Equity Bank has surpassed Safaricom PLC in the list of Kenya’s top 10 most valuable brands.
According to the Kenya 25- 2026 report by Brand Finance, the banking sector accounts for the largest share of total brand value at 56 percent, equivalent to Ksh196 billion.
Equity Bank maintained its position as Kenya’s most valuable brand for the third consecutive year, with its brand value rising 4 percent to Ksh73.9 billion.
“Equity Bank(brandvalueup4%toKES73.9billion) remains the nation’s most valuable brand for the third year in a row,” read part of the report.
1. Equity Is Kenya’s Most Valuable Brand
The report stated that the bank’s strong performance was anchored in solid financial results, supported by robust growth in non-funded income, disciplined cost management, and an expanding asset base of nearly KES2 trillion.
It further noted that the bank has benefited from its positioning as Africa’s leading digital-first financial institution, with the Equity Mobile application now processing more than 90% of customer transactions, enhancing convenience and efficiency for users.
2. KCB Bank
KCB rose one place to become the second most valuable brand in Kenya, with its value increasing 9% to Ksh59.7 billion.
The bank’s strong performance was driven by record profitability, with profit after tax of Ksh55.9 billion in 2024, the highest in Kenya’s banking history.
Its asset base has grown beyond Ksh2 trillion, making it the largest bank in East and Central Africa by assets.
3. Safaricom
Safaricom dropped one position to third place, with its brand value declining 4% to Ksh55.7 billion.
The performance was affected by regulatory scrutiny over mobile money dominance and delays in its commercial 5G rollout.
Its Ethiopian expansion also faced losses due to higher-than-expected entry costs.
4. M-PESA
M-PESA retained fourth place, with its brand value rising 10% to Ksh33.8 billion.
The platform has evolved from a money transfer service into a broader digital financial ecosystem.
During the 2025 financial year, it processed over Ksh41 trillion in transactions and served around 40 million active users in Kenya.
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5. Co-operative Bank of Kenya
Co-operative Bank held fifth place, remaining among the top-performing banking brands with a value of Ksh26.9 billion, up 4%.
Growth was supported by strong interest income, improved efficiency, and steady asset expansion to Ksh725 billion.
The bank continues to anchor its strategy on the cooperative sector, serving SACCOs, SMEs, and agricultural clients.
6. NCBA Group
NCBA remained in sixth place with a brand value of KES19.7 billion, reflecting a 4% decline.
The bank continues to face post-merger integration challenges, uneven consumer perception, and limited retail visibility.
Despite this, it remains a key player in the sector and is the subject of a proposed acquisition involving Nedbank.
Also Read: Safaricom SMS Drops To 13.15 Billion As Call Durations Lag
7. Kenya Power and Lighting Company (KPLC)
Kenya Power retained its seventh position with a brand value of Ksh16.7 billion.
The utility firm has shown signs of recovery following previous challenges related to system losses and revenue-collection inefficiencies.
8. Tusker
Tusker rose in value by 16% to Ksh11.1 billion, maintaining its position as the eighth most valuable brand.
Growth has been supported by product diversification, including Tusker Lite and Tusker Cider.
9. I&M Bank
I&M Bank recorded a 14% increase in brand value to Ksh8.9 billion, reflecting strong growth in corporate banking, trade finance, and treasury services.
Expansion efforts across the region have strengthened its footprint in Kenya and neighbouring markets.
10. Diamond Trust Bank (DTB)
Diamond Trust Bank climbed two places to tenth position with a brand value of Ksh6.2 billion, up 21%.
The growth was driven by improved asset quality and steady performance across its regional subsidiaries.
