Regulator Clears HF Group’s 94.27 Million-Share ESOP, Replacing 2008 Staff Scheme
HF Group received approval from the Capital Markets Authority to issue and list 94.27 million new shares for its employee ownership plan, completing a process endorsed by shareholders at the May 2025 AGM. The approval activates a new ESOP framework that replaces the 2008 scheme and expands the company’s capital base through a KSh 5-per-share issuance. The structure caps ESOP holdings at 5 percent, allows allotment over five years and grants employees pari passu rights with existing shareholders.
Central Bank Raises KSh 47.11 Billion in December Bond Sale
Kenya raised KSh 47.11Bn in the December reopening of the 30-year SDB and 25-year FXD after receiving KSh 53.13Bn in bids. The FXD dominated demand, securing KSh 43.21Bn, while the SDB drew limited interest for the second month. Net funding reached KSh 21.91Bn, extending a front-loaded borrowing cycle that has pushed accepted bids past KSh 585Bn in FY25/26.NSE Calls for Stronger Transparency as FiRe Awards Conference Opens
The Nairobi Securities Exchange (NSE) has said that boosting transparency and aligning with international reporting standards will be key to strengthening investor confidence
Family Bank Raises KSh 8Bn in Oversubscribed Private Placement
Family Bank has raised KES 8.004 billion through an oversubscribed private placement, surpassing its KES 6.09 billion target by 131%. The capital will fuel the bank’s digital transformation, strengthen lending- especially to MSMEs, green projects, and women- and youth-led enterprises, supporting local and regional expansion.Government to Net KSh 244.5Bn from 20% Safaricom Stake Sale
Vodacom is set to take majority control of Safaricom in a KSh 312.6B dual transaction that raises its effective stake to 55%. The Government of Kenya will net KSh 244.5B from selling a 15% stake and transferring future dividend rights on its remaining 20%. The restructuring simplifies Vodafone’s regional structure, strengthens Vodacom’s African footprint and awaits approvals from Kenyan and regional regulators.Portland Cement Breaks KSh 100, Uchumi Hits 7-Year High in 17-Day Run
Portland Cement hit KSh 100 for the first time since 2014, extending its post-Kalahari surge to +65% in a week and +226% YTD. Uchumi rose to KSh 1.34 after 17 straight gains, up 272% in a month and 688% YTD. Turnover was 92.9M with light foreign activity. NASI fell 0.47% as gainers were led by SCAN, Uchumi and Portland while LIMT and KPLC dragged the market lower.Uchumi's Share Price Spikes 600% as Retailer Posts First Operating Profit in 11 Years
Uchumi posted its first operating profit since 2014, reporting 8.8 million shillings for FY25 as rental income and lower overheads supported a narrow turnaround. Sales rose 88% to 123 million, while creditor settlements reached 95% under the restructuring plan. The market reacted sharply, with the share up 200% in November and 617% year-to-date, the strongest performance at the NSE. Net income remains undisclosed and retail operations remain limited.Portland and Uchumi Lead NSE Midday Trade, LAPTRUST I-REIT Dominates Turnover
Uchumi rose 9.9% to extend its 617% YTD rally after reporting its first operating profit since 2014. Portland Cement climbed 9.8% to a new 11-year high as Kalahari lifted its control to 68.7%. Turnover hit 813M, driven by a 600M LAPTRUST I-REIT block.Building Wealth on the Nairobi Securities Exchange - Just Money Podcast
In the sixth episode of the Just Money Podcast, Our host Just Ivy Africa, sits down with John Collins Mbugua, Senior Analyst at Faida Investment Bank, and Ronny Chokaa, Senior Research Analyst at Capital A Investment Bank, to dispel the myth that investing is only for the wealthy.
Treasury Settles KSh 29.7Bn Tax-Free 2022 IFB, FY25/26 First-Half Redemptions Reach KSh 139.6Bn
The treasury settled the tax-free IFB1/2022/006 today, paying KSh 29.7B in interest and principal. This pushes FY25/26 maturities to KSh 139.6B so far, driven by the large August redemption of FXD1/2023/002 and September’s IFB1/2013/12 payout. Another KSh 25.2B falls due on 8 December across three FXD2/2010/15 tranches.Uchumi and Portland Lead December Open as Safaricom Drives Turnover
Uchumi trades at KSh 1.18, extending its 594% YTD gain after a strong November. Portland rises to KSh 84.75, its highest since 2014. Turnover hits KSh 483M led by Safaricom at KSh 323M. Foreign buys total KSh 38.4M and sells KSh 323M. Top movers include Nation Media, Uchumi and Portland. Eaagads posts a profit and NBV narrows its HY loss.Nairobi Business Ventures Narrows Loss as Aviation Offers a Lifeline
Nairobi Business Ventures reported a weaker half-year as sales fell to Ksh 137.5 Mn from 280.5 Mn on slow trading activity and tighter margins. The group narrowed its loss to 78.3 Mn through cost cuts and pausing loss-making trading lines. Aviation remained the only stable segment. Assets rose to 3.33 Bn, while NBV reviewed new opportunities including real estate development.
