Equity Bank has once again secured its position as Kenya’s most valuable brand in 2025, according to the latest rankings from Brand Finance.

This marks the second year in a row that the banking giant has topped the list, reflecting its sustained brand strength and financial performance in a recovering economic environment.

The report also highlights the dominance of Kenya’s banking sector, which accounts for more than half of the total brand value in the rankings. Equity Bank, Kenya Commercial Bank (KCB), and Co-operative Bank of Kenya lead the pack, reinforcing the sector’s critical role in the national economy.

Top Kenyan Brands Experience Growth Amid Economic Recovery

All of the top 10 most valuable Kenyan brands reported notable increases in brand value in 2025, underlining their resilience and ability to adapt to changing market dynamics.

Equity Bank saw its brand value grow by 8% to Sh71.3 billion, supported by strong net interest income, a growing customer base, and a high Brand Strength Index (BSI) score. These indicators reflect sustained customer trust and robust brand equity.

Safaricom retained second place with a modest 0.5% increase in brand value to KES58.3 billion, driven by continued gains from Kenya’s ongoing digital transformation.

Kenya Commercial Bank (KCB) remained in third place, with a 9% increase in brand value to KES54.8 billion, signaling the strong appetite for financial services and KCB’s expanding digital footprint.

M-Pesa, Kenya’s digital payments pioneer, holds the fourth spot, capitalizing on rising demand for secure and convenient cashless transactions.

Co-Operative Bank of Kenya and NCBA secured fifth and sixth positions, respectively, maintaining strong performances through innovative banking strategies and customer-centric services.

Kenya Power & Lighting Company retained seventh place with a 4% brand value growth to KES16.6 billion, attributed to increased electricity sales and robust revenue gains.

Tusker Emerges as Fastest-Growing and Strongest Kenyan Brand in 2025

Beer brand Tusker made a significant leap in 2025, rising to eighth place in overall brand value rankings with a 67% increase to KES9.6 billion. Tusker’s growth was fuelled by improved consumer spending and the reopening of the hospitality sector, making it the fastest-growing brand in Kenya this year.

The brand also took the title of Kenya’s strongest brand, earning a BSI score of 97.1 out of 100. Tusker scored a perfect 10 in key categories such as familiarity, consideration, and reputation—demonstrating its deep cultural resonance and customer loyalty in the domestic market.

New Entrants and Strategic Growth in Financial Services

I&M Bank climbed to ninth place, with a 38% increase in brand value to KES7.8 billion, credited to successful expansion and innovation in its service offerings.

Kenya Airways, despite increasing its brand value by 8.5% to KES7.0 billion, slipped to tenth position.

The national carrier’s improvement is largely attributed to its ongoing financial turnaround under Project Kifaru, which focuses on operational efficiency and superior customer service.

Brand Strength Rankings: Financial Institutions and Consumer Brands Shine

While Tusker emerged as the strongest brand overall, KCB retained its position as the second-strongest brand in Kenya with a BSI score of 94.4 out of 100. KCB’s consistent investment in digital innovation and customer experience has reinforced its reputation and customer loyalty.

Britam, a leading insurance provider, maintained third place in brand strength with a BSI score of 91.4, earning an elite AAA+ rating. The brand performed exceptionally in key consumer perception metrics, including reliability, price acceptance, and consideration—demonstrating its appeal as a trusted and accessible insurer in a competitive market.

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Equity Bank, although slipping to fourth in the brand strength ranking due to a slight dip in BSI score, continues to hold a AAA+ rating, affirming its market dominance, strong customer engagement, and high levels of consumer confidence.

Understanding Brand Value and Strength

According to Brand Finance, brand value represents the net economic benefit a company would gain by licensing its brand in an open market—distinct from a company's asset valuation. Brand strength, on the other hand, measures a brand’s performance across intangible indicators relative to competitors, and is scored out of 100.

As Kenya’s economic environment improves, the growth and strength of its leading brands underscore the resilience and strategic adaptability of local businesses—particularly in banking, telecommunications, and consumer goods.