In Kenya’s brand landscape for 2025, Equity Bank once again secured the crown as the country’s most valuable brand, with its worth rising to Sh71.3 billion, marking an 8 per cent growth.

The banking sector continues to shape the nation’s brand hierarchy, contributing more than half of the total valuation in this year’s ranking.

Following closely is Safaricom, whose brand value edged up slightly to Sh58.3 billion, maintaining its position at number two.

Not far behind, Kenya Commercial Bank climbed 9 per cent to Sh54.8 billion, cementing its role as a key player in the financial services arena.

Financial institutions dominate the leaderboard, with digital payments platform M-Pesa holding firm at fourth.

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The Co-operative Bank of Kenya and NCBA retained their spots at fifth and sixth, reflecting ongoing innovation and consumer trust within the sector.

Among non-banking brands, Kenya Power & Lighting Ltd saw its valuation rise 4 per cent to Sh16.6 billion, buoyed by increased electricity sales.

Meanwhile, Tusker, the iconic beer brand, made a striking leap, surging 67 per cent in value to Sh9.6 billion. This exceptional growth has been linked to renewed consumer spending and the revival of Kenya’s hospitality industry after disruptions.

I&M Bank, riding a wave of service expansion and innovation, advanced to ninth place after its brand value jumped 38 per cent to Sh7.8 billion.

Kenya Airways fell to tenth place despite improving its brand value by 8.5 per cent to Sh7 billion—thanks to strategic initiatives under Project Kifaru.

On the strength front, Tusker took the lead as the strongest Kenyan brand, achieving an impressive Brand Strength Index (BSI) score of 97.1 out of 100. It scored top marks for familiarity, consideration, and reputation, underscoring its deep connection with Kenyan consumers.

Kenya Commercial Bank came in second for brand strength with a BSI of 94.4, boosted by its digital innovation and high customer engagement.

Insurance firm Britam rounded out the top three strongest brands with a score of 91.4 and an AAA+ rating, praised for its reliability and accessibility.

Though Equity Bank’s brand strength slipped slightly to fourth place, it maintained a strong AAA+ rating, reflecting continued consumer confidence and brand recognition.

Brand Finance clarifies that brand value represents the economic advantage a brand owner might realise if the brand were licensed, which differs from company asset valuation. Brand strength measures the effectiveness of a brand’s intangible attributes, such as reputation and consumer perception.

This year’s rankings highlight Kenya’s financial sector as a dominant force in branding, while also spotlighting growing opportunities in consumer goods and services, especially as economic conditions stabilise.