By 
Absa Bank Kenya Reports KSh 10.5 Billion Profit After Tax in H1 2026
Bank records 21.7% return on equity as customer assets and deposits continue to grow
Absa Bank Kenya PLC has reported a profit after tax of KSh 10.5 billion for the six months ended June 30, 2026.
The performance gives the bank a return on equity of 21.7%, one of the leading levels in the industry. It also reflects continued growth in customer assets, deposits and the bank’s overall balance sheet.
Customer assets increased by 8% to KSh 329.9 billion. At the same time, customer deposits rose by 5% to KSh 380.7 billion.
Total assets also grew to KSh 558.1 billion, highlighting the bank’s continued balance sheet strength.
Revenue supported by diversified business
During the period, Absa recorded total revenue of KSh 29.3 billion.
Net interest income stood at KSh 21.1 billion, while non-interest income reached KSh 8.2 billion.
The bank said the performance was supported by balance sheet growth and disciplined management of its cost of funds amid a lower interest rate environment.
Meanwhile, income from subsidiaries increased by 20% year-on-year.
The growth reflects increased contributions from businesses including asset management, custody services and bancassurance. These businesses continue to support the diversification of Absa’s earnings.
Absa Bank Kenya Reports KSh 10.5 Billion Profit After Tax in H1 2026
Supporting customers and businesses
Absa Bank Kenya Interim Managing Director and CEO Yusuf Omari said the bank maintained strong momentum during the second quarter despite a changing operating environment.
“While the dynamic operating environment exerted pressure on performance, the Bank recorded strong momentum in the second quarter,” said Omari.
He attributed the performance to disciplined execution and continued investment in the resilience and sustainability of the business.
The bank also continued to expand financing for individuals and businesses during the period.
New financing solutions target homeownership and entrepreneurship
Absa launched a developer-led home financing solution during the period.
The product offers a market-leading interest rate of 8.9% per annum and financing of up to 105% for qualifying homebuyers.
The bank also introduced the KSh 1 billion Zinduka Graduate Enterprise Programme.
The initiative aims to support youth entrepreneurship by expanding access to affordable and sustainable financing.
In addition, Absa strengthened its asset financing proposition. The bank has committed KSh 100 billion over the next three years to support individuals and businesses across key sectors.
These include manufacturing, healthcare, education, infrastructure, trade and logistics.
The proposition offers up to 100% financing for targeted assets. It is designed to help customers invest, expand operations and improve productivity.
Expanding community and sustainability initiatives
Beyond banking, Absa continued to strengthen its community engagement and sustainability programmes.
The bank supported major sporting events, including the Absa Kip Keino Classic, Absa Sirikwa Classic and the Magical Kenya Open Presented by Absa.
Through the Absa Kenya Foundation, the bank also launched the Circularising Programme.
The programme aims to positively impact more than 2,000 businesses in the circular economy through financial and non-financial support.
These initiatives form part of Absa’s wider efforts to support sustainable business growth and create shared value within communities.
Strong capital and liquidity position
Absa maintained strong capital and liquidity levels during the period.
The bank’s capital adequacy ratio stood at 19.4%, while liquidity reserves reached 42.7%.
The bank said these positions provide a strong foundation for continued growth and support for customers.
“Our strategy remains anchored on delivering sustainable, long-term growth while enhancing customer experience across all touchpoints,” Omari said.
He added that the bank remains focused on customer-led growth, segment-specific solutions and strengthening capabilities across priority sectors.
Shareholders to receive interim dividend
Following the performance, the Board of Directors approved an interim dividend of KSh 0.50 per ordinary share.
The dividend reflects the bank’s continued commitment to creating value for shareholders while maintaining its focus on sustainable growth.
Absa said it will continue investing in customer-led solutions, business banking capabilities and opportunities across Kenya’s economy as it works towards its ambition of becoming a modern consumer business, a market leader in Business Banking and a powerhouse in Corporate and Investment Banking.
Comments