National Bank of Kenya (NBK) reported a 275% increase in profit after tax to KES 1.03 billion for the first quarter ended March 31, 2026, up from KES 275.7 million a year earlier, driven by higher net interest income and a steep decline in loan loss provisions, according to a press release dated May 21, 2026.

The lender said net interest income rose to KES 2.84 billion from KES 2.4 billion in Q1 2025, attributing the increase to “disciplined asset pricing and improved funding efficiency.” Non-interest income was KES 664.3 million, which NBK said reflected performance in fees and commissions despite a competitive environment.

NBK maintained operating expenses at KES 2.1 billion in the quarter, citing cost management and operational efficiency initiatives. The most significant swing factor was credit impairment: the bank said loan loss provisions declined 92% to KES 50 million from KES 618 million in the prior-year period, which it attributed to reduced non-performing loans, improved recoveries and enhanced credit quality.

On the balance sheet, NBK said total assets increased to KES 145.3 billion, up from KES 141.1 billion in December 2025. Customer deposits stood at KES 106.7 billion, which the bank said provided a stable funding base. Net loans and advances rose to KES 57.0 billion from KES 51.0 billion in December 2025.

The results come as Kenya’s banking sector continues to contend with credit risk management, competition for low-cost deposits and a shifting interest rate environment. For NBK, the sharp decline in provisions suggests an improving risk profile, while growth in loans and advances indicates an expansion of credit to households and businesses.

NBK Managing Director George Odhiambo said the bank’s start to the year was supported by operational measures and customer activity. “We have started off the year on a strong footing, driven by customer confidence, cost management and operations efficiency initiatives,” Odhiambo said. “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.”

Odhiambo added that the lender would continue to widen its offering. “Our focus is to continue serving our customers, exploring more business opportunities and expanding our product and service offering to better serve the market,” he said.

Industry watchers typically view a combination of rising net interest income and falling impairment charges as a signal of improved asset quality and pricing discipline, but the sustainability of earnings gains often depends on how long credit costs remain low and whether loan growth is funded without increasing funding costs. NBK’s deposits level and stable operating expenses may provide support if competition for deposits intensifies across the sector.

Looking ahead, NBK said it would focus on “delivering sustainable growth” while strengthening digital capabilities and maintaining disciplined risk management. The bank also referenced ongoing “integration processes within Access Bank PLC,” reflecting its position as a subsidiary of Access Bank Plc.

KCB Group has been recognised for a second consecutive year in the Financial Times Africa’s Fastest-Growing Companies 2026 ranking, compiled in partnership with data firm Statista, the lender said in a statement.

The ranking assesses companies based on their compound annual growth rate between 2020 and 2023, according to KCB’s press release. The list, now in its fifth year since launching in 2021, tracks firms seen as contributing to job creation and competitiveness across African economies, the lender added.

The recognition comes as Kenyan banks face a tougher operating environment shaped by elevated interest rates in recent years, pressure on household and SME purchasing power, and intensified competition from mobile money and fintechs. For listed lenders, growth and profitability metrics are closely watched by investors on the Nairobi Securities Exchange (NSE) as they balance credit growth, asset quality and capital allocation.

KCB said it delivered improved profitability in its latest reported full-year performance. “In 2025, the Group posted a resilient result, with net profit rising by 11% to a record KShs. 68.4 billion, translating to a 22.5% return on equity,” the statement said. The group added that the performance “positioned the Group among the top-performing companies on the Nairobi Securities Exchange.”

On its balance sheet, KCB said it “maintained its leadership position by asset size,” reporting that total assets increased by 9.3% to KShs. 2.15 trillion.

The bank attributed its performance to its business mix and investments across the region. “The Group’s regional diversification strategy continues to strengthen resilience and drive performance across markets,” KCB said. It added that results reflected “the strength of the core banking business, sustained customer franchise growth, the benefits of regional diversification and continued investments in digital transformation and operational efficiency.”

For Kenya’s banking sector, KCB’s inclusion on the Financial Times-Statista list may reinforce the market’s focus on scale, cross-border earnings and technology-led cost discipline as key levers for growth. Analysts typically view regional diversification as a buffer against localised shocks, though it can also increase exposure to multiple regulatory regimes and currency volatility across East Africa.

Looking ahead, the extent to which KCB sustains growth rates comparable to the period assessed by the ranking (2020–2023) is likely to depend on credit demand, funding costs, asset quality trends and execution of its digital and efficiency programmes. Investors will also watch for updates on performance across its regional subsidiaries and the group’s ability to defend margins as competition for deposits and loans remains tight.

CFAO Mobility Kenya and Stanbic Bank Kenya have renewed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at expanding access to vehicle financing for customers purchasing vehicles from CFAO Mobility’s portfolio, the companies said in a statement dated May 11 in Nairobi.

Under the renewed agreement, customers can access financing of up to 100% for personal vehicles and up to 90% for commercial vehicles, with “zero processing fees” and repayment periods of up to 96 months for salaried customers and up to 72 months for business clients, according to the press release.

The partnership is intended to support both individual and business buyers at a time when access to credit remains a key constraint in the automotive market, particularly for first-time buyers and small enterprises that rely on vehicles for delivery, logistics and field operations.

Daniel Maundu, General Manager, Toyota National Sales at CFAO Mobility, said the renewed deal targets customers who want to own a vehicle but face financing barriers. “At CFAO Mobility, we believe car ownership starts with access. Every day, we meet customers who are ready to own a vehicle but face financial constraints. That is why today’s partnership is so significant because it is the bridge that helps customers turn their aspirations into ownership,” Maundu said.

Stanbic Bank Kenya said the MoU aligns with its asset finance strategy and is structured to provide an end-to-end customer experience. “This MOU reflects a shared vision to deliver practical, customer-centric mobility and financing solutions that empower individuals and businesses to grow and thrive. Through this partnership, we are combining CFAO’s leadership in mobility solutions with Stanbic’s expertise in asset finance to provide seamless vehicle financing,” said Kimani Njagi, Head of Vehicle and Asset Financing at Stanbic Bank Kenya.

The companies made the announcement during the 2026 Beauty Meets the Bonnet event, which the press release described as a women-only automotive platform focused on building confidence and knowledge around car ownership. According to the statement, attendees participated in test drives across CFAO Mobility models and went through practical maintenance sessions, including how to identify genuine versus counterfeit parts and how to change a tyre.

For Kenya’s automotive and banking sectors, such dealer-bank partnerships remain an important channel for stimulating vehicle sales and broadening asset finance uptake, particularly as buyers seek longer tenures and lower upfront costs. Financing terms such as extended repayment periods can improve affordability for salaried buyers, while partial financing for commercial vehicles can support fleet acquisition for small and medium-sized enterprises.

CFAO Mobility Kenya said the arrangement will cover models within its portfolio. In its company description, Toyota by CFAO Limited said it is the official distributor and service provider for brands including Toyota, Yamaha motorcycles, Volkswagen, Suzuki, Mercedes-Benz passenger vehicles, trucks and buses, Hino, Hyundai light trucks and Sinotruk (HOWO), and also operates AUTOFAST quick service stations and the Automark certified pre-owned brand.

Looking ahead, the effectiveness of the renewed MoU is likely to be measured by loan uptake, vehicle sales supported by credit, and the performance of after-sales and servicing demand associated with financed vehicles. The companies did not disclose targeted volumes, interest rates or the expected value of financing to be issued under the renewed agreement.

CFAO Mobility Kenya and Stanbic Bank Kenya have renewed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to extend vehicle financing terms for customers purchasing vehicles across CFAO Mobility’s portfolio, the firms said on May 13 in Nairobi.

Under the renewed MOU, customers can access vehicle financing of up to 100% for personal vehicles and up to 90% for commercial vehicles. The financing terms include zero processing fees and repayment tenures of up to 96 months for salaried customers and up to 72 months for business clients, according to the press release.

The agreement comes as lenders and vehicle distributors in Kenya continue to compete on affordability and financing access, with higher living costs and interest rate expectations shaping household and SME purchasing decisions. For the automotive retail market, longer tenures and reduced upfront costs can support demand for new vehicles, particularly for buyers who would otherwise opt for used imports due to price sensitivity.

Daniel Maundu, General Manager, Toyota National Sales at CFAO Mobility, said the partnership targets customers who face financing constraints despite readiness to purchase. “At CFAO Mobility, we believe car ownership starts with access. Every day, we meet customers who are ready to own a vehicle but face financial constraints. That is why today’s partnership is so significant because it is the bridge that helps customers turn their aspirations into ownership,” Maundu said.

Stanbic Bank Kenya said the renewed deal aligns its asset finance focus with CFAO Mobility’s distribution and after-sales offering. “This MOU reflects a shared vision to deliver practical, customer-centric mobility and financing solutions that empower individuals and businesses to grow and thrive. Through this partnership, we are combining CFAO’s leadership in mobility solutions with Stanbic’s expertise in asset finance to provide seamless vehicle financing,” said Kimani Njagi, Head of Vehicle and Asset Financing at Stanbic Bank Kenya.

According to the press release, the partnership also aims to support customers beyond purchase, including maintenance, servicing and potential future upgrades. In Kenya’s formal automotive sector, after-sales support has become a competitive differentiator, particularly as consumers weigh total cost of ownership and concerns around counterfeit spare parts.

The announcement was made during the 2026 Beauty Meets the Bonnet event, described by the organisers as a women-only automotive platform focused on building confidence and practical knowledge around car ownership. The companies said attendees participated in test drives across CFAO Mobility models and visited interactive learning stations covering basic maintenance topics, including identifying genuine versus counterfeit parts and changing a tyre.

The organisers said the platform has more than 800 registered members and focuses on financial empowerment, practical car knowledge and vehicle upgrade pathways. While the event is positioned as an engagement channel, it also signals how dealerships and banks are targeting customer segments with bundled education, after-sales support and financing options to stimulate demand.

Looking ahead, the impact of the renewed MOU is likely to be measured by uptake across personal and commercial buyers, particularly SMEs seeking vehicle-backed growth. Further details such as pricing, applicable interest rates and eligibility criteria were not disclosed in the press release.

KCB Bank Kenya has launched a mortgage financing product aimed at expanding home ownership access for micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and workers in Kenya’s informal economy, the lender said in a press release dated April 29, 2026.

The bank said the product offers a single-digit interest rate and is designed for borrowers such as artisans, boda boda operators, gig economy workers and digital content creators, whose income streams may be irregular but can be evidenced through transaction patterns. The facility targets applicants who have operated a business for at least two years.

According to KCB, the mortgage loans will range from KES 1 million to KES 4 million, with a maximum repayment period of 15 years.

The announcement comes amid persistent constraints in Kenya’s housing market, where formal mortgage access has historically been limited to salaried borrowers and higher-income segments. KCB linked the new product to the country’s affordable housing agenda, while pointing to structural barriers such as credit assessment models that rely on formal employment documentation.

Speaking during the launch, Caroline Wanjeri, Director of Mortgage Business at KCB Bank Kenya, said mortgage uptake has remained concentrated among formally employed Kenyans. “For years, Kenya’s mortgage uptake has been concentrated among formally employed and middle to high income earners, a scenario that has kept the mortgage penetration levels at around 3%,” Wanjeri said.

Wanjeri added that the target market is significant given the structure of Kenya’s labour market. “With more than 80% of Kenya’s workforce operating in the informal sector, the new mortgage solution seeks to increase financial inclusion, ease the rigid credit assessment mortgage models and enable an increase in homeownership for Kenyans,” she said.

KCB said the product will use non-traditional data points to assess affordability, rather than the conventional reliance on payslips and employer contracts. The bank said it will consider transactional history, mobile money flows, business records, savings patterns and other alternative data to determine repayment capacity.

“This solution acknowledges that Kenya’s economy runs on enterprise. By combining alternative credit assessment and financial discipline we are making mortgage financing accessible by redefining eligibility through consistency in business performance as a credible pathway to dignified home ownership,” Wanjeri said.

The move highlights a broader push by lenders to design credit products for borrowers outside formal payroll systems, as competition intensifies in retail banking and as digitised transaction trails make underwriting more data-driven. For Kenya’s banking sector, such models could deepen mortgage penetration if risks are properly priced and borrowers are supported to maintain stable repayment behaviour.

KCB cited housing demand pressures as part of the backdrop for the product’s launch, pointing to an annual urban growth rate of 4.4% and a housing backlog affecting low-income households. The bank also referenced Kenya’s Vision 2030 Third Medium Term Plan (MTP III) 2018–2022, which identifies affordable housing as a pillar for inclusive growth.

However, KCB noted that progress has been constrained by limited investment finance into housing, rising construction costs and affordability challenges along the housing value chain. The bank described the new product as an intervention intended to improve access to longer-term credit for prospective homeowners.

Going forward, the scale of uptake will likely depend on how quickly the bank can operationalise alternative credit scoring across customer segments and how the product is aligned with property supply in the targeted price bands. KCB did not disclose expected disbursement volumes or portfolio targets in the press release.

KCB Group has announced the winners of the Revvvisha na KCB National Consumer Promotion, closing a four-month campaign that ran from December 26, 2025 to April 26, 2026, according to a company press release dated April 29, 2026.

The lender said the grand prize—a one-bedroom apartment at Tatu City—was awarded to Scholastica Syokau Musau, with the unit provided by Unity Homes. KCB also named John Mburu & Associates among the winners, saying the firm received KES 500,000 to be deposited into its KCB Money Market Fund through KCB Investment Bank.

The campaign was structured around encouraging customers to grow balances, maintain savings, and invest in selected products to qualify for monthly prizes and a final grand draw, the bank said.

Deposit mobilisation campaigns have remained a key tool for Kenyan lenders as competition for retail savings intensifies and banks seek stable funding alongside a growing push for savings and investment products. KCB said the promotion was timed to coincide with interest around the WRC Safari Rally, linking participation in the campaign to broader national attention on the event.

Rosalind Gichuru, KCB Group Director of Marketing and Communications, said the campaign reflected the bank’s focus on customer financial behaviour and longer-term planning.

“Revvvisha na KCB reflects our focus on empowering customers to build financial discipline through practical and rewarding solutions. The strong uptake we have seen shows that customers are increasingly prioritising savings and investments as part of their financial goals,” Gichuru said.

KCB positioned the campaign as tied to homeownership messaging through its partnership with Unity Homes and its marketing around the 2026 WRC Safari Rally. Caroline Wanjeri, Director of Mortgage Business at KCB, said the campaign targeted customers at different stages of saving towards housing.

“At KCB, we have always believed that homeownership is not just a privilege but an achievable goal for every Kenyan who is intentional about saving. Through our partnership with Unity Homes and our involvement in the 2026 WRC Safari Rally, we have made the message louder and more exciting than ever before,” Wanjeri said.

She added: “The Revvvisha na KCB campaign was designed to meet Kenyans where they are, whether they are just beginning their savings journey or already working towards owning their first home. Our KCB goal savings account, backed by our mortgage solutions, provides the runway to get there.”

Unity Homes said the partnership aligns developers and financiers in efforts to expand access to housing. “We are proud to partner with KCB to make homeownership more accessible. This collaboration demonstrates how financial institutions and developers can come together to create real impact for customers,” said Mina Stiernblad, Commercial Director at Unity Homes.

KCB said the winners’ draw was conducted in the presence of representatives from KCB, Unity Homes and the Betting Control and Licensing Board (BCLB), which the bank said was aimed at ensuring transparency and fairness.

For Kenya’s banking and housing markets, promotions tied to savings and investment products can influence short-term deposit growth and customer acquisition, while partnerships with real estate developers highlight how lenders continue to use housing-related incentives to support mortgage pipelines. KCB did not disclose the number of participants, total deposits mobilised, or the value of the apartment prize.

KCB said the promotion has concluded, with the winners now announced. The bank and its partners have not provided details on whether the campaign will be renewed or expanded in a subsequent edition.

KCB Bank Kenya has launched an under-18 savings and financial literacy proposition aimed at building a savings culture among children, the lender said in a statement issued in Nairobi.

According to KCB, the initiative is designed as a financial literacy and wellness programme that will “equip parents with practical tools to guide their children on financial literacy from an early age,” with the goal of supporting responsible money habits over time.

The bank said the proposition introduces two account segments targeting different age groups. “The Cub Account is designed for children and anchored on parent-led savings, early financial habits, and future planning for children aged 0 to 12 years,” KCB said. It added that “The Leo Account is tailored for teens, 13 to 17 years, focusing on financial independence, smart money management, and lifestyle relevance as they transition into young adulthood.”

KCB linked the programme to broader concerns about financial knowledge gaps, saying the initiative aims to ensure children can access money management education early. The bank said building these skills at a young age is important for improving future financial decision-making and long-term household stability.

The launch comes as Kenyan banks and other financial institutions increasingly compete to deepen customer relationships through youth and family banking propositions, including digital onboarding and savings products linked to financial education. For lenders, under-18 products can help build long-term customer pipelines while supporting national goals around financial inclusion and consumer financial capability.

KCB said parents and guardians can enrol by opening an account for their children through the new KCB Mobile App or by visiting any KCB branch countrywide.

In Kenya’s retail banking market, such propositions may also influence deposit mobilisation trends, especially among families looking to ring-fence funds for school-related expenses and longer-term goals. However, take-up will likely depend on product features, ease of onboarding, and how effectively financial literacy content is delivered to parents and children.

KCB did not disclose target customer numbers, deposit targets, or timelines for rolling out additional features under the programme. The bank is expected to provide further details as implementation progresses and as customer onboarding scales through its mobile and branch channels.

KCB Group CEO Paul Russo joined policymakers, investors and development finance institutions at the 3rd Climate Change Global Business Summit on Africa in Nairobi to discuss how private investment can accelerate climate solutions across the continent, according to a statement circulated after the event.

The summit was held at Villa Rosa Kempinski Hotel and brought together business leaders, senior government officials and sustainability experts to explore financing pathways for Africa’s green transition. The discussions covered mobilisation of capital, climate resilience, and positioning Africa as a destination for sustainable investment, the statement said.

According to the statement, the forum included Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe, private sector representatives including the Kenya Private Sector Alliance (KEPSA), and global investors including the French Chamber of Commerce. Agenda items included unlocking private investment in climate solutions, strengthening sustainable urban development and mobility, and financing climate-resilient energy and infrastructure.

KCB participated in a high-level panel titled “Climate Finance, Equity, and the Just Transition: Unlocking Private Investments in Kenya and Africa,” which the statement said was moderated by journalist Yvonne Okwara.

During the discussion, Russo said partnerships would be critical to making climate projects bankable and investable. “We have built a team of subject matter experts, and we are therefore equipped to co-create solutions,” Paul Russo, KCB Group CEO, said in the statement.

He also pointed to structural constraints in the climate finance market, arguing that stronger collaboration is needed among development finance institutions, governments and commercial banks to share risk, improve project pipelines and unlock long-term capital, according to the statement.

Russo linked the remarks to KCB’s sustainability strategy, saying the lender is prioritising financing for renewable energy, clean technologies and low-carbon growth. “We have set a target to allocate 25% of our total loan book to green financing, helping accelerate the transition toward sustainable industries,” Russo said.

The remarks come as Kenyan banks and corporates seek to finance energy transition and climate adaptation projects at a time when long-tenor, affordable capital remains limited for many borrowers. In Kenya, demand for funding is being driven by renewable energy build-out, climate-smart agriculture, e-mobility, and resilient infrastructure—sectors that often require blended finance structures, guarantees, or concessional capital to close viability gaps.

For the financial sector, commitments such as allocating a share of loan books to green financing can influence competition for climate-aligned deals and may increase pressure to strengthen internal capacity for climate risk assessment and project evaluation. The availability of investable projects—with robust feasibility studies, permitting progress and credible offtake arrangements—remains a key bottleneck across East Africa, market participants say.

Looking ahead, the push for scaled climate finance is expected to continue through policy engagement and deal structuring between banks, development finance institutions and government agencies as Kenya and the region expand pipelines of renewable energy, clean transport and climate-resilient infrastructure projects.

Diamond Trust Bank (DTB) on 23 March 2026 announced its financial results for the year ended 31 December 2025, reporting a 26% rise in pre-tax profit and a 21% increase in profit after tax to KES 10.7 billion, according to the bank’s statement issued in Nairobi.

DTB attributed the performance to a 15% increase in total assets, a 14% rise in top-line revenues and cost controls that limited operating expense growth to 7% during the year. Customer deposits grew 14% to KES 509 billion, while net loans expanded 14% to KES 324 billion, the bank said.

The lender said customer numbers across East Africa increased to 4.5 million at the end of 2025 from 3.1 million a year earlier, supported by a 157-branch network and a focus on mid-market, SME and retail segments through what it described as “ecosystem banking”.

Asset quality metrics improved, with DTB reporting a reduction in the non-performing loan (NPL) ratio to 10.8% from 12.3% in the prior year. The group’s specific coverage ratio rose to 51.1% from 39.6%, DTB said, adding it is targeting a single-digit NPL ratio by the end of 2026. The bank also reported shareholders’ equity had crossed KES 100 billion.

Following the results, DTB said its Board of Directors has recommended an increased dividend of KES 9 per share.

Nasim Devji, Group Chief Executive Officer at DTB, said the lender’s results reflected execution and operational efficiency. “These results reflect the strength of our strategy and the resilience of our business model. We have delivered quality growth while maintaining strong discipline and enhancing operational efficiency. Our continued investment in digital capabilities is enabling us to serve our customers better and expand access to financial services across our markets,” Devji said.

Murali Natarajan, DTB Kenya Chief Executive Officer, said the bank was also tracking non-financial outcomes alongside profit. “Our performance is not only measured by financial returns, but also by the impact we create. Through our initiatives, we are supporting communities, advancing financial inclusion, and contributing to climate action,” Natarajan said.

DTB’s results come as Kenyan lenders continue to navigate credit risk, funding competition and the shifting cost of capital environment, with NPL management and deposit mobilisation remaining central to profitability. DTB’s reported decline in NPLs and improved provisioning coverage point to a tighter approach to credit risk and recovery, while double-digit growth in deposits and loans suggests continued appetite for credit in its target segments, particularly SMEs and retail borrowers.

The bank also disclosed selected sustainability and social metrics. DTB said it had grown over one million trees under its Much More Than Trees initiative, reached more than 30,000 girls through its Achieve More Girl programme, and trained over 10,000 individuals and MSMEs in financial literacy and enterprise development as at the end of 2025.

Looking ahead, DTB said it will continue focusing on business growth, digital innovation and customer support across segments, while advancing its sustainability agenda. Investors will watch for the bank’s progress towards its single-digit NPL target by end-2026 and for further guidance on dividend approval timelines and capital deployment as loan growth continues.