NSE Recovers Half of Week 13 Losses as MPC Hold and Oil Pullback Lift Sentiment
The NSE posted its strongest week since February, adding KSh 128.42Bn as all indices rose, led by the NSE 10 at +4.76% and Banking Index at +4.49%. The CBK held rates at 8.75%, citing Middle East-driven energy price pressures but stable inflation. CBK forex reserves fell for a fifth straight week to USD 13,316M (5.7 months cover), down USD 1.28Bn since March 5 in the longest drawdown since late 2023. Foreign investors sold KSh 940M for their sixth consecutive week of outflows. Brent eased to around $90 from $106+. Market cap rose to KSh 3,432.92Bn, recovering 55% of Week 13 losses.
Kenya Seeks REIT Reforms to Attract Investor Capital
Kenya’s push to build a vibrant real estate investment trust (REIT) market has been blunted by a tax regime that industry players describe as structurally punitive.
Kenya’s Banking Sector Splits Into Winners and Laggards
Kenya’s banking sector is no longer moving as one trade, according to the FY25 Kenya Banking Sector Report published by Wall Street Africa Group.
Centum Closes 3-Year Share Buyback With 10.84M Shares Acquired, Far Short of 66.54M Target
Centum Investment Company PLC has closed its three-year share buyback programme, acquiring 10,839,300 ordinary shares across two phases against an original target of 66.54 million shares. The first phase (Feb 2023 to Sep 2024) yielded 10,688,500 shares at a maximum price of KSh 9.03. The second phase, running Oct 2024 to Mar 2026 at a maximum of KSh 9.51, added only 150,800 shares as the stock re-rated above the buyback threshold. All acquired shares are held as treasury stock. NSE float now stands at 644.75 million ordinary shares.Dangote Outlines Plan to Grow Group Revenue to US$100bn
In its “Vision 2030: Supercharging Dangote Group for Long Term Success”, presented to Afreximbank's board and estimated to require at least $40 billion in new investments,
Two Kenyan Startups Earn Spot on Global Impact List
Two Kenyan startups, Bena Care and Chemolex, have been named among the ‘2026 Change 100’ – a global list recognizing high-impact ventures addressing pressing social and environmental challenges.Kenya's FX Stability Anchors I&M Bank’s Push for Transparent, Real-Time Currency Trading via FX Direct
Kenya’s foreign exchange market has entered a period of notable stability, underpinned by strong macroeconomic fundamentals, rising diaspora inflows, and resilient export sectors, according to Henry Kirimania, Director of Global Markets at I&M Bank.Nairobi Business Ventures Issues FY2026 Profit Warning
Nairobi Business Ventures PLC has issued a profit warning for the financial year ended 31 March 2026, flagging a minimum 25% decline in total earnings compared to FY2025. The SME-listed group, which operates across automobile servicing, aircraft maintenance, and industrial trading, attributed the shortfall to challenging market conditions across its segments. NBV becomes at least the 14th NSE-listed company to issue a profit warning over the past 12 months, joining CIC Insurance, Liberty Kenya, WPP Scangroup, Kenya Airways, and others across multiple sectors.Hisa Launches Hisa 2.0, Delivering the Investing Experience African Investors Deserve
“This is more than just an update; it’s a complete rebuild,” said Leah Njoroge, COO at Hisa. “We’ve reimagined the platform from the ground up to deliver a faster experience, simplify investing, and lay the foundation for the next phase of growth.”
Faulu Loss Halves to KSh 496 Mn, NPL Edges toward 30%
Faulu Microfinance Bank, a member of the Old Mutual Group, narrowed its net loss 50.8% to 496.4 Mn for the full year ended 31 December 2025, from 1.010 Bn in 2024. Total income fell 8.8% to 3.091 Bn as loan interest contracted on a shrinking advances book. Staff costs were cut 28.9% to 889.2 Mn and finance costs fell 71.0% to 101.0 Mn after external borrowings were fully repaid. Capital ratios remain below statutory minimums, with core capital to deposits at 6.7% against an 8.0% floor.March Wipes KSh 343Bn From NSE Shareholders as Middle East War Bites
The NSE closed March 2026 with every major index down between 8.5% and 10.5%. The NSE 10 led losses at -10.49%, the Banking Index fell 8.89%, and the NASI declined 9.84%. Only 7 of 69 listed stocks gained. Foreign investors sold KSh 4.28Bn net across 17 of 22 sessions. Market cap fell KSh 179Bn to KSh 3.23Tn, though the KPC listing in early March masks a deeper KSh 343Bn hit to existing shareholders. Week 13 erased KSh 231Bn, the second worst week since 2008. Banks closed at a median 5.4x P/E and 8.3% dividend yield amid record earnings.Qwetu, Qejani operator posts KSh 1.52B Profit as Refinancing Offsets Rental Revenue Slide
Qwetu and Qejani operator Acorn Investment Management posted a combined net profit of 1.52 Bn across its two REITs in 2025, up 9.4%, as a 590 basis point cut in borrowing costs at the income REIT drove a 38% increase in distributions to 0.84 per unit despite a 3.0% decline in rental income. The Development REIT's profit held at 854.22 Mn as rental income more than doubled to 420.14 Mn, though finance costs surged 158.3% to 900.61 Mn to fund an active construction pipeline now extending to Eldoret and Kakamega for the first time.
