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The Nairobi Securities Exchange (NSE) closed the week on a strong note, extending a rally that has reshaped market sentiment and lifted investor wealth by KSh1 trillion since Frank Mwiti took over as CEO in May 2024.
The NSE All Share Index ended Friday, August 22, 2025, at 170.03, the first close above 170 in over three years. The index has doubled from its November 2023 low of 85.54, up 99% in nine months. Year-to-date, it is higher by 37.7%, setting the stage for the strongest annual return since 2013’s 42.2% surge.
Market Performance
The broad rally has pulled other benchmarks higher. The NSE 20 Share Index closed at 2,758.62 (+37.2% YTD), the NSE 10 at 1,685.33 (+29.4%), and the NSE 25 at 4,381.70 (+28.8%). Market capitalization reached KSh2.678 trillion, up 38.1% in 2025, compared with KSh1.678 trillion when Mwiti assumed leadership.
The surge has been powered by strong corporate earnings, renewed foreign participation, and government privatization plans. Analysts also point to lower yields in the fixed income market pushing more capital toward equities.
Gainers and Losers
Fifty-four counters are in positive territory this year, with nine doubling in value. Sameer Africa leads the pack at +430.9%, followed by TransCentury (+187.2%, suspended), NSE Plc (+162.5%), Kenya Power (+137.0%), and CIC Insurance (+117.7%).
This week alone, Eaagads gained 50.7% to KSh21.10 and NSE Plc jumped 46.5% to KSh15.75. Flame Tree rose 25.4%, CIC Insurance 17.9%, and Kenya Re 16.2%.
On the losing side, Eveready dropped 30.3% to KSh1.13, hurt by a 30% slump in just one week. Olympia fell 23.2% to KSh5.04, and Sameer Africa shed 12.2% after its earlier rally. Sanlam was down 7.0% and Standard Chartered lost 6.0%.
52-Week Highs and Bonds
Eleven stocks hit fresh 52-week highs during the week, including Equity Group, Jubilee Holdings, NSE Plc, Kenya Re, and TotalEnergies. The breadth of new highs underscores the depth of the market rally across sectors.
In fixed income, the bond market registered KSh57 billion in trades, more than double the KSh27 billion recorded the previous week. The jump highlights shifting liquidity preferences and a rebound in institutional activity.
READ; NSE Market Cap Tops KSh 2.6 Trillion, Indices Hit Multi-Year Highs