National Bank of Kenya (NBK), a wholly owned subsidiary of Access Bank PLC, has recorded a strong financial performance for the six months ended 30 June 2026, with significant growth in profitability, balance sheet expansion and improved asset quality.
The bank’s Profit After Tax (PAT) rose by 61% to KShs 1.72 billion in H1 2026, compared with KShs 1.07 billion recorded during the same period in 2025.
The performance reflects stronger net interest income, a sharp reduction in credit impairment charges and continued cost discipline as NBK advances its transformation strategy.
Profit After Tax Rises 61%
NBK’s KShs 1.72 billion profit after tax represents an increase of KShs 650 million from the KShs 1.07 billion reported in H1 2025.
The improved profitability was supported by growth in core banking income and a substantial decline in loan loss provisions, highlighting improvements in asset quality and credit risk management.
NBK Reports Strong Q1 2026 Financial Results as Profit Surges 275% to KSh 1.03 Billion
“The bank has started 2026 on a strong footing, with our first-half performance reflecting the resilience of the business, growing customer confidence and the positive impact of the strategic initiatives we have implemented across the bank,” said John Ojalla, Acting Managing Director of National Bank of Kenya.
“We remain focused on building on this momentum, strengthening our business and delivering sustainable value to our customers and stakeholders,” he added.
Net Interest Income Grows 11%
NBK’s Net Interest Income increased by 11% to KShs 5.40 billion in H1 2026, up from KShs 4.87 billion in the first half of 2025.
The growth was supported by disciplined asset pricing and improved funding efficiency, strengthening the bank’s core income generation.
Non-Interest Income remained resilient at KShs 1.47 billion, reflecting sustained performance in fees and commissions despite a competitive banking environment.
Operating expenses stood at KShs 4.61 billion, with the bank continuing to implement cost management and operational efficiency initiatives.
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Loan Loss Provisions Fall Sharply
One of the most significant improvements was recorded in loan loss provisions.
NBK’s loan loss provisions declined to KShs 80.9 million in H1 2026 from approximately KShs 1 billion in the same period of 2025.
The reduction was attributed to improved recoveries and enhanced credit quality, contributing significantly to the bank’s stronger bottom-line performance.
The improvement in asset quality also supports NBK’s broader transformation agenda, which is focused on strengthening risk management and building a more resilient balance sheet.
NBK Balance Sheet Expands
NBK continued to expand its balance sheet during the first half of 2026, supported by growth in deposits and lending.
Total assets increased to KShs 157 billion, compared with KShs 141 billion in December 2025.
Customer deposits rose to KShs 116.3 billion from KShs 106.1 billion at the end of December 2025. The growth points to continued customer confidence while providing the bank with a stronger funding base to support future lending.
Net loans and advances increased to KShs 61 billion from KShs 51 billion over the same period.
The growth in lending reflects NBK’s continued support for customers and businesses across key sectors of the economy.
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Transformation Strategy Gains Momentum
The H1 2026 results point to continued progress in NBK’s transformation journey.
The bank is focusing on improving operational efficiency, enhancing asset quality, strengthening customer relationships and leveraging opportunities arising from its integration with Access Bank PLC.
These initiatives are intended to create a more resilient and efficient institution capable of supporting households, businesses and the wider Kenyan economy.
“Our H1 performance demonstrates the progress we are making in strengthening the Bank and positioning it for sustainable growth,” said Ojalla.
“We remain committed to enhancing customer experience, strengthening our digital capabilities, maintaining disciplined risk management and improved operational efficiency as we continue to build a stronger NBK,” he added.
Digital Banking and Customer Experience Remain Key Priorities
Looking ahead, NBK plans to continue investing in digital capabilities and improving customer experience as part of its growth strategy.
The bank also intends to maintain disciplined risk management while driving operational efficiencies across the business.
The continued integration with Access Bank PLC is expected to provide opportunities for NBK to strengthen its capabilities, expand its offering and improve the value delivered to customers.
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NBK Outlook for 2026
NBK remains optimistic about its growth trajectory for the remainder of 2026.
The bank’s priorities include strengthening its digital platforms, improving customer experience, maintaining credit and risk discipline and increasing operational efficiency.
With Profit After Tax up 61%, deposits growing by more than KShs 10 billion and net loans and advances increasing by KShs 10 billion since December 2025, NBK enters the second half of the year with stronger financial momentum.
The H1 results suggest that the bank’s transformation programme is beginning to translate into measurable improvements in profitability, asset quality and balance sheet strength.
For customers and businesses, the key question will be whether NBK can sustain this momentum while translating stronger financial performance into better products, improved service and greater access to finance.
For the bank, the task now is execution: converting transformation gains into a durable, competitive advantage and sustainable long-term value.
