NAIROBI, March 22, 2026 — Co-operative Bank of Kenya has posted a record net profit of about Ksh 30 billion for the year ended December 2025, as growth in lending, customer deposits and digital banking lifted earnings.
The bank said profit after tax rose by 16.9 percent from about Ksh 25 billion in 2024, while profit before tax increased by 15.8 per cent to Ksh 40.3 billion, up from Ksh 34.8 billion a year earlier.
The results mark the strongest performance in the bank’s history and reflect gains from its ongoing strategic transformation programme.
Co-op Bank said the improved profitability was driven by higher net interest income, expansion of the loan book and growth in customer deposits, alongside continued investment in digital banking channels.
Net interest income rose by 22 per cent to Ksh 62.85 billion, helping push total operating income up by 13.9 percent to Ksh 91.89 billion.
Operating expenses grew at a slower pace of 11.35 percent, allowing the lender to preserve efficiency gains. Its cost-to-income ratio stood at 46.3 percent.
The balance sheet also recorded solid growth, with total assets rising by 11.3 percent to Ksh 827.4 billion.
Customer deposits increased by 13.3 percent to Ksh 576.5 billion, while loans and advances grew by 12.7 per cent to Ksh 421 billion, pointing to sustained credit demand.
Shareholders’ funds climbed by 13.8 percent to Ksh 165.5 billion, supported by a Ksh 15.1 billion rise in retained earnings, underlining the bank’s strong capital position.
Following the stronger earnings, the bank proposed a total dividend of Ksh 2.50 per share, up from Ksh 1.50 the previous year, bringing the total payout to Ksh 14.67 billion.
Of that amount, the co-operative movement — which comprises about 15 million members — is expected to receive roughly Ksh 9.47 billion.
Digital banking remained central to the bank’s performance, with more than 90 percent of customer transactions carried out through alternative channels, including mobile, internet and agency banking.
The lender also widened its digital offering, including upgrades to its mobile app and the launch of a multi-currency prepaid card targeting retail and business clients involved in international trade.
Co-op Bank said it further strengthened support for small businesses through its MSME and digital credit platforms. During the year, it disbursed Ksh 72.96 billion in digital loans, including Ksh 10.43 billion to micro, small and medium-sized enterprises for working capital.
Its subsidiaries also contributed to the improved bottom line, with Co-op Trust Investment Services, Bancassurance and Kingdom Securities all posting notable profit growth.
Group Managing Director and chief executive Dr Gideon Muriuki said the results reflected the resilience of the bank’s business model and its continued focus on sustainable growth.
Looking ahead, the bank said its diversified business model, strong digital footprint and deep links with the cooperative movement should help sustain profitability and deliver long-term value for shareholders.
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