves in the market to come out stronger,” said Odhiambo.
Looking ahead, the bank said it will continue focusing on sustainable growth, digital transformation, disciplined risk management, and ongoing integration processes within Access Bank PLC.
