National Bank of Kenya has announced an after tax profit of Kes 106 million for the period ending March 31, 2019.
This represents 138 percent increase in profitability from the loss position in quarter one 2018 which was occasioned by one-off exceptional item. The profit is mainly attributed to growth in operating income from.
Customer deposits increased to Kes 89 billion compared to Kes 86 billion in quarter one 2018 as the banks strategy of driving business growth through enhanced mobile offering, diaspora and MSME continued to bear fruit. This supported an improved liquidity position which was 40.4% compared to 29.9% in 2018.
Net loans & advances reduced to Kes 45 billion compared to Kes 51 billion the previous year over the same period on reduced volumes of new loans issued and collections made on existing loans. The slowdown is based on the capital limitation.
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Operating income for the period was Kes 2.2 billion, a 26% increase from Kes 1.7 billion recorded in the same period the previous year mainly due to improved funding mix, recoveries from NPL book and interest earning assets.
“This is in line with our strategy of improving our net interest margin by lowering the cost of funding and accelerating recoveries and remediation of the NPL book,” said National Bank Managing Director and CEO Wilfred Musau on Thursday.
“We continue to deliver on our promise to our customers by ensuring that we offer them excellent services at their convenience. This is evidenced by the increased customer deposits, awards and recognitions that the bank is receiving,” Added Mr. Musau.
Operating expenses reduced marginally by 3% year on year to Kes 1.712 billion from Kes 1.764 billion.
Going forward the bank is mainly focusing on Retail & MSME segments through enhancement of existing products and strategic partnerships.