East African Breweries PLC (EABL) has posted a profit of Ksh12.2 billion for the year ending June 30, 2025, even as new alcohol control proposals by NACADA hang over the sector.
In its latest audited financial results, the EABL Board reported that net revenue rose by 49 percent to Ksh128.8 billion, buoyed by a two percent increase in volume sales across both beer and spirits markets. The firm’s profit before tax stood at Ksh19.3 billion, while income tax was recorded at Ksh7.1 billion.
The brewer’s profit after tax grew by 12 percent, a jump driven by increased revenue, gains from foreign exchange, and reduced finance costs following lower debt and interest rates. These factors helped cushion one-off costs incurred during the year.
“EABL delivered a strong set of results marked by topline growth and double-digit profit expansion. All our markets recorded growth, fortifying our business position across the region,” the Group Managing Director and CEO said.
The company’s cash and cash equivalents rose to Ksh12.7 billion, a growth of Ksh1.9 billion. This was largely due to increased revenue and a decline in borrowing costs. EABL further reported a reduction of Ksh8.3 billion in its total debt, including overdrafts.
As a reward to shareholders, the Board has proposed a final dividend of Ksh5.50 per share, bringing the total dividend payout for the year to Ksh8.00 per share—an increase from Ksh7.00 in 2024. If approved, the final dividend will be paid on or about October 28 to shareholders registered by September 16, 2025.
“The EABL Board has declared a final dividend of Ksh5.50 per share, bringing the total dividend to Ksh8.00 per share, 14.3 percent above last year,” said Group Chairman Martin Oduor.
The brewer said macroeconomic conditions remained generally stable across its markets. In Kenya, the shilling appreciated against major currencies and interest rates declined. Uganda and Tanzania were largely stable, although Tanzania’s currency depreciated slightly.
Despite the positive outlook, EABL acknowledged the persistent challenges of illicit alcohol, inflationary input costs, and weakened consumer spending due to reduced disposable income. The company urged stronger regulatory enforcement and multi-stakeholder action to protect consumers and ensure fair competition within the industry.
“Despite these challenges, EABL delivered a solid performance, anchored on strong strategy execution. Revenue grew 4 percent to Ksh128.8 billion and profit after tax grew 12 percent to Ksh12.2 billion,” Oduor added.
Group CEO Jane Karuku expressed gratitude to the Board, shareholders, consumers, customers, and partners for their continued support during the year.
EABL’s strong performance comes as the National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA) pushes for sweeping changes to Kenya’s alcohol laws. Among the proposals is raising the legal drinking age from 18 to 21, a move NACADA describes as science-backed and necessary to protect the youth.
The Authority has also proposed a raft of advertising restrictions, including bans on outdoor alcohol adverts, online sales, home deliveries, and celebrity endorsements. NACADA believes these steps are crucial in limiting young people’s exposure to alcohol and reducing substance abuse.
As the government reviews the proposals, EABL and other industry players are expected to engage regulators and stakeholders in shaping a framework that balances public health with business sustainability.
