Strong H1’26 – Equity Group Profit Surges 31.5%
Equity Group Holdings delivered another strong performance in H1 2026, with profit attributable to shareholders rising 31.5% to Ksh 43.8 billion.
The Group’s balance sheet also expanded significantly. Customer loans grew 18.9% to Ksh 981 billion, total assets increased 19.8% to Ksh 2.2 trillion, while customer deposits rose 20.4% to Ksh 1.6 trillion.
Shareholders’ funds increased 26.8% to Ksh 332 billion, while gross NPLs declined 22.2% to Ksh 108.4 billion.
Revenue grew 24.6% to Ksh 124.9 billion, against a 17.2% increase in operating expenses, resulting in a cost-to-income ratio of 48.6%.
Absa Increases Interim Dividend by 150%
Absa Bank Kenya’s H1 performance was more mixed, with revenue declining Ksh 6.8 billion to Ksh 29.3 billion and profit after tax falling 9.8% to Ksh 10.5 billion.
However, the bank continued to strengthen its balance sheet. Customer loans increased 8.2% to Ksh 329.9 billion, deposits grew 5.4% to Ksh 380.7 billion and gross NPLs declined 18% to Ksh 36.4 billion.
The standout announcement for shareholders was the 150% increase in the interim dividend from Ksh 0.20 to Ksh 0.50 per share. The dividend will be payable on or about 15th October 2026 to shareholders on record as of 18th September.
Family Bank Profits Rise 60%
Family Bank has recorded significant growth in its debut listed half-year earning period.
Profit after tax increased from Ksh 2.3 billion in H1 2025 to Ksh 3.7 billion in H1 2026, representing a 60.9% increase.
The balance sheet also grew significantly over the same period, reaching Ksh 238.9 billion, up 23.9% from Ksh 192.9 billion in H1 2025.
DTB Profit Before Tax Rises 37%
Diamond Trust Bank Group recorded a 37% increase in H1 profit before tax to Ksh 9.8 billion, alongside a 44% increase in its customer base.
Total assets crossed Ksh 675 billion, while customer deposits grew 10.6% to Ksh 534.2 billion and customer loans increased 13.7% to Ksh 328 billion.
Profit attributable to shareholders rose 34.1% to Ksh 6.4 billion, while the Group’s NPL ratio improved from 13.0% to 11.6%.
StanChart Raises Interim Dividend
Standard Chartered Bank Kenya’s H1 profit after tax declined 16.8% to Ksh 6.7 billion, while total revenue fell 8.8% to Ksh 20.1 billion.
However, the bank’s balance sheet continued to grow. Customer loans increased 11% to Ksh 169.2 billion and deposits rose 6.4% to Ksh 309.1 billion.
Its wealth business remained a standout performer, with Assets Under Management rising 13% to Ksh 343 billion.
Despite the decline in profitability, shareholders will receive a higher interim dividend of Ksh 8.50 per share, up 6.25%.
Absa Group Moves to 71.99% Stake
Absa Group has concluded its tender offer to acquire additional shares in Absa Bank Kenya at Ksh 34.50 per share.
Shareholders tendered 189.98 million shares, of which 189.38 million were accepted, putting the transaction value at approximately Ksh 6.53 billion.
Once the accepted shares are transferred, Absa Group’s stake in Absa Bank Kenya will rise to approximately 71.99%, from 68.5%.
Kenya’s Pension Industry Crosses Ksh 3 Trillion
Kenya’s retirement benefits industry reached a significant milestone, with pension assets under management rising to Ksh 3.09 trillion as at June 2026.
This represents 22% year-on-year growth from Ksh 2.53 trillion in June 2025. Over the past decade, industry assets have nearly quadrupled from Ksh 830 billion in June 2016.
Retirement Planning Goes Beyond a Pension
We partnered with ICEA LION Group Life Assurance Company for a Retirement 101 webinar on creating a retirement wealth basket.
One of the key messages from the session was that retirement planning cannot be left until the final years of your career. Building wealth early gives you more time to save, invest and adjust your strategy.
We also explored the importance of having multiple sources of retirement wealth, protecting assets, accounting for healthcare and inflation, managing debt and regularly reviewing your portfolio.
With Kenya’s pension assets now above Ksh 3 trillion, the bigger question is not simply whether you have a pension, but whether you have a comprehensive plan for the life you want after employment.
Catch the full conversation here:
- Watch the Retirement 101 recording
- Passcode: Retire@101
NCBA CEO Recognized Among Africa’s Top Banking Executives
NCBA Group CEO John Gachora has been named among Pan African Voice’s Top 25 Banking & Finance Executives in Africa for 2026.
The recognition comes as NCBA continues to expand its digital offering through solutions such as Loop, NCBA Now, digital lending and PropertyDuka, reflecting the growing role of technology and customer-focused innovation in African financial services.
Coming Up
Understanding Insurance in Today’s Changing World
Next Thursday, we will host an X-Space exploring how insurance can help protect our finances as our lives, risks and financial needs change.
📅 27th August 2026
⏰ 7:00 PM EAT
The conversation will feature Jane Njeru and Benson M. Njatha of Equity Bancassurance Intermediary Ltd.
The 6th Abojani Economic Empowerment Conference
Preparations are also underway for the 6th Abojani Economic Empowerment Conference, taking place on 21st November 2026 at Radisson Blu Upper Hill.
Under the theme “Invest Intelligently,” the conference will bring together investors, professionals and thought leaders to examine opportunities, risks and strategies for navigating today’s investment environment.
The 81st Abojani Masterclass
Finally, our 81st Abojani Personal Finance, Saving & Investing Masterclass runs from 7th to 25th September 2026.
The online programme is designed to help you understand your finances, evaluate investment opportunities and make better long-term financial decisions.
#Strong H1’26 Bank Earnings
CEO & Co-Founder, Abojani Investment
Robert Ochieng is a visionary entrepreneur and the co-founder of Abojani Investment, a leading financial education platform in Kenya that has empowered over 20,000 Africans to embark on their investment journeys. As CEO, he has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to financial literacy, successfully demystifying money and investments and making them accessible and relevant to individuals from all walks of life.
Running Thriving Investment Communities
Robert’s influence extends well beyond Abojani Investment’s core offerings. He has actively fostered a sense of community by running investment forums and groups with a vast following of over 300,000 Africans. These communities provide a safe space for individuals to exchange ideas, share experiences, and support each other on their investment journeys.
Vision for the Future
As co-founder of Abojani Investment, Robert envisions a financially empowered Africa. He strives to expand the reach of his financial education initiatives, enabling millions more to gain the knowledge and confidence needed to achieve their financial goals. His vision is to create a society where every individual has the tools and understanding to build lasting wealth and prosperity.
Professional Background
Robert Ochieng is a highly accomplished CEO at the helm of Abojani Investment, an investment and advisory firm in Kenya. He is a seasoned professional with over 14 years of experience in IT, Finance, and leadership.
His career includes key roles at prominent institutions such as Equity Bank, Gulf African Bank, Guaranty Trust Bank (GTBank) and Airtel.
Robert’s expertise has also been sought after by the National Treasury for consultancy on planning and budgeting systems, showcasing his exceptional knowledge and skills in the field. Passionate about driving meaningful conversations and collaborations between academia, industry, and the public sector, Robert actively engages in research projects focusing on digital transformation within the financial services sector. With his visionary leadership and strategic insights, Robert Ochieng continues to make a significant impact in the business world.
