KCB Deposits Rise to KShs. 1.7 Trillion Amid Strong Customer Growth

KCB Group PLC has recorded strong growth in customer deposits and balance sheet expansion during the first quarter of 2026 as the lender continued to onboard new customers across the region.

According to the bank’s latest financial results for the period ending March 31, 2026, customer deposits rose by 16 percent to KShs. 1.7 trillion driven by sustained growth in both corporate and retail banking segments.

The Group’s overall balance sheet expanded by 10.8 percent to KShs. 2.3 trillion as customer activity increased across key business lines.

KCB attributed the performance to improved business activity and growth in interest-bearing assets despite a challenging economic environment.

The lender also posted a pre-tax profit of KShs. 24.4 billion during the quarter, representing a 15.3 percent growth from KShs. 21.2 billion recorded during a similar period last year.

Total operating income increased by 8.5 percent to KShs. 53.6 billion.

Excluding the impact of National Bank of Kenya, which the Group divested from in May 2025, pre-tax profit growth stood at 17 percent.

KCB Group Chief Executive Officer Paul Russo said the lender remained focused on innovation and financing economic transformation.

“Despite the challenging operating environment, we delivered solid growth driven by disciplined execution, continued investment in digital innovation, and our unwavering commitment to providing financing which catalyzes economic transformation across the region. We continued to optimize our regional footprint and scale to best serve our customers and create sustainable shareholder value,” said KCB Group CEO, Paul Russo.

“While economic activity in East Africa remained resilient, we continued to see the impact of the Middle East conflict on economies, with a likely ripple effect of depressed credit demand, increased credit risk and lower remittance receipts, and on deposits,” he added.

KCB’s gross loan book also expanded to KShs. 1.32 trillion up from KShs. 1.21 trillion recorded during the same period last year.

The Group maintained strong capital and liquidity positions, with liquidity ratio standing at 51.1 percent.

KCB Group Chairman Dr. Joseph Kinyua said the lender remained confident in its ability to support economic growth and financial inclusion across the region.

“The Group’s strong start to the year is a clear affirmation of the effectiveness of our long-term strategy, the resilience of our regional businesses, and the discipline with which we continue to execute our priorities. We remain confident in the Group’s ability to navigate evolving market dynamics while continuing to support economic growth, regional trade, and financial inclusion across our markets. The Middle East conflict presents a significant counterforce to global growth through its impact on commodity markets, inflation expectations and financial conditions,” said KCB Group Chairman, Dr. Joseph Kinyua.