At a Glance
- Co-op Bank’s H1 profit reached $109.1 million, reflecting resilience and strong asset growth.
- Over 90% of transactions processed digitally, driving efficiency and deepening customer engagement.
- Subsidiaries delivered solid earnings, boosting group revenue and reinforcing market leadership.
Co-operative Bank of Kenya, under the leadership of long-serving chief executive Gideon Muriuki, posted a Ksh14.1 billion ($109.1 million) profit after tax for the first six months of 2025, an 8.4 percent rise from Ksh13 billion ($100.62 million) a year earlier.
The lender’s performance reflects continued resilience and growth, anchored on its “Soaring Eagle” transformation agenda and an expanding digital footprint.
Profit climbs, assets expand
According to its recently released half-year report, return on equity stood at a competitive 19.9 percent as total assets rose 13.2 percent to Ksh811.9 billion ($6.29 billion).
Customer deposits grew 7.9 percent to Ksh547.7 billion ($4.24 billion), while net loans and advances rose 4.2 percent to Ksh391.3 billion ($3.03 billion). Shareholders’ funds surged 23.4 percent to Ksh156.3 billion ($1.21 billion), lifted by retained earnings of Ksh18.4 billion ($1.42 billion).
Operating income increased 10.8 percent to Ksh43.5 billion ($336.75 million), driven by a 23.1 percent rise in net interest income. Expenses climbed 13 percent, but the cost-to-income ratio remained favorable at 44.9 percent, a sharp improvement from 59 percent in 2014 when its efficiency program began.
Digital momentum accelerates
Over 90 percent of transactions were processed through digital and alternative channels, including the bank’s omni-channel platform, 622 ATMs, more than 16,000 Co-op kwa Jirani agents, and the M-Co-op Cash mobile wallet.
The wallet disbursed KSh 36.4 billion in loans year-to-date, including Ksh5.7 billion ($44.12 million) to micro, small, and medium enterprises. The MSME loan book now represents 17.3 percent of Co-op’s portfolio, benefiting nearly 250,000 customers, alongside 68,800 trained entrepreneurs.
Subsidiaries deliver solid earnings
Co-op Trust Investment Services Ltd tripled profit before tax to Ksh360.8 million ($2.79 million) with funds under management reaching Ksh461.7 billion ($3.57 billion), cementing its place as one of Kenya’s largest fund managers.
Kingdom Bank posted Ksh491.1 million ($3.8 million) profit before tax, while Co-op Bancassurance earned Ksh790.8 million ($6.12 million). Co-op Bank South Sudan returned to profitability with Ksh56.9 million ($0.44 million), despite hyperinflation adjustments, and Kingdom Securities added Ksh63.2 million ($0.49 million).
ESG leadership recognized
The lender was named Kenya’s Most Sustainable Bank for the fifth time in seven years at the 2024 Sustainable Finance Catalyst Awards.
It also earned the Financial Institution Award at the 2025 Energy Management Awards for optimizing energy use.
Through its foundation, Co-op has supported 11,815 students with scholarships and career mentorship, reinforcing its role in community development.
Physical footprint widens
Co-op Bank expanded its branch network to 212 outlets in Kenya, while subsidiaries Kingdom Bank and Co-op Bank South Sudan added new outlets, lifting their branch tallies to 23 and five, respectively.
The group’s staff strength grew to 5,850, with 450 new jobs created in the year.
With over 9.4 million account-holders and strong ties to Africa’s largest co-operative movement of 15 million members, Muriuki’s Co-op Bank continues to leverage its universal banking model, combining digital agility with nationwide reach.
Management reaffirmed its focus on resilience, sustainable growth, and deeper financial inclusion across Kenya and the wider region.
