The Nairobi Securities Exchange ended the week of 19–23 October 2026 lower, with market capitalisation settling at KSh 3.996 trillion. That is a 0.38 percent drop from KSh 4.011 trillion the previous week, according to the Central Bank of Kenya’s Weekly Bulletin released on 23 October.
Selling pressure across large-cap counters pulled the major indices into the red, even as year-to-date gains on the exchange remain positive.
Index Performance
| Index | Weekly Change |
|---|---|
| NASI (All Share Index) | Down 4.56% |
| NSE 10 | Down 1.50% to 2,637.39 |
| NSE 25 | Down 0.51% |
| NSE 20 | Down 0.39% |
Local investors accounted for the bulk of activity. Foreign investors were net sellers, particularly in banking stocks. Turnover slowed in the final session of the week as selectivity increased.
Gainers and Losers
Kenya Pipeline Company stood out. News of Aliko Dangote’s acquisition of a 24.76 percent stake drove strong buying and pushed the counter to new highs. Sameer Africa, Kakuzi, Sanlam Kenya and British Oxygen Company also finished higher for the week.
On the downside, Kenya Airways led the large-cap losers. Eaagads, Uchumi Supermarket and I&M Holdings also closed lower. Banking names faced profit-taking after earlier strength.
Other Market Developments
Away from equities, the Central Bank of Kenya reported solid demand for Treasury bills. Investors submitted KSh 28.8 billion in bids against a KSh 28 billion target, while yields on the 91-day, 182-day and 364-day papers eased slightly.
The Capital Markets Authority’s third-quarter bulletin showed that NSE market capitalisation had risen by about KSh 1.18 trillion in the first nine months of 2026, even after the recent weekly softness.
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The Nairobi Securities Exchange’s own listed shares continued to trade near multi-month highs during the week.
Market participants will now watch whether the Dangote-related interest in KPC sustains momentum or whether broader profit-taking continues into the final week of October.
Sources:
People Daily – NSE market capitalisation falls to Ksh3.996T as Treasury Bill rates ease (24 October 2026, citing CBK Weekly Bulletin)
Nairobi Securities Exchange – Market Statistics
Kenyan Wall Street and broker reports on KPC trading activity following the Dangote stake announcement.
Figures are based on the CBK Weekly Bulletin for the week ending 22 October 2026 and contemporaneous market reports. Verify the latest data directly from the NSE and CBK.