Equity Leads as Safaricom Holds Top Three Spot Among Leading Brands in Kenya

Equity Bank has retained its position as Kenya’s most valuable brand for the third consecutive year, as Safaricom remained among the top three and six banks dominated the country’s brand rankings.

According to the Kenya 25 2026 report released on Thursday, April 16, by Brand Finance, the total value of Kenya’s top 25 brands rose by 3 per cent to Ksh 349 billion.

The banking sector continues to have a strong influence, making up 56 % of the total brand value, which is Ksh 196 billion, with six banking institutions featuring in the top 10.

Equity Tops Ranking as Safaricom Secures Third Place

Equity Bank topped the list with a brand value of Ksh 73.9 billion, supported by strong financial performance and regional expansion.

Kenya Commercial Bank (KCB) ranked second at Ksh 59.7 billion after posting record profits, while Safaricom came in third at Ksh 55.7 billion despite facing regulatory pressures and high costs linked to its Ethiopian expansion.

Also Read: Equity Bank Announces Cheaper Loans for Customers After CBK Lowers CBR Rate

Other brands in the top 10 include M-PESA, Co-operative Bank of Kenya, NCBA, Kenya Power, Tusker, I&M Bank and Diamond Trust Bank.

Strongest Kenyan Brands in 2026

In terms of brand strength, Tusker maintained its position as Kenya’s strongest brand with a Brand Strength Index score of 97.9 out of 100.

Equity Bank ranked second in strength with a score of 93.9, followed by Britam at 93.4 and Kenya Commercial Bank at 93.0. Safaricom and M-PESA were tied at 88.1, while Kenya Power scored 86.5. Crown Paints Kenya, Jubilee Holdings and CIC Insurance Group completed the top 10 strongest brands.

Also Read: Safaricom Moves to Address Concerns Over My OneApp

Commenting on the findings, Walter Serem, Regional Manager, Brand Finance East Africa, said Kenya’s brand landscape is becoming increasingly competitive, resilient and strategically diversified, with the strong performance of banks such as Equity Bank and Kenya Commercial Bank demonstrating the importance of scale, financial strength and regional expansion.

“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 and Kenya Commercial Bank, highlights the importance of scale, financial performance, and regional expansion in driving brand value,” said Serem.

He added that brands like Tusker and M-PESA continue to stand out due to their strong consumer relevance, cultural connection and long-term trust.

The report also identified CIC Insurance Group as the fastest-growing brand, posting a 28 per cent increase in value, while M-PESA emerged as the leading brand in sustainability perceptions across environmental, social and governance pillars.

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