Non-performing Loans and Banks’ Financial Stability in Kenya; Evidence from Commercial Banks

Abstract

The size of non-performing loans plays a vital role in banking stability of any given economy. The paper investigates the resilience and stability of banks amidst the deteriorating quality of its assets since the last Global financial crisis. This study examined the effect of non-performing loans on banks financial stability in Kenya’s commercial banks using secondary data for the period January 2015 to December 2019. A multiple regression model was utilised in analysing the data. Non-performing loans as measured by non-performing ratio had a positive and statistically significant relationship with banks financial stability as measured by Z a-score. The results implied that non-performing loans in Kenya’s commercial banks affects the banks financial stability. Loans to deposit ratio results specified a positive and non-statistically insignificant relationship with banks financial stability. The results inferred that loan to deposit ratio do not affect the banks financial stability. Inflation rate results had a positive but statistically significant relationship with banks’ financial stability indicating that inflation rate affects banks’ financial stability. The results for loan growth had a negative but statistically significant relationship with banks financial stability. The study recommended implementation of measures that curb increase in non-performing loans as they threaten banking financial stability.