Co-operative Bank of Kenya has posted a 28 per cent surge in half-year net profit, marking its strongest-ever first-half performance.

Co-op Bancassurance Intermediary’s pre-tax profit rose to Sh812.7 million from Sh790.8 million, supported by increased insurance penetration across the customer base.

The group’s profit growth was attributable to a cheaper cost of funds and lower loan loss provisions following improved quality of its loan book.