KCB Group Plc shareholders have approved a total dividend payout of Kshs. 22.5 billion for the financial year ended December 31, 2025.
This underscores the group’s continued commitment to delivering sustainable shareholder value.
The dividend approved at the Annual General Meeting (AGM) on Thursday comprises an interim and special dividend of Kshs. 4.00 per share approved by the Board in November 2025, and a final and special dividend of Kshs. 3.00 per share.
Consequently, the total dividend for the year rises to Kshs. 7.00 per share, representing a 133% increase from last year.
The final dividend will be paid, net of withholding tax, on or about May 22, 2026, to shareholders on the Register of Members at the close of business on April 2, 2026.
Speaking during the AGM, group chairman Dr. Joseph Kinyua said that the payout reflects the Group’s resilience, robust balance sheet, and sustained focus on creating long-term value for shareholders.
“The payout reaffirms the Group’s strong financial performance, resilient balance sheet, and commitment to delivering sustainable shareholder value.”
“As we look ahead to 2026, we remain cautiously optimistic about the outlook. Despite the pressures in the operating environment, opportunities continue to emerge through regional integration, intra-African trade, infrastructure development, digital innovation, and the expanding role of the private sector in driving economic transformation.”
Read More: KCB Group Posts Ksh 24.4 Billion Q1 Profit as Deposits Hit Ksh 1.7 Trillion
KCB Posts Strong Earnings Growth Across Markets
The group reported an 11% rise in net profit to a record Kshs. 68.4 billion, while total assets increased by 9% to Kshs. 2.1 trillion over the year.
Notably, the regional diversification strategy continued to deliver strong results, with subsidiaries outside Kenya contributing 29.5% of total net profit and accounting for 30.5% of the Group’s asset base.
KCB group CEO, Paul Russo attributed the performance to the Group’s diversified model and operational strengths.
“We are running a well-diversified business which is sustaining our resilience, leveraging our regional footprint and scale, customer confidence and continued investment in digital transformation”
He further credited the performance to continued momentum across key business segments, improved efficiency, and sustained lending to businesses, SMEs, and households across its markets.
“The business continues to benefit from strong momentum across key business segments, improved operational efficiency, and our deliberate focus on supporting businesses, SMEs, and households across the markets we operate in,” he added.
Strong Q1 2026 Performance Amid Market Headwinds
KCB Group posted a pre-tax profit of Kshs. 24.4 billion for the first quarter of 2026, reflecting a 15.3% increase from Kshs. 21.2 billion recorded in the same period last year.
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.
At the same time, sustained rate cuts by regulators across the region led to a decline in asset yields across all markets during the period under review.
Advancing Sustainability Through ESG and Green Financing
In line with its broader sustainability agenda, KCB Group has continued to strengthen the integration of Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) principles across its operations.
Notably, under the Environmental & Social Diligence (ESDD) framework, the Group assessed loans amounting to KShs. 587.8 billion in 2025, embedding environmental and social risk considerations into its lending decisions prior to approval.
In addition, green financing remained a key focus area, with KShs. 48.8 billion in green loans disbursed, reinforcing ongoing support for climate resilience initiatives and the transition by businesses and communities toward more sustainable, low-carbon practices.
