SBM Bank Kenya Profit Rises 171 Percent in First Half

SBM Bank Kenya reported a 171 percent increase in profit before tax for the first half of 2026, with earnings rising to Sh548 million ($4.2 million) from Sh202 million ($1.6 million) during the same period last year. The financial growth stemmed from increased lending and a 54 percent rise in non-funded income resulting from higher transaction volumes.

Customer deposits grew by 24 percent to reach Sh94 billion ($723 million). The bank also improved its asset quality, cutting its gross non-performing loan ratio from 32.4 percent to 17.3 percent.

Chief Executive Officer Bhartesh Shah attributed these results to a focus on higher-quality earnings and disciplined risk management. The subsidiary of SBM Holdings Ltd. plans to use its strengthened financial position to expand lending to households and small businesses, while increasing financing for sustainable and climate-related projects.