Car & General (C&G) has reported a strong financial performance for the six months ended June 30, 2026, with turnover rising by 30 per cent to Ksh15.6 billion, compared with the same period last year.

“Despite a challenging operating environment, we are encouraged by the resilience and growth demonstrated across our markets,” said Car & General Chairman Nicholas Ng’ang’a.

The company’s profit after tax surged to Ksh2.6 billion, up from Ksh637 million recorded during the previous comparable period, reflecting strong performance across its businesses in East Africa and other markets.

“This performance reflects the strength of our diversified portfolio and the continued execution of our regional growth strategy,” Ng’ang’a said.

According to the Car & General half-year results statement, sales grew by 40 per cent in Kenya, 35 per cent in Uganda and 22 per cent in Tanzania. Poultry sales in Tanzania also increased by 3.5 per cent during the period.

The company attributed the improved performance to positive operations across the region, including significant growth from its associate, Watu, which was driven by increased mobile-phone financing and strong performance in Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Nigeria, South Africa and Sierra Leone.

Kenya’s motorcycle business was among the key drivers of growth, with sales averaging 12,000 units per month in 2026, compared with 7,000 units per month in 2025.

Car & General said the growth represents a significant opportunity going forward, with exchange-rate stability also helping the company maintain greater control over its margins.

In Tanzania, the company recorded modest growth in two-wheeler and three-wheeler sales, while its poultry operation stabilised during the period. Production of day-old chicks and demand remained stable, with the company expecting production to increase in the second half of the year.

The company’s investment property portfolio also remained stable. Nairobi Mega on Uhuru Highway maintained steady footfall, while Car & General continued efforts to partially reduce its property holding in Shanzu.

The company currently holds 22.5 acres in Shanzu, having sold 1.5 acres in 2026. It expects the completion of the Mombasa–Malindi highway, scheduled for 2027, to further enhance the value of the property.

Car & General also reported continued progress in its investment in Watu, which has expanded its operations across several African markets. The company has opened operations in Rwanda and South Africa as it continues its strategy of supporting the digitisation of Africa.

Its helmet-manufacturing subsidiary, Boda Plus, has also turned profitable and is currently exporting to Uganda, Tanzania, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda and Burundi.

The company is further positioning itself in the transition to cleaner mobility through investments in electric two-wheelers and three-wheelers, LPG-powered three-wheelers in Kenya and CNG-powered three-wheelers in Tanzania.

Car & General said the response to these products has been positive, although it noted that infrastructure for electric charging and gas supply needs to be accelerated to support faster growth in the sector.

The company said more than five million customers are currently using its products and services across its markets.

Looking ahead, Car & General expects economic conditions in East Africa to remain stable in terms of inflation, foreign exchange and liquidity for the remainder of the year, despite unpredictable global geopolitical developments.

“We remain cautiously optimistic about the outlook and are focused on strengthening operational efficiency while expanding our market presence,” Ng’ang’a said.

The company said it will continue driving growth across its product lines and businesses, with a focus on increasing market share, improving Group profitability and optimising its balance sheet.

As part of the half-year results, the Board approved an interim dividend of Ksh1 per share, which will be payable on or about September 10, 2026, to shareholders on the register of members as at September 3, 2026.

“The interim dividend reflects our commitment to delivering consistent value to shareholders while maintaining a strong balance sheet for future growth,” Ng’ang’a said.