The Nairobi Securities Exchange continued its downward trend as key indices declined amid significantly reduced trading activity and increased foreign investor outflows. The Nairobi All Share Index (NASI) fell 0.3% to close at 214.34, while equity turnover dropped sharply by 54.1% to KES 952.64 million, reflecting weaker investor participation.
Foreign investors remained net sellers, with net outflows widening to KES 232.61 million compared to KES 31.99 million in the previous session. Local investors dominated market participation, accounting for 82.3% of total activity.
In the fixed income market, bond turnover declined by 10.7% to KES 25.48 billion, while global markets remained mixed, with modest gains in major U.S. indices and declining oil prices due to easing geopolitical concerns.
18th February 2026- Market Rock…
Key Highlights
Equities Market Performance
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NASI declined by 0.3% to 214.34.
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NSE-20 Index recorded the biggest drop among major indices, falling 0.7%.
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Market capitalization decreased slightly to KES 3.38 trillion.
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Equity turnover dropped significantly to KES 952.64 million.
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Foreign investor outflows increased sharply to KES 232.61 million.
Top Movers
Top Gainers:
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Shri Krishana Overseas Plc ▲ 9.7%
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Uchumi Supermarkets ▲ 9.6%
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Unga Group ▲ 6.4%
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Longhorn Publishers ▲ 6.0%
Top Losers:
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Olympia Capital Holdings ▼ 6.8%
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Sasini Plc ▼ 6.1%
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Eaagads Plc ▼ 5.8%
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Nairobi Securities Exchange Plc ▼ 4.7%
Most Traded Stocks
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East African Breweries Plc – 19.0% of total market turnover
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Safaricom Plc – 18.0% of total turnover
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KCB Group Plc – 12.7% of total turnover
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Equity Group Holdings Plc – 8.0% of total turnover
Fixed Income Market
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Bond turnover declined to KES 25.48 billion.
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Treasury bill yields eased slightly across all tenors.
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FXD bonds accounted for over 80% of large-value trades.
Global Market Overview
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U.S. markets recorded marginal gains:
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Dow Jones ▲ 0.1%
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S&P 500 ▲ 0.1%
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Nasdaq ▲ 0.1%
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Oil prices declined as geopolitical tensions eased and supply outlook improved.
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The U.S. dollar strengthened slightly against major currencies.
18th February 2026- Market Rock…
Currency Market Update
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USD/KES remained stable at 129.02.
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Euro and Sterling strengthened slightly.
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Regional currencies showed mixed performance, with the Ugandan and Tanzanian shillings weakening marginally against the Kenyan shilling.
Capital Markets News
Key corporate developments included:
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NCBA Group Plc – Public announcement
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Safaricom Plc – Interim dividend notice
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Standard Group Plc – Suspension of rights issue
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Umeme Limited – Profit warning
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KenGen Plc – Release of unaudited half-year financial results
For more market intelligence and detailed analysis 18th February 2026- Market Rockers Report
