By National Bank of Kenya (NBK) reported a 61% rise in profit after tax for the six months ended June 30, 2026, to 1.72 billion Kenyan shillings ($13.3 million), the lender said in a statement, citing stronger income and lower credit losses.
The Access Bank PLC subsidiary posted profit after tax of 1.07 billion shillings in the same period last year, National Bank of Kenya said, adding that the improvement reflected progress in its ongoing transformation programme.
Total assets increased to 157 billion shillings as of June 2026, from 141 billion shillings in December 2025, the bank said. Customer deposits rose to 116.3 billion shillings from 106.1 billion shillings over the same period.
Net loans and advances climbed to 61 billion shillings from 51 billion shillings in December 2025, National Bank of Kenya said, attributing the growth to continued lending support for customers and businesses across key sectors.
“Our H1 performance demonstrates the progress we are making in strengthening the Bank and positioning it for sustainable growth,” John Ojalla, acting managing director of National Bank of Kenya, said in the statement.
“We remain committed to enhancing customer experience, strengthening our digital capabilities, maintaining disciplined risk management and improved operational efficiency as we continue to build a stronger NBK.”
Net interest income rose 11% to 5.40 billion shillings in the first half of 2026, from 4.87 billion shillings a year earlier, the bank said, crediting disciplined asset pricing and improved funding efficiency.
Non-interest income held steady at 1.47 billion shillings, which National Bank of Kenya said reflected consistent fee and commission performance despite a competitive operating environment.
Operating expenses stood at 4.61 billion shillings, supported by cost-management and efficiency initiatives.
Loan loss provisions fell sharply to 80.9 million shillings, from 1 billion shillings in the prior-year period, which National Bank of Kenya attributed to improved recoveries and stronger credit quality.
“The bank has started 2026 on a strong footing, with our first-half performance reflecting the resilience of the business, growing customer confidence and the positive impact of the strategic initiatives we have implemented across the bank,” Ojalla said.
“We remain focused on building on this momentum, strengthening our business and delivering sustainable value to our customers and stakeholders.”
National Bank of Kenya said the results reflected continued progress under its transformation strategy, which it said is intended to improve operational efficiency, enhance asset quality and strengthen customer relationships.
The bank also pointed to opportunities arising from its integration with parent company Access Bank PLC, the Nigerian lender that owns National Bank of Kenya, saying the process was contributing to a more resilient business.
“These efforts are contributing to a more resilient business and strengthening NBK’s capacity to support customers, businesses and the broader economy,” the bank said in the statement.
National Bank of Kenya said it remained optimistic about its growth trajectory for the remainder of 2026. The bank said it plans to continue strengthening its digital capabilities, enhancing customer experience, maintaining disciplined risk management and pursuing further operational efficiencies.
The bank said its integration with Access Bank would continue, with National Bank of Kenya reiterating its commitment to supporting businesses, households and the wider economy while delivering value to customers and shareholders.
“With continued focus and execution, the Bank is well positioned to build on the momentum achieved in the first half of the year and further strengthen its market position,” the statement said.
National Bank of Kenya became a wholly owned subsidiary of Access Bank PLC following a transaction completed in recent years, as part of the Nigerian lender’s expansion across African markets.
Access Bank has pursued acquisitions in several African countries as part of a broader pan-African growth strategy.
National Bank of Kenya is one of several mid-sized lenders operating in Kenya’s banking sector, which includes larger institutions such as Equity Group, KCB Group and Co-operative Bank of Kenya. Kenyan banks have generally reported improved earnings in recent reporting periods, supported by higher interest income and, in some cases, lower provisioning for bad loans.
