The Nairobi Securities Exchange (NSE) has reported its financial performance for the year ended December 31, 2025, posting a 134% increase in Profit After Tax to KSh 272.2 million, up from KSh 116.3 million in 2024, driven by a surge in trading activity and improved market conditions.
- •Total revenue crossed the KSh 1 billion mark for the first time, growing 31% year-on-year, supported by strong performance across both the equities and fixed income markets.
- •Bond market activity, which crossed 2024 full-year levels in the first half of 2025, was a key driver of this growth fueled by increased government borrowing and strong investor demand for high-yield securities.
- •Currently operating between 9:00 AM and 3:00 PM, the exchange plans to push trading deeper into the afternoon, allowing investors—particularly retail participants—to engage with the market more flexibly.
Equities trading has rebounded, with turnover rising by over 30% and market capitalization rising to approximately KSh 2.94 trillion. Despite a decline in foreign investor participation as capital shifted to developed markets, local investors stepped in to fill the gap, with retail participation rising by 70%.
Total expenses rose by 10%, below the pace of revenue growth, largely due to provisions linked to ongoing upgrades of the exchange’s trading systems.
The NSE Board approved a total dividend of KSh 1.00 per share, a sharp increase from KSh 0.30 per share in 2024.
The payout includes:
- •KSh 0.73 per share as an ordinary dividend
- •KSh 0.27 per share as a special dividend
Extended Trading Hours in Focus
As part of its next phase of market development, the NSE has applied to extend its trading hours to improve accessibility and participation.
The initiative is also expected to enhance the attractiveness of the market to institutional and international investors by aligning more closely with global trading patterns.
