KCB Group Ranked Best Bank In SME And Sustainable Finance

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KCB Group Ranked Best Bank In SME And Sustainable Finance

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The three-day training is part of AWS’s broader strategy to develop cloud expertise in Africa. AWS Skills Centers, first introduced in South Africa in 2023, aim to provide accessible cloud training to non-technical learners. Through a combination of in-person and virtual sessions, AWS is fostering a new generation of cloud professionals. “We are thrilled to collaborate with the University of Nairobi to bring AWS instructor-led training to Kenyan students,” said Nondumiso Zibi, AWS Director for Support Engineering, EMEA.

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Stanbic Holdings Plc (“the Company”) has posted a Profit After Tax (PAT) of KES 6.5 billion and delivered a return on equity of 17.4% in the half year ended 30th June 2025. Stanbic Holdings PLC’s performance for the period was underpinned by resilient non-interest revenue generation and lower credit impairment charges, which helped cushion the impact of a decline in net interest income. The listed lender, with operations in Kenya and South Sudan, noted that while year-on-year organic growth remained subdued, its continued focus on operational excellence and robust risk management enhanced its fortitude and strengthened its long-term growth outlook. During the period, Stanbic recorded a 9% increase in active clients, driven by the continued optimization of its products and digital platforms. This growth, coupled with targeted client support initiatives, strengthened the Bank’s credit position, contributing to a 4% expansion in the balance sheet from the December 2024 closing position. Speaking on the half-year performance, Dr Joshua Oigara stated, ‘’ The Kenyan economy remained stable amidst persistent headwinds. Nonetheless, some pressures persist as evidenced by sluggish private sector credit uptake, high fiscal deficits and geopolitical risks. Our focus in this period was largely on supporting our clients navigate shifting market conditions, while fortifying our growth through robust risk management, capital strength and well managed liquidity levels. We believe that our business will continue to demonstrate resilience and keep momentum even as the market continues to post recovery.’ During the reporting period, all four business lines demonstrated robustness and strategic execution. Corporate and Investment Banking played a key role in facilitating a new USD 1.5 billion Eurobond issuance, Tender Offer for the Republic of Kenya, reinforcing our leadership in sovereign advisory. Business and Commercial Banking continued to support the real economy, disbursing KES 16.4 billion in loans to SMEs across various sectors. Personal and Private Banking achieved a fourfold increase in scheme disbursements, reflecting growing client demand and effective distribution. We also made significant strides in digital banking, with the enhancement of our Omni Channel mobile app, introducing key features that drove active users beyond 100,000 mark. The Insurance and Asset Management business maintained positive momentum, with assets under management surpassing KES 4 billion (in nine months since launch), underscoring the strength of our diversified financial services offering. Notably, Stanbic Bank, the Company’s main subsidiary, was ranked among the top 5 banks in SME lending by the Kenya Banker’s Association, with the lender allocating capital to impact sectors, including agriculture, manufacturing, and trade, delivering both returns and national development outcomes in the first half of the year. The Bank was also awarded the 2nd runners up on the Best Bank to Borrow from and Best Bank in Mortgage Finance at the Think Business Awards. Commenting on the performance, Dennis Musau, Chief Financial and Value Officer said, ‘’ Our H1 2025 results signal steady progress, anchored in a stable macroeconomic climate and recovering private sector credit growth. Commercial lending to the private sector grew by 2.0% in May, up from a contraction of 2.9% in January—signalling a rebound in demand alongside easing interest rates. We continue to refine our strategic focus, leveraging our core strengths to unlock long-term value and deliver sustainable returns for our shareholders in an evolving market landscape.’’ The Bank recorded an NPL ratio of 9.5%, which is below industry levels at 17.6%, and representative of a healthy asset book. ‘’ Credit quality is a priority for us, which is why we have adopted a proactive, data-led approach to managing risk. We have strengthened our credit assessment frameworks and developed sector-specific models that enable us to better anticipate and support clients during volatile cycles," Musau added. The Bank also reduced its lending rates by 180bps cumulatively in response to Kenya’s easing monetary policy stance. Financial Performance Summary: During the first half of 2025, Stanbic Holdings Plc delivered a robust performance amidst a dynamic operating environment, with key highlights as follows: Profit after tax declined by 9% to KES 6.5 billion, largely impacted by lower net interest income and elevated operating expenses, primarily due to prior year base effects. Trading revenue contracted by 7%, reflecting the impact of narrower margins in the current period. Customer numbers grew by 9%, driven by effective market positioning and continued investment in customer experience. Other non-interest revenue excluding trading revenue rose by 9%, supported by higher customer transaction volumes and a more diverse suite of product offerings. Operating expenses increased by 16%, attributable to 2024 base effects, driven by the appreciation of the Kenya Shilling as well as investments in long-term strategic initiatives. The cost-to-income ratio stood at 48.1%, reflecting a contraction in total income alongside elevated cost levels. Credit impairment charges decreased by 26%, underlining enhanced risk management practices and improved credit portfolio quality. Customer deposits closed at KES 330 billion, a 4% increase from December 2024, while loans and advances stood at KES 233 billion, representing a 1% growth over the same period. The NPL ratio remained at 9.5%, as the Bank continues to prioritize asset quality and proactive credit management. The Bank recorded a Return on Equity (ROE) of 17.37%, supported by active capital and liquidity management across the portfolio. Strengthening Impact and Delivering Value – H1 2025 Highlights Stanbic Bank continued to advance its sustainability agenda during the first half of 2025, directing funding and capacity-building efforts across four key impact areas: enterprise growth and job creation, infrastructure development and a just energy transition, climate change mitigation and adaptation, and financial inclusion. Key sustainability achievements include: Issuance of KES 4.5 billion towards green infrastructure projects Lending of KES 1.2 billion to support climate-smart agriculture Disbursement of KES 900 million under the affordable housing program enabling over 200 new homeowners Facilitation of KES 94.8 billion in trade loans, driving economic activity Planted 30k trees as part of climate change mitigation Through the Stanbic Kenya Foundation, the Group deepened its social impact via strategic partnerships with GIZ, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, American Tower Corporation, and Microsoft Corporation. These collaborations supported job creation, financial inclusion, and youth empowerment. Notably, the Foundation disbursed KES 24 million in catalytic loans to MSMEs and delivered financial literacy and entrepreneurship training to over 33,000 women entrepreneurs across Kenya. In recognition of this performance and commitment to shareholder returns, the Group has recommended an interim dividend of KES 3.80 per share, marking a 106.5% increase year-on-year.

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13 artisans travelled to Nairobi to showcase their products at Bizarre Bazaar Global Village, one of Kenya’s largest open-air markets for art, fashion and design. The artisans, from both refugee and host communities in Turkana, made 102,000 Kenyan shillings in sales over just two days. ‘It was more than just a market – it was a space to learn, connect and dream bigger,’ said Rodgers Mugaragu, a refugee artisan attending the event for the first time. With more than 100 vendors from across the country and beyond, Biz Baz is a vibrant platform for small producers to display their work and explore new business opportunities. ‘With ITC’s support, I’ve attended Biz Baz twice. The first time, I learned about product quality and value addition,’ said Josephine Alogogita Lobur from the Lodwar host community. ‘Since then, I’ve improved my designs to meet market standards. This year, I connected with new clients, exchanged ideas with other artisans, and gained inspiration to keep growing my business.’ Beyond immediate sales, the experience has strengthened participants’ confidence to run their own enterprises, paving the way for greater financial independence and long-term self-reliance. The group also visited ITC’s Ethical Fashion Initiative (EFI) centre in Nairobi to learn how local artisans collaborate with EFI to produce high-quality, market-ready goods. Opportunities like these help artisans gain exposure to national buyers and new markets, strengthening small businesses and generating income. Increased opportunities also mean better cohesion between refugees and host communities.

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Staff Writer

KCB Group Ranked Best Bank In SME And Sustainable Finance

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