So you’ve opened a CDS account and invested in NSE Shares, a few Kenyan stocks , maybe Safaricom or Absa, or any of the other 65 listed companies. Congratulations!

Now you might be wondering: How do I know if my shares are going up or down? Where can I check the value of my investments?”

You’re not alone. Many new investors in Kenya feel uncertain after they make their first trade. This guide will show you exactly how to track your NSE shares with confidence using tools that are easy to access, even if you’re not a finance expert.

The Main Ways to Track NSE Share Prices in Kenya

1. Use the NSE Website (Official and Real-Time)

Visit www.nse.co.ke the official Nairobi Securities Exchange website. It’s free and updated in real-time.

Here you can:

• •See current share prices of every listed company
• •View top gainers and losers for the day
• •Explore market indices like the NSE 20 or All Share Index
• •Access historical prices and past performance data

Bookmark the live data page for quick daily updates.

2. Check With Your Broker or Investment Platform

After opening your CDS account, the next most important tool in your investment journey is your broker’s platform whether that’s a mobile app or an online web portal.

Most CMA-licensed brokers in Kenya offer digital platforms that help you track your shares in real-time, stay informed on company actions, and monitor the value of your investment over time.

Here’s what you can expect to find inside your broker portal and how to make the most of it:

1. A Mobile App or Online Dashboard

Once your CDS account is linked, your broker’s system or investment apps like Hisa will allow you to:

• •See your current shareholdings (number of shares, current value)
• •Buy and sell shares (for brokers with online trading access)
• •View your order history and settlement confirmations

Choose a broker that offers a user-friendly interface with real-time data and mobile compatibility especially if you’re investing from your phone.

2. Price Alerts & Watchlists

You can create a watchlist of stocks you’re interested in, like:

• •Safaricom
• •Centum
• •Equity Group

Then, set price alerts to get notified when:

• •A stock hits a certain buying level
• •There’s a big jump or drop in price
• •A trading volume spike suggests big market moves

Most brokers send these alerts via SMS, email, or app notifications.

3. Charts Showing Portfolio Growth

Your dashboard may offer:

• •Performance graphs over time
• •Daily or monthly gains/losses
  
• •Visual breakdowns of your holdings by company or sector

This helps you see how your investments are performing without needing to calculate everything manually.

4. Dividend Alerts and Corporate Actions

You’ll receive notifications for:

• •Dividend payments (how much, when, and how it will be credited)
• •Bonus issues, stock splits, or rights issues
• •Annual General Meetings (AGMs) or shareholder votes

Understanding these updates ensures you’re not missing out on income or on key decisions that affect your investment.

3. Follow Reputable Financial News Outlets

While price charts show what is happening, news helps you understand why. If you’re serious about investing, staying informed is just as important as watching the numbers.

Following credible financial news helps you:

• •Understand the context behind share price movements
• •Anticipate how new policies, elections, or global trends might impact the NSE
• •Stay ahead of key updates like earnings reports, profit warnings, or management changes

Kenyan Wall Street

One of Kenya’s leading sources for business, investment, and capital markets news. Kenyan Wall Street covers:

• •Daily share price updates for NSE-listed companies
• •Earnings breakdowns and dividend announcements
• •Policy news that could impact sectors like banking, telcos, or real estate
• •Thought leadership from fund managers and analysts

4. Attend Investor Webinars and AGMs

If you want to think and invest like the pros do, here’s a secret: follow what the leadership is saying, not just what the share price is doing.

One of the most underrated ways to build your investment knowledge is by attending Investor Webinars, Annual General Meetings (AGMs), and Investor Days hosted by listed companies.

What Are They?

These are public (and often virtual) sessions where the CEO, CFO, and board members of a listed company speak directly to shareholders and the investing public.

You’ll typically get:

• •A review of the company’s financial performance (profits, revenue, debt position)
• •Key updates on strategic direction, expansion plans, or new business units
• •Responses to shareholder concerns and questions
• •Announcements on dividends, stock splits, or bonus issues

Think of them as insider briefings, but open to everyone with a shareholding or interest. If you own Co-operative Bank shares, attending its AGM gives you early insights into dividends, expansion plans, and risk factors.

Why This Matters: Don’t Just Buy and Hope

Tracking your shares consistently helps you:

• •Know when to buy more, sell, or hold
• •Compare performance to the rest of the market
• •Understand how news and business events affect your investments
• •Avoid emotional decision-making

Even checking your investments once or twice a week can help you build confidence and become a smarter long-term investor.

Final Thoughts: Tracking Builds Confidence

Starting out as a retail investor can feel overwhelming. But once you know where to look and what to track, you’ll be better equipped to manage your money and make sound decisions.