What You Need to Know
NCBA Group PLC has reported a net profit of Sh23.4 billion for the financial year ending 2025, a 7% increase from the previous year. The bank plans to distribute Sh11.7 billion in dividends and has unveiled its new 2026–2030 strategy, focusing on growth and market expansion, while emphasizing digital lending and sustainability initiatives.
Africa-Press – Kenya. NCBA Group PLC has reported a net profit of Sh23.4 billion for the financial year ended 2025, marking a 7 per cent increase from the Sh21.9 billion recorded in 2024.
The lender said the performance supports a higher dividend payout to shareholders.
Total dividends rose to Sh11.7 billion from Sh9.1 billion a year earlier. The board has recommended a final dividend of Sh7.10 per share, bringing the total payout for the year to the same level.
Profit before tax stood at Sh27.9 billion, representing a 10.9 per cent increase compared to the previous year.
Operating income grew by 17 per cent to Sh73.3 billion, while operating expenses rose at the same rate to Sh37.5 billion.
The group set aside Sh8.0 billion for credit losses during the year, a 46.3 per cent increase. Customer deposits closed at Sh532 billion, up 6 per cent, while total assets grew by 8 per cent to Sh716 billion.
Digital lending remained a key driver of growth, with the bank disbursing KSh1.4 trillion in digital loans, representing a 32 per cent increase year on year.
Group Managing Director John Gachora said the results marked the conclusion of the bank’s 2020–2025 strategy.
“The 2025 outcomes are a great milestone to close out our 2020–2025 strategy. Over the last five years, a disciplined execution of strategy and enhanced diversification of our business model have delivered a more robust institution with momentum to carry us forward,” he said.
Over the five years, the bank expanded its branch network from 89 to 123 outlets and reported growth in its customer base. It also strengthened its corporate banking segment, with deposits in the unit reaching Sh215 billion.
The lender said more than 20,000 customers adopted its regional transaction platform, while its asset finance business maintained a market share of over 30 per cent. Digital operations contributed 32 per cent of the group’s profitability, with profit before tax from the segment reaching Sh9.0 billion.
The bank also reported growth in its workforce, with staff numbers rising from 2,512 in 2020 to more than 4,000 in 2025. Its Kenya banking subsidiary remained the main contributor to earnings, accounting for 82 per cent of profit before tax.
Regional subsidiaries generated Sh3.6 billion in profit before tax, contributing 13 per cent to the group’s bottom line.
Non-banking subsidiaries, including investment banking, bancassurance, leasing and insurance, recorded a combined profit before tax of Sh1.9 billion, accounting for 5 per cent of total earnings.
The group also highlighted progress in its sustainability programme, reporting Sh9.5 billion in green and sustainable financing and the planting of more than 1.3 million trees. It said it had supported over 70,000 women, youth and players in the creative economy through skills and mentorship initiatives. Looking ahead, the lender unveiled a new five-year plan dubbed the 2026–2030 Ubuntu strategy.
The plan will focus on strengthening core operations, expanding high-growth segments, entering new markets and transforming its operating model. The group said the proposed acquisition of a 66 per cent stake by Nedbank Group could accelerate its expansion plans. It noted that the transaction is expected to enhance access to funding, diversify risk beyond East Africa and broaden product offerings. Gachora said the bank remains focused on sustaining growth.
“We are proud of the progress we have made, excited about the Ubuntu strategy, and clear that the Nedbank transaction will only accelerate our ambitions,” he said.
NCBA Group PLC has undergone significant transformation since its establishment, evolving into a major player in Kenya’s banking sector. The bank’s strategic focus on digital lending and diversification has allowed it to adapt to changing market conditions and consumer needs, contributing to its recent financial success. Over the years, NCBA has expanded its branch network and customer base, reinforcing its position in the competitive banking landscape of Kenya. The introduction of the new Ubuntu strategy marks a pivotal moment as the bank aims to further enhance its operations and market reach.
