KCB Group PLC has cemented its position as a leader in sustainable finance within East Africa, announcing a significant KSh 50 billion issuance in green loans across its operations in Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania, and Uganda.
This milestone, detailed in the Group’s FY2025 investor update, underscores a strategic pivot toward integrating Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles into the heart of regional banking.
The bank’s commitment to “People and Planet” alongside “Profit” is evidenced by its rigorous Environmental and Social Due Diligence framework, through which it screened an additional KSh 587 billion in loans to mitigate climate and social risks. This green transition is further bolstered by a landmark $150 million financing package signed with the African Development Bank Group (AfDB). This partnership is specifically designed to accelerate climate-smart investments and enhance trade finance capacity for small businesses and corporates grappling with the evolving climate economy.
Beyond the balance sheet, KCB’s sustainability efforts have yielded tangible ecological and social impacts. The Group and its partners successfully planted 3.5 million trees and provided a lifeline to over 265,000 individuals through livelihood programmes such as 2Jiajiri and Mifugo ni Mali. Education remains a core pillar of this social investment, with the KCB Scholars Programme supporting 4,261 students from marginalized backgrounds, including teen mothers and persons with disabilities, ensuring that the transition to a green economy remains inclusive.
Financially, KCB reported a net profit of KSh 68.4 billion for 2025, marking an 11% increase. This growth was supported by a 15% rise in customer loans, which now total KSh 1.59 trillion. Group CEO Paul Russo noted that the results reflect the resilience of the franchise and its disciplined execution in a challenging global environment. With a proposed total dividend payout of KSh 7.0 per share, the bank is demonstrating that sustainable lending and robust shareholder returns can go hand-in-hand.
Looking forward, KCB Group Chairman Dr. Joseph Kinyua expressed optimism regarding the region’s economic transformation. Despite global geopolitical uncertainties, the bank continues to deepen its digital footprint and regional diversification, with subsidiaries outside Kenya now contributing over 30% of the Group’s pre-tax profit.
