By Jeff Kizzilah/Digital Editor
John Gachora MD NCBA
NCBA has reported a Profit After Tax of KSh 6.0 billion for the first quarter ending March 2026, marking a 9 per cent increase from KSh 5.5 billion recorded during a similar period in 2025.
The strong financial performance was driven by sustained business growth, revenue diversification, and resilience across the Group’s core operating segments, according to Group Managing Director .
The Group recorded an operating income of KSh 20.0 billion, representing a 15 per cent year-on-year growth, while Profit Before Tax rose to KSh 7.4 billion, also up by 9 per cent.
Key highlights from the Q1 2026 financial results include:
- Operating income rose to KSh 20.0 billion, up 15 per cent.
- Profit before tax increased to KSh 7.4 billion, up 9 per cent.
- Profit after tax grew to KSh 6.0 billion, up 9 per cent.
- Customer deposits stood at KSh 544 billion, a 10 per cent increase.
- Total assets grew to KSh 741 billion, up 13 per cent.
- Digital loans disbursed increased by 27 per cent to KSh 391 million.
- Operating expenses rose by 9 per cent to KSh 9.7 billion.
- Provision for credit losses increased by 56 per cent to KSh 2.5 billion due to prudent risk management measures.
Speaking while announcing the results, Gachora said the Group had made a strong start in implementing its new strategy anchored on four pillars: Fortifying the Core, Scaling High-Growth Segments, Unlocking New Growth Frontiers, and building a future-ready Ubuntu purpose-driven culture.
“The Group delivered strong topline momentum, with operating income increasing by 15 per cent year-on-year, reflecting sustained business growth, improved revenue diversification, and continued resilience across core operating segments,” said Gachora.
He added that the increase in impairment charges was informed by a cautious approach to credit risk assessment amid a volatile economic environment.
“Our capital position remained robust, with a total capital adequacy ratio of 21.8 per cent, well above the regulatory minimum of 14.5 per cent. The return on average equity remained stable at 18.4 per cent, reflecting our continued long-term focus,” he stated.
NCBA Bank Kenya remained the Group’s main profitability driver, recording a 20 per cent growth in Profit Before Tax to KSh 6.5 billion. Regional subsidiaries in Uganda, Tanzania, and Rwanda delivered a combined Profit Before Tax of KSh 707 million.
Non-banking subsidiaries including NCBA Investment Bank, NCBA Insurance, Leasing, and BancAssurance jointly posted KSh 641 million in Profit Before Tax.
As part of its strategy to expand wealth management solutions, NCBA Investment Bank grew Assets Under Management to KSh 101.5 billion, while the number of wealth customers surpassed 60,000.
The Group also revealed that its insurance subsidiaries recorded combined Gross Written Premiums of KSh 5.0 billion, supported by efforts to integrate insurance products across customer journeys.
On digital transformation, NCBA improved service uptime to 99.74 per cent through investments in cybersecurity, AI-powered onboarding systems, customer relationship management platforms, and automated credit and claims processes.
The Group noted that 98 per cent of all customer transactions are now conducted digitally, reinforcing its position as a leading digital lender in the region.
NCBA also highlighted strong growth in its Asset Finance business, where it commands a 32 per cent market share. Its digital vehicle marketplace, CarDuka, has attracted close to 7 million users, while the recently launched NCBA BOOSTA product is expected to accelerate SME lending growth after recording KSh 8.3 billion in MSME lending during the quarter.
