Kenya’s banks just proved their resilience. Despite economic turbulence, the sector raked in more than KSh 100 billion in profits in H1 2025, highlighting both strength and underlying risks.
From digital innovation to regional expansion, Kenya’s financial giants and mid-tier stars are rewriting the playbook for African banking.
1. Equity Group: The Regional Powerhouse
Equity Group smashed records with a 17% profit surge to KSh 34.6 billion, up from KSh 29.6 billion in H1 2024. Kenya’s operations soared 40% to KSh 19.5 billion, while the DRC arm jumped 22%.
With total assets hitting KSh 1.8 trillion and a Q2 pre-tax profit of KSh 22.9 billion, Equity’s focus on SMEs and agriculture is paying off big.
2. KCB Group: Dividend King and Market Leader
KCB Group reclaimed its crown as East Africa’s most profitable bank, posting an 8% profit rise to KSh 32.3 billion.
With a balance sheet ballooning to KSh 2 trillion and shareholders’ funds crossing KSh 300 billion (a regional first), KCB declared a remarkable KSh 13 billion dividend (KSh 2 interim + KSh 2 special). Subsidiaries contributed 33% of profits, despite a 13.6% NPL spike to KSh 233.3 billion.
3. Co-operative Bank Kenya: Soaring with Efficiency
Co-operative Bank Kenya flew high with an 8.4% profit increase to KSh 14.1 billion, driven by a 23.1% jump in net interest income to KSh 29.4 billion.
Total assets soared 13.2% to KSh 811.9 billion, deposits grew 7.9% to KSh 547.7 billion, and shareholders’ funds climbed 23.4% to KSh 156.3 billion. The bancassurance arm sparkled with KSh 790.8 million in pre-tax profit.
4. Absa Bank Kenya: Innovate and Thrive
Absa Bank Kenya delivered a 9% profit boost to KSh 11.7 billion, boasting a stellar 26.5% return on equity. Total assets grew 10.4% to KSh 531.6 billion, shareholders’ funds rose 21.9% to KSh 89 billion, and non-interest income hit KSh 9.1 billion. The bancassurance unit made history with KSh 1 billion in pre-tax earnings.
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5. I&M Group: A 36% Profit Rocket
I&M Group stole the show with a 36% profit surge to KSh 8.31 billion, fuelled by 24% growth in net interest income to KSh 20.43 billion and a 13% rise in non-interest income to KSh 6.95 billion.
Shareholders’ equity crossed from KSh 100 billion to KSh 106.52 billion, with earnings per share up 38% to KSh 4.51. Regional diversification and a 15% bancassurance boost make I&M a standout.
6. Standard Chartered Bank Kenya: Weathering the Storm
Standard Chartered Bank Kenya faced headwinds, with profits sliding 21.4% to KSh 8.1 billion due to economic pressures. Yet, strong fundamentals hint at a potential H2 rebound.
7. Stanbic Bank Kenya: Resilience in Tough Times
Stanbic Bank Kenya saw a 9% profit drop to KSh 6.5 billion, with assets down 4.9% to KSh 473.7 billion and deposits falling 5.5% to KSh 329.6 billion.
Bright spots include a 5.93% net interest margin and an 18.9% capital ratio, plus a doubled interim dividend of KSh 3.80 per share.
8. Family Bank: SME Champion with 38.7% Profit Leap
Family Bank shone brightly, boosting profits 38.7% to KSh 2.2 billion through digital transformation and a 39.9% rise in net interest income to KSh 6.9 billion.
Assets grew 21.8% to KSh 192.8 billion, with the loan book up 10.4% to KSh 100.9 billion, driven by SME partnerships.
9. Sidian Bank: A 92% Profit Surge
Sidian Bank stunned with a 92% profit jump to KSh 1 billion, powered by strong income growth and lower provisions. Reduced NPLs and non-interest income cemented its rise as a mid-tier star.
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Why This Matters: A Sector on the Rise
Kenya’s banks are navigating a complex landscape, including rising NPLs (market average at 13.4%), subdued credit growth, and economic uncertainty, yet they’re thriving through innovation, cost management, and diversified revenue streams.
With the Central Bank of Kenya cutting rates to 9.5%, H2 2025 could unleash even greater growth. From Equity’s regional dominance to Sidian’s breakout performance, Kenya’s banking sector is proving its strength.
Are we witnessing the blueprint for Africa’s financial future? Share your thoughts!
Ronnie Paul is a seasoned writer and analyst with a prolific portfolio of over 1,000 published articles, specialising in fintech, cryptocurrency, and digital finance at Africa Digest News.
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