The Nairobi Securities Exchange experienced a recalibration in activity on August 5, 2025, as trading volumes and turnover fell sharply, yet broader market indices remained steady in largely mixed trade.
Across 1,929 deals, a total of 8.05 million shares changed hands for Ksh 162.3 million representing a steep 55 percent drop in both volume and value from the prior session and a 9 percent decline in deal count.
Despite the slowdown, investor interest remained widespread, with 26 stocks recording gains and 19 registering losses. Sameer Africa led the gains with an impressive 9.41 percent rise, followed by Jubilee Holdings (8.11 percent), Williamson Tea (5.55 percent), and Sanlam Kenya (4.74 percent).
Among laggards, Crown Paints dropped 5.20 percent, ScanGroup lost 2.97 percent, Shri Krishana Overseas fell 2.29 percent, and Liberty Kenya Holdings declined by 1.84 percent.
Britam recorded the highest volume of traded shares at 2.01 million, closely followed by Kenya Re-Insurance (1.11 million), Kenya Power (620,600), and KenGen (619,600). Market capitalization remained anchored at about Ksh 2.48 trillion.
Against this subdued backdrop, the NASI index held at 158.02, marking a slight dip of 0.93 points, while the NSE 20 and NSE 25 slipped to 2,522.60 and 4,091.45 respectively underscoring modest softness in benchmark performance.
The divergence between slower trade and stable index performance points to cautious optimism among investors, who are adjusting positions without triggering broader sentiment swings.
Market analysts suggest the lull may reflect pre-earnings caution ahead of several major corporate results due in the coming weeks. In the interim, the recent removal of the 100-share minimum trading rule effective August 8 remains a prominent catalyst expected to broaden accessibility and deepen liquidity in the medium term.
With foreign investor participation remaining muted but not absent, observers anticipate clarity around capital flows once macro indicators and policy signals crystallize.
Economic fundamentals including tourism inflows and export demand continue to support capital market confidence.
In essence, the NSE on August 5 demonstrated structural resilience amid a slowdown in activity. Trading metrics softened significantly but headline indices held firm, suggesting that the market enters a consolidation phase, awaiting fresh catalysts to reignite momentum.
Written By Ian Maleve
