NCBA has reported a profit after tax of KSh 5.5 billion in its Q1 of 2025. This is a 3% growth year-on-year from Q1 2024 when it reported KSh 5.3 billion profit after tax. These are very impressive numbers but they are sort of what is expected from Kenyan banks.
One of the most telling indicators of NCBA’s progress is the 32% year-on-year growth in digital loan disbursements. These toipped KSh 307 billion in Q1 2025.
John Gachora, NCBA Group Managing Director, highlighted the strategic balancing act the lender has had to manage.
“Despite the headwinds of 2025, we are pleased to present these positive results. The profitability performance demonstrates underlying resilience in our core income streams, while strong recovery efforts improved our asset quality,” he said.
While customer deposits and total assets saw a marginal contraction, down 9.5% and 5.6% respectively, the Group attributes this to intentional optimization of funding costs and asset reallocation, not a lack of liquidity. This is seen in the recorded net interest margin, which rose from 5% in Q1 2024 to 6.1% in 2025.
In a move likely to cement its presence in the insurance market, the Group finalized the integration and rebrand of AIG Kenya, now NCBA Insurance.
At a time when many banks are shrinking their physical footprint, NCBA is expandinmg its branch network,. The bank currently has 100 branches in Kenya and 121 across the region, including a new presence in Rwanda’s Nyagatare district.
From AI-powered marketplaces to corporate cash management tools, NCBA is redefining what customer-centric banking looks like in East Africa.
- NCBA NOW mobile app – now supports digital account opening and mobile payments.
- CarDuka – Its auto marketplace now offers both vehicles and insurance.
- ConnectPlus – the revamped online platform for SMEs and corporates, now includes better reporting, payment options, and third-party integrations.
Such advancements as well as the 14.34% p.a. lending rate and ongoing account maintenance fee waivers, show NCBA’s commitment to customer-friendly banking.
As global growth is expected to slow to 2.8% in 2025, NCBA remains cautiously optimistic. Gachora maintains that the easing of Kenya’s monetary policy, if sustained, could fuel private sector lending and rebuild consumer confidence.
“NCBA remains steadfast in building a strong future-ready institution anchored on innovation, inclusivity and sustainable growth,” he concluded. “Our focus remains clear in delivering shareholder value with excellence and creating impact to shape a better tomorrow for generations to come.”
Also Read: KCB Group Records KShs. 16.5B Profit in Q1 2025
