Family Bank Profit Jumps 39% as Mid-Tier Kenyan Lenders Expand

AFRICAN STOCKS AND FINANCEAugust 19, 2025 at 10:40 AM UTC

TLDR

Family Bank, one of Kenya’s largest mid-tier lenders, reported a 39% rise in first-half profit after tax to KES 2.2 billion ($17 million), driven by deposit growth and expanded lending
The bank’s balance sheet grew 21.8% to KES 192.7 billion ($1.5 billion), with loans to customers at KES 100.9 billion ($782 million)
Net interest income climbed to KES 6.9 billion ($53.5 million), boosted by government securities and higher lending

Family Bank, one of Kenya’s largest mid-tier lenders, reported a 39% rise in first-half profit after tax to KES 2.2 billion ($17 million), driven by deposit growth and expanded lending.

The bank’s balance sheet grew 21.8% to KES 192.7 billion ($1.5 billion), with loans to customers at KES 100.9 billion ($782 million). Customer deposits rose 26% to KES 150.4 billion ($1.17 billion), reflecting stronger client confidence despite inflation and high borrowing costs. By comparison, deposits at market leaders Equity Group and KCB stood at over KES 1.3 trillion and KES 1.5 trillion, respectively.

Net interest income climbed to KES 6.9 billion ($53.5 million), boosted by government securities and higher lending. Operating expenses rose 36% to KES 6.7 billion ($52 million) as the bank expanded branches and digital platforms. Loan-loss provisions nearly doubled to KES 664 million ($5.1 million), though Family Bank said it cut net non-performing loan exposure by 15%.

CEO Nancy Njau said the results reflected “strategic clarity and customer trust.” The bank, with 96 branches in 32 counties, is betting on SME lending through partnerships with British International Investment and the European Investment Bank.

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Key Takeaways

Family Bank’s results highlight how Kenya’s mid-sized lenders are carving niches in a market long dominated by Equity, KCB, and Co-op. While the tier-one banks maintain scale advantages, mid-tier lenders are winning customers by targeting SMEs and offering specialised products. Family Bank’s partnerships with global DFIs provide it with cheaper credit lines to on-lend to small businesses, a segment under pressure from high interest rates. Industry-wide, non-performing loans remain a challenge, forcing banks to balance growth with prudent provisioning. Family Bank’s push into digital platforms and branch expansion indicates a dual strategy: growing physical presence while capturing tech-savvy customers. Success will depend on its ability to manage costs and loan quality in a volatile economic environment. If executed well, its SME-focused strategy could help it defend profitability and strengthen its role as a credible competitor to Kenya’s banking giants.

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