National Bank of Kenya (NBK) recorded a 178% jump in pre-tax profit to KShs 2.91 billion for the year ended 31 December 2025, up from KShs 1.05 billion in 2024. Profit after tax rose to KShs 2.39 billion from KShs 1.06 billion, a 125% increase.
The results cover NBK’s first full reporting period since Access Bank PLC completed its acquisition of the lender in May 2025.
Financial Results at a Glance
| Metric | 2024 | 2025 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Profit Before Tax | KShs 1.05bn | KShs 2.91bn | +178% |
| Profit After Tax | KShs 1.06bn | KShs 2.39bn | +125% |
| Net Interest Income | — | KShs 10.3bn | — |
| Interest Expenses | — | — | -33% |
| Operating Expenses | KShs 9.18bn | KShs 8.49bn | -8% |
| Expected Credit Loss Allowances | KShs 2.4bn | KShs 1.5bn | -37% |
| Customer Deposits | KShs 98bn | KShs 106bn | +8% |
| Total Assets | KShs 148.3bn | KShs 141.3bn | -5% |
| Total Equity | KShs 13.4bn | KShs 17.0bn | +27% |
| Net Loans and Advances | KShs 75bn | KShs 51bn | -32% |
Revenue Up, Costs Down
Net Interest Income reached KShs 10.3 billion, supported by a 33% reduction in interest expenses. Operating expenses fell from KShs 9.18 billion to KShs 8.49 billion, reflecting cost savings from the Access Bank integration.
Credit loss allowances dropped 37%, from KShs 2.4 billion to KShs 1.5 billion, pointing to tighter lending standards and improved loan recovery.
“The bank’s performance reflects disciplined execution of our turnaround priorities,” said George Odhiambo, Managing Director of NBK. “We are now focused on accelerating growth and unlocking the full potential of the bank in the years ahead.”
Balance Sheet: Smaller but Stronger
Total assets fell to KShs 141.3 billion from KShs 148.3 billion. The decline follows the transfer of selected assets and liabilities under the Share Purchase Agreement with Access Bank — a move that gave NBK a cleaner balance sheet and a lower risk profile.
Net Loans and Advances dropped to KShs 51 billion from KShs 75 billion, reflecting those transfers and a deliberate shift toward more conservative lending. Customer deposits grew to KShs 106 billion from KShs 98 billion.
Total equity rose to KShs 17.0 billion from KShs 13.4 billion, pushing capital ratios above regulatory minimums — a requirement the bank had struggled to meet in previous years.
W Initiative Targets Women Entrepreneurs
NBK launched the W Initiative in 2025, a programme for women entrepreneurs and professionals. It offers tailored financial products, business advisory services, capacity building, and access to professional networks.
Outlook for 2026
NBK says it will focus on growing its loan book, expanding digital services, and extracting further efficiencies from its integration with Access Bank, which operates across more than 20 African markets.
