The NSE 20 Share Index closed Thursday's session at 3,491.16, adding 5.65 points (+0.16%) as bargain hunting in select large caps offset broad weakness elsewhere on the tape. The broader NASI slipped 0.14 points to 205.73 (-0.07%), while the NSE 25 firmed 6.82 points to 5,645.63 — a split close that reflected selective, rather than uniform, demand.
Equity turnover came in at KES 890.6 million across 11,231 deals, with 26.42 million shares changing hands. The banking sector index added 0.43 points to 232.40, providing the day's clearest pocket of strength among the large-cap groupings.
On the leaderboard, Standard Group (SGL) topped gainers with an 8.68% jump, followed by East African Portland Cement (PORT) at +6.04% and BK Group (BKG) at +5.66%. Cement and select financials drew renewed institutional appetite. The downside was led by ScanGroup (SCAN) at -4.19%, Britam Holdings (BRIT) at -3.19%, and Liberty Kenya (LBTY) at -3.00%, with insurance names continuing to drift on subdued Q1 earnings momentum.
Activity was dominated by the usual large caps. Safaricom (SCOM) topped the volume tape at 7.69 million shares, followed by Kenya Pipeline (KPC) at 6.83 million and Equity Group (EQTY) at 3.72 million. KPC's continued elevated turnover remains the standout story post-listing, with institutional accumulation steady.
Market capitalisation eased KES 2.24 billion to KES 3,412.03 billion. The NSE 20 now sits roughly 7.1% off its 52-week high of 3,758.73, essentially flat on the week, and up 11.21% year-to-date. The split between a positive NSE 20 and a softer NASI points to rotation rather than conviction heading into Friday's session.