NAIROBI, Kenya, Aug 19 – Equity Group’s profit after tax rose 32 percent to Sh45.5 billion in the first half of 2026, up from Sh34.6 billion recorded in the same period last year.
The lender attributed the growth to a 17 percent increase in net interest income to Sh69.3 billion from Sh59.3 billion, supported by growth in lending.
Total income rose 25 percent to Sh124.9 billion from Sh100.2 billion, driven by a 36 percent increase in non-funded income to Sh55.6 billion from Sh40.9 billion.
Non-funded income accounted for 44.5 percent of the Group’s total income, up from 40.8 percent in the first half of 2025.
“Nonfunded income now contributes 44.5% of the Group’s total income, up from 40.8% in H1 2025, underscoring Equity’s multiline business, geographic diversification and revenue quality mix,” the Group said.
Regional subsidiaries also contributed significantly to the performance, with operations in Tanzania and the Democratic Republic of Congo recording profit growth of 82 percent and 30 percent, respectively.
Equity Bank Kenya posted a 32 percent increase in gross profit during the period.
Equity Group Managing Director and CEO Dr James Mwangi said the performance was supported by resilient economic growth across the markets where the Group operates.
“The Group’s performance is unfolding against a backdrop of resilient regional economic growth. Kenya is projected to expand by 4.5%-5%, the Democratic Republic of Congo by 5.6%, Tanzania by 5.9%, Uganda by 6.4%, Rwanda by 6.8%, and South Sudan by 20%,” Mwangi said.
“These growth rates are supported by firm commodity prices and policy reforms and are expected to sustain, making the region where we operate one of the fastest growing regions in the world,” he added.
Mwangi said the half-year performance reflected the Group’s multiyear transformation agenda focused on resilience, diversification and technology.
“Equity’s half-year 2026 performance is the outcome of a multiyear transformation agenda focused on resilience, diversification, and technology enablement. The Group has repositioned its operating model, strengthened its regional presence, and invested heavily in digital and AI-enabled capabilities to build an institution equipped for the future,” he said.
