Absa Bank Kenya Reports Ksh.10.5 Billion Half-Year Profit

Absa Bank Kenya PLC has posted a Ksh.10.5 billion profit after tax for the six months ended June 30, 2026, supported by growth in customer assets, deposits and subsidiary income.

The lender said its performance reflected continued business momentum despite what it described as a dynamic and challenging operating environment.

Customer assets increased by 8 per cent to Ksh.329.9 billion, while customer deposits rose by 5 per cent to Ksh.380.7 billion during the period.

Total assets grew to Ksh.558.1 billion, with the bank recording a return on equity of 21.7 per cent.

Absa's capital adequacy ratio stood at 19.4 per cent, while its liquidity reserves were reported at 42.7 per cent, highlighting the lender's continued focus on maintaining a strong balance sheet.

Revenue grows across key businesses

Absa reported total revenue of Ksh.29.3 billion for the first half of the year.

Net interest income contributed Ksh.21.1 billion, while non-interest income stood at Ksh.8.2 billion.

The bank also recorded a 20 per cent year-on-year increase in income from its subsidiaries, which include asset management, custody services and bancassurance.

Interim Managing Director and CEO Yusuf Omari attributed the performance to disciplined execution and continued investment in the bank's long-term resilience.

“While the dynamic operating environment exerted pressure on performance, the Bank recorded strong momentum in the second quarter,” Omari said.

He added that the performance reflected the lender's continued support for customers through financial and non-financial solutions while maintaining investment in the sustainability of the business.

Absa commits Ksh.100 billion to asset financing

As part of its strategy to expand financial inclusion, Absa announced plans to commit Ksh.100 billion over the next three years towards asset financing for individuals and businesses.

The financing will target key sectors including manufacturing, healthcare, education, infrastructure, trade and logistics.

The bank said eligible customers could access financing of up to 100 per cent of the value of targeted assets, potentially lowering the upfront capital requirements for businesses and individuals seeking to acquire productive assets.

The initiative is expected to support entrepreneurs and businesses seeking to expand their operations while also helping individuals finance assets such as vehicles.

Focus on customer experience and growth

Absa said its financial inclusion strategy would continue to focus on areas such as homeownership, vehicle financing, business asset acquisition and entrepreneurship.

The lender said the strategy is designed to strengthen customer relationships while expanding access to financial services across different segments of the economy.

“Our strategy remains anchored on delivering sustainable, long-term growth while enhancing customer experience across all touchpoints,” the bank said.

Omari said Absa would continue strengthening its presence across consumer, business and corporate banking as it seeks to sustain growth in an evolving financial services market.

The half-year results position Absa among Kenya's major banking institutions continuing to expand their balance sheets while navigating changing economic conditions and demand for credit.