The National Bank of Kenya (NBK) has posted a strong financial recovery for the year ended December 31, 2025.
According to the bank’s Financial Year 2025 Results, the bank reported a profit after tax, doubling to KSh 2.39 billion from KSh 1.06 billion recorded in the previous year.
The improved performance comes amid ongoing restructuring under Access Bank ownership, with the bank focusing on cost efficiency, balance sheet clean-up, and disciplined lending.
Commenting on the results, National Bank of Kenya Managing Director George Odhiambo attributed the performance to disciplined execution of strategic priorities, including balance sheet strengthening
“The Bank’s performance reflects disciplined execution of our turnaround priorities and a sustained focus on strengthening the balance sheet, improving asset quality, and enhancing operational efficiency. We are confident that this momentum will continue as we scale the business. While we have made strong progress in stabilizing the business, we are now focused on accelerating growth and unlocking the full potential of the bank in the years ahead,” said Odhiambo.
National Bank of Kenya Financial Performance
According to the released results, the financial provider’s earnings growth was supported by a combination of rising income and falling costs.
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Net interest income increased to KSh 10.3 billion, bolstered by a 33 percent reduction in interest expenses.
At the same time, operating expenses declined to KSh 8.49 billion from KSh 9.18 billion in the previous year
Provisions for expected credit losses also dropped to KSh 1.5 billion from KSh 2.4 billion, representing a 37 % improvement.
Customer deposits grew to KSh 106 billion from KSh 98 billion, with total assets standing at KSh 141.3 billion, slightly lower than KSh 148.3 billion in 2024, while total equity rose to KSh 17.0 billion from KSh 13.4 billion.
Net loans and advances declined to KSh 51 billion from KSh 75 billion, largely due to acquisition-related asset transfers and a deliberate shift toward a more risk-adjusted lending strategy.
The move aligns with efforts to clean up the balance sheet and focus on high-quality assets.
Stronger financial performance and reduced risk-weighted assets also lifted capital ratios, bringing the bank into full compliance with regulatory capital requirements.
Transformation Gains and Growth Strategy
The acquisition by Access Bank in May 2025 marked a major milestone, positioning NBK as part of a broader pan-African banking group and enabling the adoption of enhanced risk management and operational frameworks.
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Selected assets and liabilities were transferred as part of the integration process, resulting in a leaner balance sheet and improved efficiency.
These changes contributed to better asset quality, a stronger funding structure, and renewed customer confidence.
During the financial year, the bank also launched the W Initiative, a program aimed at supporting women entrepreneurs and professionals through tailored financial solutions, business advisory, and capacity-building efforts.
According to the bank’s 2026 strategies, the bank projects continued positive momentum as it deepens its transformation strategy.
NBK will also focus on:
- Building a high-quality diversified loan portfolio
- Strengthening credit underwriting and recovery frameworks
- Sustaining deposit growth and customer acquisition
- Accelerating digital innovation and service delivery
- Driving operational efficiency
- Leveraging integration synergies with Access Bank PLC.
