Equity Group has reported record full-year results for 2025, marking the highest profit in Kenya’s corporate history.
The bank posted a 55% increase in profit after tax, reaching KSh 75.5 billion, up from KSh 48.8 billion in 2024.
The strong performance reflects Equity’s successful business transformation, diversified revenue growth, improved efficiency, and contributions from its regional operations. The Group’s balance sheet grew by 9% to KSh 1.97 trillion, while customer deposits increased 4% to KSh 1.46 trillion. Net loans rose 8% to KSh 882.5 billion.
Equity’s revenue streams also showed significant growth. Net interest income increased 17% to KSh 126.9 billion, non-funded income rose 7% to KSh 90.8 billion, and total income went up 12% to KSh 217.7 billion. Operational efficiency improved, with the cost-to-income ratio falling to 51%, down from 58.2%, driven by greater use of self-service channels, productivity gains, and digital infrastructure.
Regional operations contributed significantly to the Group’s profitability, highlighting Equity’s emergence as a pan-African financial services group. Equity BCDC in the Democratic Republic of Congo grew profits by 58%, Uganda by 500%, and Tanzania by 125%. Overall, subsidiaries accounted for 51% of banking profit before tax and 48% of profit after tax.
Equity Insurance Group also recorded strong growth following new life, general, and health underwriting licenses. Gross written premiums rose 75% to KSh 9.17 billion, delivering a 36% increase in Profit Before Tax to KSh 2 billion, while insurance revenue jumped 150% to KSh 3.57 billion. Equity Life Assurance posted a Profit Before Tax of KSh 1.77 billion and now serves 6.9 million customers with 19.2 million policies issued. Equity General Insurance earned KSh 1.79 billion in gross written premiums and KSh 199 million in profit in its first year. Equity Health Insurance reported KSh 20 million in gross premiums and KSh 40 million in profit within its first four months of operation.
Following these results, the board recommended a dividend of KSh 5.75 per share, up from KSh 4.25, amounting to a total payout of KSh 21.7 billion, representing a 35.3% increase from 2024.
Equity Group Managing Director and CEO, Dr. James Mwangi, said the results highlight the success of the Group’s strategic transformation.
“The 2025 performance reflects the success of our deliberate shift into a diversified, regional financial services group. We delivered strong profit growth by expanding our income streams, improving efficiency, and strengthening the balance sheet,” Dr. Mwangi said.
Author: Andrew Walyaula
Andrew Walyaula is a seasoned multimedia journalist. Email: [email protected]
