National Bank of Kenya (NBK) has reported a strong financial performance for the first half of 2026, with net profit rising 60.5% to Sh1.72 billion from Sh1.07 billion in the same period last year.
The growth came despite a 2.7% decline in interest income, which stood at Sh7.2 billion during the six months to June 2026.
NBK’s lending business recorded significant expansion during the period, with net loans and advances increasing 38.4% to Sh61.28 billion. Customer deposits also grew by 16.1% to Sh116.34 billion, pointing to continued growth in the bank’s balance sheet and customer base.
The latest results build on NBK’s improved performance in 2025, when the lender reported a full-year net profit of Sh2.39 billion, more than double the Sh1.06 billion recorded in 2024.
The bank’s performance comes following a major ownership transition. Nigeria-based Access Bank acquired NBK from KCB Group for approximately Sh13.2 billion after receiving approval from the Central Bank of Kenya, completing the transaction in 2025.
The acquisition ended KCB Group’s six-year ownership of NBK, which began following its acquisition of the lender in 2019.
NBK’s latest results highlight continued momentum as the bank operates under new ownership, with strong growth in lending and deposits supporting profitability despite pressure on interest income.
The performance also comes amid continued transformation in Kenya’s banking sector, as financial institutions focus on expanding lending, strengthening customer relationships and improving profitability while adapting to changing interest-rate and economic conditions.
