Nairobi, May 26 -- Standard Chartered Bank Kenya has posted a 26.3 percent drop in profit for the first three months of the year through to March 2026 on lower lending margins, bucking the trend of earnings growth seen among rival listed lenders.

The lender, which becomes the first tier I bank to post a lower profit for the cycle, has booked a net income of Sh3.5 billion, from a higher Sh4.8 billion at the same time last year.

Stan Chart's net interest income fell by 24.4 percent in the opening quarter to Sh6.2 billion from Sh8.2 billion as revenues from lending fell faster than interest expenses, mirroring the reduction in lending margins.

Revenues from loans and advances to customers declined by 12 percent to Sh3.9 billion from Sh5 b...