National Bank of Kenya (NBK) National Bank of Kenya (NBK) recorded KShs 1.03 billion in profit after tax for the first quarter ending March 31, 2026.
This represents a 275% growth compared to KShs 275.7 million recorded during a similar period last year, driven by net interest income and a substantial reduction in credit impairment charges.
The strong performance was driven by improved net interest income and a substantial reduction in credit impairment charges, reflecting strengthened earnings quality and improved credit performance.
National Bank of Kenya Managing Director, George Odhiambo expressed confidence in the bank’s performance, highlighting a strong start to the year and an ongoing transformation strategy aimed at strengthening market positioning.
He added that improved customer confidence, tighter cost control, and operational efficiency initiatives were central to the bank’s performance in the first quarter of 2026.
“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, and I am confident that by the end of the year, we will be at a higher level.
“Our focus is to continue serving our customers, exploring more business opportunities and expanding our product and service offering to better serve the market.” Odhiambo said.
Read More: KCB Group Posts Ksh 24.4 Billion Q1 Profit as Deposits Hit Ksh 1.7 Trillion
NBK Key Profit Drivers
Key drivers of NBK’s Q1 performance included a rise in net interest income to Kshs 2.84 billion, up from Kshs 2.4 billion in the previous year.
This milestone was supported by disciplined asset pricing and improved funding efficiency.
In addition, non-interest income remained steady at Kshs 664.3 million, reflecting consistent earnings from fees and commissions despite a competitive operating environment.
Meanwhile, operating expenses were maintained at Kshs 2.1 billion, supported by ongoing cost management and operational efficiency initiatives.
Notably, loan loss provisions dropped sharply by 92% to Kshs 50 million from Kshs 618 million in the previous year.
This was as a result of a year-on-year reduction in non-performing loans, improved recoveries, and enhanced credit quality.
On the balance sheet, total assets rose to Kshs 145.3 billion from Kshs 141.1 billion in December 2025. Similarly, customer deposits stood at Kshs 106.7 billion, reflecting sustained customer confidence and a stable funding base.
Finally, net loans and advances increased to Kshs 57.0 billion from Kshs 51.0 billion in December 2025, indicating continued lending support across key sectors.
About National Bank of Kenya Ltd
National Bank of Kenya is a subsidiary of Access Bank Plc and a fully-fledged Commercial Bank established to provide Kenyans access to finance.
The Bank has a growing network of 77 branches & 4 agencies across the country, ATMs, Agent Banking and electronic channels of Mobile and Internet Banking.
National Bank offers Corporate Banking, Business Banking, Retail Banking, and Islamic Banking, with an extensive portfolio of products and financial solutions tailored to the requirements of a broad spectrum of customer segments.
