NCBA demonstrated strong financial fundamentals recording positive operating income of Ksh.31 billion and a decline in loan impairment charges of 38.3 per cent year on year, backed by the Group`s five strategic pillars; Become a Distinguished Brand Known for Customer Experience, Scale Retail Banking, Deepen Leadership in Corporate Banking and Asset Finance, Digital Transformation and a High-Performance Employee Culture.
“We are pleased to announce another set of strong financial results for the first half of 2024,” said John Gachora, Group Managing Director of NCBA. “Despite some headwinds presented by the current operating environment, our diversified business model continued to demonstrate resilience.”
“Our banking business across the Group delivered a collective PBT of Ksh.11.7 billion in the period. These outcomes are flat year on year largely driven by a tight interest rate environment which has elevated our cost of funds and pressured our profit margins. Despite these challenges, we remain committed to strategically managing our balance sheet and optimizing our financial performance to sustain our growth trajectory.”
Our non-banking subsidiaries, including Investment Banking, Bancassurance and Leasing, have buttressed our overall performance, contributing Ksh.0.6 billion in profitability. Collectively, these units have achieved an impressive 56% year-on-year growth, underscoring the enduring strength and versatility of our brand in unlocking substantial value for both our customers and shareholders.
One of the Group`s strategic mandates to become a Distinguished brand known for customer experience was acknowlegded through awards across the region. NCBA was recognized for Excellence in Customer Experience at the Connected Banking Summit, 2nd place overall winner in the KBA Customer Satisfaction Survey and Best Bank in Customer Experience by Africa Bank Awards. The Group was ranked 6th in Kenya, 85th in Africa’s most valuable brands and Top 5 most loved banks by women in Kenya.
NCBA’s quest to putting customers at the heart of its operations saw the Group implement notable initiatives including, the SME Development Programme partnership with Strathmore Business School which has impacted over 1500 business owners since inception, scheme agreements with several vehicle dealers including Isuzu, CFAO, Simba and Inchape which helped sustain NCBA’s Asset Finance market leadership at 37% and most recently, the waiver of monthly account maintenance fees for retail banking customers to cushion economic shocks and drive customer acquisition.
The Group continued to accelerate and promote financial inclusion across the region by disbursing KES 478 billion worth of Digital Loans. This accompanied by innovation on digital platforms services such as the ability to invest on the bank app, instant digital loans and additional pay bill features ensured that NCBA empowered over 60 million customers across Africa and enabled them achieve their financial goals.
As a leading employer across the region, NCBA played a critical role in economic progress by creating additional job opportunities driven by expansion in the Group`s smart network comprising 115 branches and a focus on enhancing digital skills development for a future-proof digital at the core organization.
NCBA made progress towards achieving its sustainability commitments with the implementation of environmental and social impact related activities. These included awarding 169 education scholarships, planting 175,044 trees, mobilizing green & sustainable financing worth KES 6.5 billion, catalyzing socioeconomic community impact through regional golf activations and upskilling 90% of NCBA staff through the ‘I Change the Story’ program.
The 100% acquisition of AIG Kenya further strengthened NCBA’s position in the financial services industry by tapping into a sizeable KES 309 billion insurance industry. This strategic move embedded an over 50-year-old well known insurance business to enable customers conveniently access all their financial products under one roof.
Looking Ahead: Gachora remarked, “The economic outlook for the latter half of the year presents a nuanced blend of optimism and caution. In Kenya, we have observed positive trends with inflation easing to 4.6% and the local currency stabilizing against major currencies. We are encouraged by the Government’s commitment to support sustainable growth, to maintain fiscal discipline, and to continue fostering a favorable financial environment. These efforts will be key in driving economic progress and supporting the ongoing success of the private sector.”
The Group`s strong performance enabled the Board of Directors to approve an interim dividend declaration of Ksh.2.25 for every ordinary share.