Nairobi, Aug. 12 -- Co-operative Bank of Kenya has posted a 28 percent growth in net profit to Sh18.02 billion in the first half of the year ended June 2026, driven by increased interest and non-interest income.

The group's net earnings grew from Sh14.08 billion posted in a similar period last year, coming on the back of net interest income rising 13 percent to Sh33.19 billion and non-interest income jumping11.6 percent to Sh15.75 billion.

The review period saw Co-op Bank's operating expenses rise by 9.2 percent to Sh26.26 billion from Sh24.07 billion, with staff costs rising 13.4 percent to Sh11.22 billion.

The rise in staff costs was attributed to the hiring of additional employees as the lender expanded its branch network. The bank ...