Listed investment firm Nairobi Business Ventures posted weaker half‑year results as difficult trading conditions hit revenue and margins across core divisions.
- •Sales fell to KSh 137.5 Mn from KSh 280.5 Mn in the six months to September 2025, reflecting slow market activity and heightened competition in the trading business.
- •The group still managed to narrow its loss after tax to KSh 78.3 Mn from KSh 99.0 Mn last year as management cut operating expenses and paused loss‑making trading lines.
- •With aviation being the only growth pillar, NBV is also considering a shift into real estate on Delta Cement’s 28‑acre parcel along Mombasa Road after the cement project stalled, citing the land’s potential for sustained value generation.
The trading division remained the main drag on performance. Management said reduced demand and margin pressure prompted a temporary halt in trading activities while new opportunities and product lines are evaluated. The truck maintenance segment also struggled as Delta Automobile faced high operating and finance costs and lower revenue from lost contracts. The company is seeking new business to improve utilisation of its facilities.
Aviation provided the group’s only growth pillar with Air Direct Connect delivering stable performance on the back of firm contracts and investment in equipment and staff capacity.
NBV’s balance sheet expanded modestly with its total assets rising to KSh 3.33 Billion from KSh 3.11Billion as other assets increased, while total equity stood at KSh 1.82 Billion. Cash and cash equivalents were 16.9 Mn, down from KSh 24.5 Mn. Borrowings eased by declining to KSh 562.2Mn from KSh 622.2Million a year earlier, although total liabilities grew to KSh 1.50 Bn, driven by higher other payables.
Looking ahead, management anticipates improvement in trading margins once interest rates ease and demand stabilizes. The group plans to scale trading activities gradually and in line with market conditions.
