Kenya’s banking sector expanded its lending in 2025, with the total value of outstanding gross loans rising to Sh4.35 trillion by December, up from Sh4.07 trillion a year earlier.
The 6.8 per cent increase points to stronger credit activity across the economy, according to the Central Bank of Kenya’s (CBK) Bank Supervision Annual Report 2025, released on September 22, 2026.
The country’s 10 largest lenders accounted for Sh3.61 trillion of the industry’s total gross loans, equivalent to about 83 per cent of the overall loan portfolio.
Credit demand was concentrated in four areas of the economy, including personal and household lending, trade, manufacturing and real estate. Together, these segments accounted for 72.1 per cent of banks’ total gross loans.
KCB Bank Kenya maintained a substantial lead over its peers, with its gross loan portfolio crossing the Sh1 trillion mark. Equity Bank followed with Sh462.49 billion, while Co-operative Bank ranked third at Sh440.40 billion.
Top 10 banks by gross loans
- KCB Bank Kenya — Sh1.01 trillion
- Equity Bank Kenya — Sh462.49 billion
- Co-operative Bank of Kenya — Sh440.40 billion
- Absa Bank Kenya — Sh337.31 billion
- NCBA Bank Kenya — Sh303.89 billion
- Stanbic Bank Kenya — Sh289.65 billion
- Diamond Trust Bank Kenya — Sh244.88 billion
- I&M Bank — Sh238.63 billion
- Standard Chartered Bank Kenya — Sh162.00 billion
- Family Bank — Sh118.55 billion
The increase in lending comes as banks continue to serve households and businesses across sectors, with consumer financing, commercial activity, manufacturing and property-related investments remaining major drivers of demand for credit.
