Banking, energy and petroleum, and insurance stocks topped trade at the Nairobi Securities Exchange (NSE) pushing market capitalisation to a new record of Sh4.13 trillion.
The bullish market signals renewed investor confidence in Kenya’s capital markets.
The milestone marks a dramatic turnaround for the local equities market, with the NSE adding about Sh1 trillion in investor wealth since it crossed the Sh3 trillion mark on November 6, 2025.
The latest valuation represents a 33 per cent increase over the period, with the rally supported by gains in blue-chip counters, new listings and increased investor appetite for key sectors of the economy.
NSE chief executive Frank Mwiti has described the development as a major milestone for Kenya’s capital markets.
“A new chapter for Kenya’s capital markets. Endless possibilities. For the first time in history, NSE has surpassed Sh4 trillion in market capitalisation. Proof that with the right strategy, innovation, and investor confidence, Kenya’s capital markets can power the country’s economic future,” Mwiti said.
The exchange crossed the Sh4 trillion threshold earlier this month, only nine months after reaching Sh3 trillion, underlining the pace at which equity values have risen.
Two major listings in 2026 have significantly expanded the size of the market. The listing of Kenya Pipeline Company (KPC) and Family Bank injected a combined Sh217.7 billion in equity value onto the exchange, providing investors with new opportunities while deepening the market.
Banking stocks remain the biggest source of trading activity. The sector generated Sh570.5 million in turnover during the latest session, accounting for 63.29 per cent of total trading activity.
Equity Group was among the most actively traded counters, recording Sh231.8 million in transactions, while KCB Group posted turnover of Sh164.8 million. NCBA Group also attracted significant activity, with shares worth Sh51.4 million changing hands.
The energy and petroleum sector followed with Sh126.1 million, equivalent to 13.99 per cent of session turnover.
KPC, which recently joined the listed companies, recorded trading of 7.4 million shares valued at Sh66.9 million. Kenya Power also advanced 1.41 per cent to Sh21.55 after shares worth Sh34 million were traded.
Telecommunications giant Safaricom remains the dominant company by market value, with a capitalisation of more than Sh1.36 trillion.
This represents more than 36 per cent of the total NSE market valuation, making the counter a key anchor of the exchange.
Safaricom shares rose 0.68 per cent to Sh36.85, with turnover reaching Sh146.5 million during the session.
The insurance sector also recorded activity, generating Sh18.1 million in turnover. Kenya Re gained 1.29 per cent to Sh3.91, while Britam also attracted investor interest.
The rally has extended beyond the equities market, with the fixed-income segment recording bond transactions worth Sh21 billion, pointing to continued liquidity in Kenya’s broader capital markets.
Activity in the derivatives market has also remained positive, with the NSE banking sector index futures expiring in September 2026 leading trading. Total open interest across contracts stood at Sh80.3 million.
The latest market performance comes as the NSE seeks to deepen participation, broaden investment products and position Nairobi as a leading capital-markets hub in Africa.
The Sh4.13 trillion valuation therefore marks not only a record for the exchange but also a significant increase in the financial wealth represented by companies listed on the local bourse.
