The Nairobi Securities Exchange (NSE) recorded a broadly positive performance in week 16 of 52 (2026), with gains across key indices, supported by increased trading activity and improved investor confidence.
The Nairobi All Share Index (NASI) rose by 0.5% to 208.1 points from 207.1 points, bringing its year-to-date gain to 15.9%. The upturn was manly driven gains recorded by large cap stocks such as Co-operative Bank of Kenya, Standard Chartered Bank Kenya, and Stanbic Holdings of 5.2%, 4.7%, and 3.0%. However, the performance was weighed down by losses in market heavyweights such as KCB Group (-2.5%), EABL (-1.0%), and DTB-K (-0.7%).
Similarly, the NSE 10, NSE 20, and NSE 25 advanced by 0.08%, 0.45%, and 0.25%, to 2,172.4 points, 3,606.5 points, and 5,756.9 points, respectively. The Banking Sector Index rose the highest, up 0.95% to 241.1 points.
The volume of shares traded surged 165.3% to 237.7 million. Kenya Pipeline Company led the market’s activity with a huge trade of 222 million shares. Market capitalization rose by 0.54% to KES 3.45 trillion, signaling improved investor confidence. Meanwhile, bond turnover declined by 23.6%, highlighting reduced activity in the fixed income segment.
NSE Top Gainers
Sameer Africa led the pack, rising 18.7%, followed by BOC Kenya, which rose 12.0%. The upturn in both counters was driven by strong FY2025 results. Sameer Africa swung to profitability, recording a KES 274.3 million net income, reversing the prior year’s loss, while BOC Kenya posted a 48% jump in net income to KES 314.1 million. Other notable gainers included East African Portland Cement, BK Group, and Kenya Pipeline Company.
NSE Top Losers
On the downside, Sanlam Kenya led the losers, declining by 6.1%, followed by I&M Holdings which lost 5.9%. Flame Tree Group, Umeme Limited and Unga Group Limited declined by 5.6%, 5.0%, and 4.8%, respectively.
Foreign Participation
Foreign investor participation remained notable, accounting for 27.9% (KES 1.5 billion) of total turnover. Foreign investors were net buyers during the week, recording net inflows of KES 78.2 million.
Outlook
Looking ahead, the NSE is likely to maintain a bullish momentum in the coming weeks, supported by easing geopolitical tensions following the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and the subsequent decline in global oil prices. Lower energy costs could help ease inflationary pressure hence improving the macroeconomic outlook.
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