Equity Bank has retained its position as Kenya’s most valuable brand for the third consecutive year. According to the latest Brand Finance Kenya 25 2026 report, released Thursday, Equity Bank’s brand value rose by 4% to Ksh73.9 billion, supported by strong financial performance, steady revenue growth, and an expanding asset base approaching Ksh 2 trillion.
The ranking comes on the back of a strong year for Kenya’s banking sector, whose players continues to dominate the country’s brand landscape. Banks account for 56% of the total brand value, equivalent to Ksh 196 billion, with seven lenders featuring in the top 25 and six securing positions in the top 10.
Brand Finance East Africa Regional Manager Walter Serem said the results highlight the increasing importance of scale, financial performance, and innovation in building strong brands. “Kenya’s brand landscape in 2026 reflects a market that is becoming increasingly competitive, resilient, and strategically diversified. The continued strength of the banking sector, led by Equity Bank, highlights the importance of scale, financial performance, and regional expansion in driving brand value,” he said.
Kenya Commercial Bank ranked second, with its brand value increasing by 9% to Ksh 59.7 billion. The lender’s rise was largely driven by a record-breaking profit after tax of Ksh 55.9 billion in the 2024 financial year — the highest ever reported in Kenya’s banking history.
> Craft Silicon Taps Ksh500 Billion Tourism Revenues With New Digital Payment Platform
Safaricom dropped to third place, with its brand value declining by 4% to Ksh55.7 billion. The telco’s performance was affected by regulatory scrutiny in its mobile money business and delays in rolling out commercial 5G services. Its expansion into Ethiopia also weighed on performance due to higher-than-expected operating costs, although its core Kenyan business remains resilient.
Overall, the total brand value of Kenya’s top 25 brands rose by 3% to Ksh 349 billion, reflecting a stable and steadily growing business environment.
In the wider rankings, CIC Insurance Group emerged as the fastest-growing brand, recording a 28% increase in brand value to Ksh 3.3 billion, driven by increased demand for insurance products and regional expansion. Tusker retained its position as the strongest brand in the country followed closely by Equity Bank.
Other top-ranked brands include Co-operative Bank, NCBA, Kenya Power, I&M and Diamond Trust Bank.
> The Three Men Who Built Safaricom Into a Corporate Giant
Leave a comment