Co-operative Bank of Kenya has entered Africa’s top 25 strongest banks by capital for the first time, marking a major milestone for the lender and reinforcing Kenya’s growing influence in the continent’s banking industry.
According to the latest The Banker Top 1,000 World Banks rankings, Co-op Bank debuted at position 842 globally and ranked 24th in Africa after attaining Tier 1 capital of approximately US$1.1 billion (Sh137.5 billion). Tier 1 capital is regarded as the most important measure of a bank’s financial strength, reflecting its ability to absorb losses, finance economic growth and withstand financial shocks.
The achievement crowns two years of sustained growth for the lender, which has continued to strengthen its balance sheet while expanding lending to households, businesses and the cooperative movement.
For the financial year ended December 31, 2025, Co-operative Bank reported a net profit of Sh34.8 billion, representing a 10.7 per cent increase from Sh31.4 billion recorded the previous year. The strong performance has helped boost investor confidence, with the bank’s share price rising 1.5 per cent to Sh35.25 following the latest rankings.
The recognition also highlights Kenya’s growing banking sector. Three Kenyan lenders—KCB Group, Equity Bank and Co-operative Bank—now feature among Africa’s top 25 banks by Tier 1 capital, cementing the country’s position as East Africa’s leading financial hub.
KCB Group remains the region’s best-capitalised bank, ranking 549th globally with Tier 1 capital of about US$2.5 billion, while Equity Bank placed 573rd globally and 16th in Africa with Tier 1 capital of US$2.31 billion. Co-op Bank’s entry into the top 25 further strengthens Kenya’s representation among the continent’s strongest financial institutions.
