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Kakuzi doubles dividend to Sh16 as profit rebounds from 2024 loss
The entrance to the Kakuzi factory in Makuyu, Muranga County. The firm posted a net profit of Sh387.6 million, marking a turnaround from a Sh131.7 million net loss in 2024.
Listed agricultural firm Kakuzi has doubled its dividend to Sh16 per share for the year ended December 2025 after returning to profitability, reversing a loss recorded the previous year.
Fresh disclosures show the firm posted a net profit of Sh387.6 million, marking a turnaround from a Sh131.7 million net loss in 2024, supported by recovery across its core business segments.
The improved earnings signal a rebound after a difficult 2024, when falling avocado exports and external shocks weighed on performance.
Despite the recovery, the board has cautioned that global uncertainties continue to pose risks, particularly in key export markets.
“Whilst certain circumstances leading to the loss in 2024 have been mitigated, geopolitical tensions remain and continue to impact our avocado operations negatively. Further efforts to mitigate losses are continuing in earnest,” said chairman Nicholas Ng’ang’a.
Kakuzi remains heavily exposed to international markets, with its avocado segment reliant on demand in Europe and the Middle East, leaving it vulnerable to geopolitical shocks and trade disruptions.
Dividend lift
The proposed dividend marks a sharp shift from a year earlier, when the company cut payouts by two-thirds following weaker earnings linked to declining avocado exports.
“The board recommends payment of a first and final dividend of Sh16 per share for the year ended December 31, 2025, compared to Sh8 per share in 2024,” the firm said.
“The dividend shall be paid on or about June 15, 2026, to shareholders on the members’ register at the close of business on Friday, May 29, 2026.”
During the year, Kakuzi’s revenue rose 12.1 percent to Sh5.37 billion, up from Sh4.79 billion in 2024.
The avocado business remains the firm’s main revenue driver, but also its most exposed segment to global volatility, including logistics disruptions, currency fluctuations and shifting demand.
Profit from avocado sales nearly doubled to Sh709 million, from Sh361 million a year earlier. However, the company said the segment continues to face shipping challenges.
“The Red Sea route reopened in the year. However, logistical instability on this route continues to cause fruit quality problems and lower prices,” the firm said.
Gross profit from macadamia rose to Sh365 million, from Sh69 million in 2024, while the forestry unit posted Sh122 million, slightly down from Sh128 million.
Kakuzi’s return to profit comes as agricultural exporters face growing pressure to balance shareholder payouts with reinvestment needs to sustain long-term growth.
