Tanzania Banking Sector Participant Reports Profitability Increase

One of the leading investors and participants in the Tanzania banking sector, the KCB Group has officially reports an increase in profitability of 42% for the year 2008 and for the first time since the start of its turnaround in 2003, the group hit the KSH 6 billion-mark.

The KCB Group is based out of Kenya, but currently also has 185 separate branches and 182 ATM locations spread across the region in Tanzania, Uganda Southern Sudan and Rwanda including those in Kenya.

Overall, the notable performance of the bank is based on a 39% growth in net interest income due to an increase in lending services.

“I am pleased to announce that we have been able to sustain our growth momentum and maintain our profitability trend,” said the Group Chairman, Peter Muthoka, “We shall continue to position KCB as the low-cost provider of financial services to our customers through an efficient regional banking platform.”

According to the KCB Group Chief Executive, Martin Oduor-Otieno, the bank group witnessed an increase of its operating income by 37% as well as other overall improvements to its status in the region.

“In addition to interest income,” said Mr. Oduor-Otieno, “over the course of the year we witnessed an increase in business volumes across our branch network which pushed foreign exchange earnings up by 94% and fees and commissions by 28%.”

While the net provisions for bad debts were increased by 88% as a result of the risks that are inherent with a growing loan book, the bank also saw an increase in its balance sheet by 59%, thus ensuring its position as the largest bank in the region in this respect.

“The growth in our balance sheet is a result of aggressive marketing for both Retail and Corporate loans,” said Mr. Oduor-Otieno. 

In addition, deposits at the bank also increased by 34% and shareholder equity rose by 60%.

According to the Group Chairman, Mr. Muthoka, the KCB Group is in the process of implementing a Pan-African vision and, to this end, it has taken steps towards expansion into the African market beginning next year.

“Work is underway to create road map for that expansion which will enable us to stake a claim in the continental market in the future,” said Mr. Muthoka.

In addition, Mr. Oduor-Otieno, went on to say plans are also already in place for the bank to increase its presence this year with an additional 50 branches across the region.

“We have put in place key initiatives to enable us to consolidate our position and grow market share in the region before we embark on the Pan-African agenda,” said the bank’s Chief Executive.