2 March 2026
KCB Group Dividend 2026: How Much Will You Earn Per Share?
Whether you’re searching for the KCB Group dividend per share, wondering when KCB pays its dividend, or planning to buy KCB Group shares before the payout, this guide covers everything shareholders need to know — payment dates, book-close deadlines, and exactly how much you’ll earn based on your share count.
🔴 Updated March 17, 2026: KCB Group released its full-year 2025 results on March 11, 2026. The declared dividend is KES 7.00 per share total — KCB’s largest ever payout. All figures in this article reflect the confirmed results.
KCB Group is Kenya’s largest bank by total assets, operating across Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, Burundi, Ethiopia, and South Sudan with over 400,000 shareholders on the NSE register. For many Kenyan retail investors, KCB is their first or only stock holding, often purchased through SACCOs, investment clubs, or direct NSE trading. For these investors, the annual KCB Group dividend is the tangible return they track most closely — the cash deposited to their bank account that validates their investment decision.
Here is everything KCB shareholders need to know about the 2026 dividend.
KCB Group Dividend 2026 — Confirmed Results
KCB Group has declared its largest ever dividend following record full-year results.
KCB Group posted a net profit of KES 68.4 billion for the year ended 31 December 2025 — an 11% increase from KES 61.8 billion in 2024.
The total dividend per share is KES 7.00 for the full year — 133% higher than the KES 3.00 paid in FY2024 and the largest single-year dividend in KCB’s 130-year history.
The KES 7.00 total dividend breaks down as:
- Interim dividend already paid in November 2025: KES 4.00 per share
- Final dividend proposed, subject to AGM approval: KES 3.00 per share
- Total: KES 7.00 per share
The total dividend payout amounts to KES 22 billion — KCB’s largest ever payout to shareholders.
Key dates for the KES 3.00 final dividend:
- Book close date: 2 April 2026 — you must own shares by this date to qualify
- Ex-dividend date: approximately 31 March 2026 — buy before this date to qualify
- Payment date: on or about 22 May 2026, subject to shareholder approval at the AGM
Note: If you already received the KES 4.00 interim dividend in November 2025, you will receive the KES 3.00 final dividend automatically in May 2026, provided your CDS account bank details are current. No action is required.
How Much Will You Earn? — KES Earnings by Holding Size
The KES 4.00 interim was already paid in November 2025. The table below shows what you will receive from the KES 3.00 final dividend payable May 2026, and the KES 7.00 total for the full year.
| Shares Held | Final Dividend (KES 3.00) | Tax (5%) | Net Final Payment | Total Year (KES 7.00 gross) | Net Total Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 100 shares | KES 300 | KES 15 | KES 285 | KES 700 | KES 665 |
| 500 shares | KES 1,500 | KES 75 | KES 1,425 | KES 3,500 | KES 3,325 |
| 1,000 shares | KES 3,000 | KES 150 | KES 2,850 | KES 7,000 | KES 6,650 |
| 2,000 shares | KES 6,000 | KES 300 | KES 5,700 | KES 14,000 | KES 13,300 |
| 5,000 shares | KES 15,000 | KES 750 | KES 14,250 | KES 35,000 | KES 33,250 |
| 10,000 shares | KES 30,000 | KES 1,500 | KES 28,500 | KES 70,000 | KES 66,500 |
Tax note: The 5% withholding tax is deducted automatically by KCB before payment. You receive the net amount directly to your registered bank account — no action required on your part.
Investment context: KCB shares are currently trading at approximately KES 75–78 per share. At KES 7.00 total dividend, the current dividend yield is approximately 9.0–9.3% — one of the highest yields among Kenya’s large-cap NSE stocks.
KCB Dividend History — Updated 5-Year Table
| Year | Interim | Final | Total DPS | Share Price (Jan) | Yield |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | KES 0.50 | KES 1.00 | KES 1.50 | KES 38 | 3.9% |
| 2022 | KES 0.50 | KES 1.00 | KES 1.50 | KES 42 | 3.6% |
| 2023 | KES 0.50 | KES 1.25 | KES 1.75 | KES 38 | 4.6% |
| 2024 | KES 0.50 | KES 2.50 | KES 3.00 | KES 32 | 9.4% |
| 2025 | KES 4.00 | KES 3.00 | KES 7.00 | KES 66 | ~10.6% |
Key observations:
KCB’s share price opened 2026 at KES 65.75 and has since gained 19% year-to-date, reaching a high of KES 80.50 in late February. The stock last traded at KES 78.25 on March 11, 2026.
The 2025 total dividend of KES 7.00 represents a 133% increase over 2024’s KES 3.00 — the single largest year-on-year dividend jump in KCB’s history. The KES 4.00 interim was significantly enhanced by proceeds from the sale of National Bank of Kenya completed in May 2025. The KES 3.00 final dividend alone is double the KES 1.50 total dividend paid across all of 2022.
Two-payment structure: KCB pays an interim dividend mid-year and a final dividend the following year — meaning shareholders receive two payments annually. Most other NSE stocks pay once per year.
Key Dates: Book Close, Ex-Dividend, Payment
Critical dates for the 2026 KCB final dividend:
Ex-Dividend Date: approximately 31 March 2026
From this date forward, new buyers do NOT qualify for the KES 3.00 final dividend. If you buy KCB shares on or after 31 March 2026, you will not receive this dividend payment. The share price typically adjusts downward by roughly the dividend amount on the ex-dividend date — this is normal market behaviour.
Book-Close Date: 2 April 2026
You must own KCB shares and be registered in the company’s books by this date to qualify. If your name appears in KCB’s shareholder register on 2 April 2026, you receive the dividend automatically.
Payment Date: on or about 22 May 2026
Subject to shareholder approval at the AGM, the dividend is deposited directly to your registered bank account. Payment is automatic — no action needed from you.
Before book-close: Verify your CDS account has current bank details registered. If you have changed banks or closed an account since registering, your dividend payment may be delayed or returned. Contact your broker or CDS agent to confirm your registered bank details before 31 March 2026.
How to Qualify — CDS Account and Book-Close Requirements
To receive your KCB Group dividend, you must meet three requirements:
1. Own KCB Shares Before the Ex-Dividend Date
Deadline: 31 March 2026
Buy KCB shares by 28 March 2026 to ensure T+3 settlement by the ex-dividend date. The NSE T+3 settlement rule means shares take 3 business days to register in your name after purchase.
2. Have a Valid CDS Account
- CDS account must be in YOUR name, not your broker’s name
- Linked to your KRA PIN
- Active and in good standing
If you do not have a CDS account yet, see our complete CDS account guide for step-by-step setup instructions. Opening a CDS account takes 5–10 business days — do not leave this until the last week before book-close.
3. Registered Bank Account for Payment
Your CDS account must have a valid Kenyan bank account registered for dividend payments. All major Kenyan banks are accepted including Equity Bank, KCB, Co-operative Bank, NCBA, Standard Chartered, Absa, and others.
Special note for SACCO and investment club members: If you purchased KCB shares through a SACCO share purchase scheme or investment club, the SACCO or club may receive the dividend on behalf of members and distribute internally. Confirm with your SACCO administrator or club treasurer how dividends are handled before the payment date.
KCB Group Financial Performance — Confirmed FY2025 Results
KCB Group posted record results for the year ended December 2025. Here are the confirmed figures:
| Metric | FY2024 | FY2025 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Net profit | KES 61.8 billion | KES 68.4 billion | +11% |
| Total revenues | KES 204 billion | KES 214 billion | +5% |
| Total assets | KES 1.97 trillion | KES 2.15 trillion | +9.3% |
| Customer deposits | KES 1.38 trillion | KES 1.59 trillion | +15% |
| Gross loans | KES 1.09 trillion | KES 1.25 trillion | +15% |
| Earnings per share | KES 18.57 | KES 20.79 | +12% |
| Return on equity | 20.1% | 22.5% | Improved |
| Shareholders equity | KES 274 billion | KES 331.5 billion | +21% |
Dividend sustainability assessment:
The total KES 7.00 dividend represents a payout ratio of 33% of profits. This is conservative — KCB retains 67% of profits for growth, regional expansion, and regulatory capital requirements. A 33% payout ratio on KES 68.4 billion profit is sustainable and leaves significant room for future increases.
KCB has guided for loan growth of 10–11% in FY2026 and return on equity of 20–22%. If guidance is met, the 2026 total dividend could reach KES 7.50–8.00 per share.
Risk factors to monitor:
- Non-performing loan ratio: currently approximately 10–12% — manageable but requires watching
- Regional operations in Uganda, Tanzania, and South Sudan contribute to earnings but add political and currency risk
- Central Bank capital requirements could limit dividend growth in future years if KCB is required to hold additional regulatory capital
KCB vs Equity Bank Dividend — Quick Comparison
Both are core holdings for Kenyan dividend investors. Here is how they compare on the 2025 dividends:
| Metric | KCB Group | Equity Group |
|---|---|---|
| Total dividend per share 2025 | KES 7.00 | KES 4.00 |
| Current share price (approx) | KES 75–78 | KES 47–50 |
| Dividend yield (approx) | ~9.0–9.3% | ~8.5% |
| Interim dividend paid | Yes — KES 4.00 (Nov 2025) | No |
| Final dividend payment | ~22 May 2026 | ~May 2026 |
| FY2025 net profit | KES 68.4 billion | KES 44 billion |
| Total payout pool | KES 22 billion | KES 15 billion |
| Payout ratio | 33% | ~40% |
| Payment structure | Two payments per year | One payment per year |
For detailed analysis of Equity Bank’s dividend, see our complete Equity Bank dividend guide.
Should You Buy KCB Shares Before the 2026 Dividend?
Understanding the Ex-Dividend Price Drop
On approximately 31 March 2026, KCB’s share price will typically drop by roughly the KES 3.00 final dividend amount as the value transfers from the company to shareholders. This is normal market behaviour — you do not get the dividend for free by buying just before book-close.
Example:
- 28 March: KCB closes at KES 78.00
- 31 March (ex-dividend): KCB opens at approximately KES 75.00
- Drop: KES 3.00 — equal to the final dividend amount
If you buy before 31 March: You pay KES 78.00, receive KES 2.85 net dividend, effective cost KES 75.15. If you buy after 31 March: You pay approximately KES 75.00, receive no dividend, effective cost KES 75.00.
The maths is roughly equal for short-term buyers. The dividend timing advantage is for existing holders, not new buyers rushing to qualify.
The Case for Long-Term Investors
If you are buying KCB to hold for 3–5+ years, the exact timing relative to the book-close date matters very little. You will receive future dividends for 2026, 2027, and beyond regardless of when you buy in 2026. Focus on whether KES 75–78 per share is a fair price for KCB’s long-term earnings potential — not on whether you can catch this particular dividend.
At What Price Does KCB Make Sense for Income Investors?
| Share Price | Yield on KES 7.00 Dividend | Assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Below KES 65 | Above 10.8% | Very attractive for income |
| KES 65–78 | 9.0–10.8% | Attractive — current range |
| KES 78–90 | 7.8–9.0% | Fair value |
| Above KES 90 | Below 7.8% | Premium — income yield less compelling |
At the current price of approximately KES 75–78, KCB offers a yield of 9.0–9.3% — competitive with NSE peers and significantly above Treasury Bills and money market funds. The question for new buyers is whether KCB’s profit growth will sustain or grow the KES 7.00 dividend in coming years. Based on current guidance of 10–11% loan growth and 20–22% return on equity, a stable or growing dividend is the more likely outcome.
FAQ: KCB Group Dividend 2026
When is the KCB Group dividend 2026 payment date?
The KES 3.00 final dividend is payable on or about 22 May 2026, subject to shareholder approval at the AGM. The KES 4.00 interim dividend was already paid in November 2025.
Complete timeline: Book close 2 April 2026 → AGM approval → Payment approximately 22 May 2026. Payment is automatic to your registered bank account.
What is the KCB dividend per share in 2026?
The total KCB dividend for the 2025 financial year is KES 7.00 per share — KES 4.00 interim (paid November 2025) plus KES 3.00 final (payable May 2026, subject to AGM approval).
After 5% withholding tax, the net KES 3.00 final dividend becomes KES 2.85 per share received. The net full-year total is KES 6.65 per share.
How do I receive my KCB dividend?
KCB dividends are paid automatically to the bank account registered on your CDS account. No action is required provided you owned shares before the ex-dividend date and your bank account details on your CDS account are current and active. If you have changed banks since registering, update your details with your stockbroker or CDS agent before 31 March 2026.
Does KCB pay an interim dividend?
Yes. KCB pays two dividends per year — an interim dividend mid-year after half-year results, and a final dividend the following year after full-year results. For the 2025 financial year, the interim of KES 4.00 was paid in November 2025 and the final of KES 3.00 is payable May 2026.
How many KCB shares do I need to earn KES 10,000 from dividends?
At the KES 3.00 final dividend, you need approximately 3,509 shares to earn KES 10,000 gross (KES 9,500 net after 5% tax) from the final payment alone.
For KES 10,000 net from the full-year KES 7.00 dividend, you need approximately 1,504 shares — costing approximately KES 113,000–118,000 at current prices.
| Target Income | Shares Needed | Approx Investment at KES 78 |
|---|---|---|
| KES 5,000 net (final only) | ~1,754 shares | ~KES 137,000 |
| KES 10,000 net (final only) | ~3,509 shares | ~KES 274,000 |
| KES 10,000 net (full year) | ~1,504 shares | ~KES 117,000 |
| KES 50,000 net (full year) | ~7,519 shares | ~KES 587,000 |
Build gradually over time through regular monthly purchases rather than trying to invest large sums at once.
Is it too late to qualify for the 2026 KCB dividend?
No — the ex-dividend date is approximately 31 March 2026 and the book-close is 2 April 2026. You have until approximately 28 March 2026 to buy shares and have them settle in time. After 31 March, new buyers will not qualify for this dividend but will qualify for the next interim dividend expected in late 2026.
Always verify payment dates directly with KCB Group at kcbgroup.com or through your licensed stockbroker. Dividend dates are subject to change pending AGM approval. This article is for informational purposes and does not constitute financial advice.
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