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Centum Investment Company, the Nairobi Securities Exchange–listed group backed by the family of the late Kenyan tycoon Chris Kirubi, reported a $2.52 million loss for the half-year ended Sept. 30, 2025, as weaker sales and uneven economic conditions weighed on performance.
Sales fell 11.45 percent to Ksh750.59 million ($5.8 million) from Ksh847.62 million ($6.55 million) in the prior half-year. At the company level, improved cash generation, lower finance costs and a tighter balance sheet helped mitigate losses amid the challenging economic environment.
Profit and cash generation improved during the half-year
According to its recently released report, net loss declined by 5.91 percent to Ksh326.15 million ($2.52 million) from Ksh346.64 ($2.7 million) a year earlier. It posted a standalone growth at the company level, even as revenue from continuing operations eased, supported instead by better showings from its trading businesses, real estate arm and a higher tax credit.
Centum generated Ksh703 million ($5.43 million) in free cash flow in the six months, giving it room to cut debt and narrow liabilities by 20 percent. Borrowings climbed by 18.96 percent from Ksh17.86 billion ($137.91 million) in March to Ksh21.24 billion ($164.06 million) in September. The company said repayments made after the reporting period pushed borrowings down further to Ksh440 million ($3.4 million), sharply reducing interest expenses.
Centum leans on real estate rebound under Centum 5.0
The performance reflects gains from Centum RE, which manages major projects in Nairobi and Kenya’s Coast region, alongside stronger results from portfolio trading companies. Management has been gradually shifting the business away from dependence on property revaluations toward assets that generate consistent cash flow, a transition reinforced under the Centum 5.0 plan.
Group CEO James Mworia said the results show early signs that cost discipline and deleveraging are taking hold. “The first half of the 2026 financial year marks good progress across our key focus areas,” Mworia said. “We remain committed to cash generation, monetizing selected investments, managing costs carefully and reducing debt.” The group is working to refine its dual-portfolio structure, combining non-listed growth assets with a liquid portfolio aimed at delivering consistent returns.
Kirubi family anchors Centum’s long-term strategy
Centum continues to be influenced by Mary-Ann Musangi and Robert Kirubi, heirs of the late Kenyan tycoon who held a 30.94 percent stake until his passing in 2021. The siblings inherited several of his assets, including stakes in Centum, KCB Group, Haco Industries and Bendor Estate, and have favored a conservative, cash-focused strategy to preserve value.
As of Sept. 30, 2025, total assets rose slightly by 2.72 percent to Ksh84.59 billion ($653.36 million) from Ksh82.35 billion ($636.04 million) in the prior period, supported by shareholder loan repayments. On the flip side, total equity dipped by 0.74 percent to Ksh42.92 billion ($331.52 million) from Ksh43.24 billion ($334 million) over the same period.
