Kenya’s KCB Group (NSE:KCB), the country’s largest bank by assets, has doubled its final dividend to KES 3 per share from KES 1.50, following an 11.2% increase in net profit for the year ended December 31, 2025.
The move lifts the total dividend for the period to KES 7 per share after an enhanced KES 4 interim dividend was paid in mid-2025, funded partly by proceeds from the sale of National Bank of Kenya (NBK).
The bank’s profit after tax rose to KES 66.8bn ($516.79mn) from KES 60bn ($464.21mn) in 2024, supported by higher operating income, which grew 4.1% to KES 213.7bn ($1.65bn). Net interest income, revenue from lending, increased 7.7% to KES 148bn ($1.15bn). Non-funded income declined slightly to KES 65.7bn ($508.34mn), impacted by foreign exchange losses in subsidiaries, including the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
Non-interest costs remained largely flat at KES 122.87bn ($950.51mn), aided by lower provisions as gross non-performing loans fell to KES 211.8bn ($1.64bn) from KES 225.6bn ($1.75bn). KCB attributed the profit growth to gains from NBK’s divestiture and increased lending during the year, supported by lower interest rates.
Speaking during the announcement of the financial results on March 11, KCB Group CEO Paul Russo said: “Our 2025 performance reflects the strength of the KCB franchise, the resilience of our regional footprint, and the continued trust that customers place in us. Despite a challenging operating environment, we delivered solid growth driven by disciplined execution and continued investment in digital innovation.”
The final dividend will be payable to shareholders on the bank’s books as of April 2, 2026. Total payout for the year will rise to KES 9.64bn ($74.58mn) from KES 4.82bn ($37.29mn) in 2024, representing a payout ratio of 33%.
KCB Group, Kenya’s largest bank by assets, is expanding its lending and digital banking across East Africa. As bne IntelliNews reported, the lender is seeking regulatory approval to acquire a stake in local payments fintech Pesapal, signalling a push into digital merchant services across the region.
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