Banking Sector Results
KCB Group led the week’s headlines after reporting an 11% increase in earnings to KSh 68.4 billion. Following the strong performance, the Board proposed a final dividend of KSh 3.00 per share, subject to shareholder approval.
Stanbic Holdings also released its FY2025 results, posting profit after tax of KSh 13.72 billion, largely flat year-on-year. Despite the modest earnings growth, the bank proposed a higher dividend payout of KSh 22.35 per share, reflecting resilience while continuing to grow assets and customer deposits.
Liberty Kenya FY2025 Results
In the insurance industry, Liberty Kenya Holdings maintained its dividend at KSh 0.50 per share despite a 65% drop in net profit to KSh 659 million. The insurer attributed the decline to higher claims and weaker investment income, particularly from traditional investment classes such as government securities and fixed deposits.
Regulatory Updates
Meanwhile, the Insurance Regulatory Authority (IRA) placed Trident Insurance Company, KUSCCO Mutual Assurance Limited, and Corporate Insurance Company under statutory management. This intervention occurs when insurers face financial or operational challenges requiring regulatory oversight.
Strong Demand in Treasury Bills Auction
Investor demand for government securities remained firm. The Central Bank of Kenya accepted KSh 32.22 billion in bids during this week’s Treasury bills auction, exceeding the KSh 24 billion offered.
The weighted average interest rates settled at 7.56% for the 91-day paper, 7.85% for the 182-day paper, and 8.48% for the 364-day paper, reflecting stable liquidity conditions and sustained investor appetite for fixed income instruments.
Collective Investment Schemes Continue Growing
The Capital Markets Authority released its Collective Investment Schemes report for the period ending 31 December 2025, showing total assets under management at KSh 756 billion.
Sanlam Unit Trust Scheme remained the market leader with KSh 144 billion in assets under management, highlighting the growing role of unit trusts in Kenya’s investment landscape.
Media Sector Ownership Shift
In the media industry, the Aga Khan Fund for Economic Development (AKFED) has agreed to sell its stake in Nation Media Group PLC through NPRT Holdings Africa to Taarifa Ltd, owned by Tanzanian businessman Rostam Azizi.
The deal transfers AKFED’s 54.08% controlling stake in Nation Media Group and ends a 66-year relationship that began in 1959, marking a significant shift in East Africa’s media ownership structure.
Corporate Leadership Changes
East African Breweries PLC (EABL) appointed Justin Mollel as Group Chief Financial Officer designate, effective 1 May 2026. He will succeed Risper Ohaga, who will step down on 30 June 2026 after six years in the role.
Strategic Corporate Developments
Centum Investment Company PLC completed its full exit from Sidian Bank Limited, selling its entire equity stake in Bakki Holdco. The divestment marks the end of Centum’s 22-year involvement in the banking sector.
NSE Marks Milestone with ALP I-REIT Listing
The Nairobi Securities Exchange (NSE) celebrated the listing of the Africa Logistics Properties (ALP) Industrial I-REIT, a USD-denominated instrument that represents a significant milestone for Kenya’s capital markets.
The new REIT aims to bridge high-growth local investment opportunities with international capital standards, reflecting the continued evolution of Kenya’s financial ecosystem.
Corporate Updates
Absa Bank Kenya marked International Women’s Day by honoring 48 graduates of the SheRises Rise Masterclass, while also recognizing outstanding leaders during the Women in Leadership Awards 2026.
Meanwhile, NCBA Group, in partnership with Kenya Seed Company, hosted an Agripreneurs’ Forum in Kitale bringing together over 150 maize seed farmers to discuss financing, productivity, and market access ahead of the 2026 planting season.
Coming Up: 76th Masterclass
As part of #April #FinancialLiteracyMonth, the 76th Abojani Personal Finance, Saving & Investing Masterclass will equip participants with the skillset, toolset, and mindset needed to build generational wealth, covering topics such as Unit Trusts, Stocks, SACCOs, Bonds, and Treasury Bills.
