Investing in the Kenyan stock market offers a pathway to wealth creation through capital gains and dividends. The NSE, one of Africa’s leading exchanges, has a rich history dating back to 1954 and is home to 62 listed companies across diverse sectors. With Kenya’s economy projected to grow steadily, driven by technological innovation, a growing middle class, and supportive regulatory frameworks, the stock market is an attractive avenue for investors. Here’s why September 2025 is a prime time to invest:
- Market Boom: The NSE has gained KSh 800 billion in investor wealth since Q1 2025, with market capitalization reaching KSh 2.79 trillion by September 9, 2025.
- Diversified Rally: Sectors like banking, energy, insurance, and telecommunications have driven significant gains, offering opportunities for diversified portfolios.
- Accessibility for Beginners: With as little as KSh 1,000, investors can buy shares in top companies, thanks to the NSE’s minimum lot size of 100 shares.
- Dividend Income: Many blue-chip companies, such as Safaricom and KCB, offer consistent dividends, providing passive income alongside potential capital growth.
- Technological Advancements: Online trading platforms and mobile apps like Kingdom Securities’ KSL Trader App make investing seamless and accessible.
This article highlights the best companies to buy shares in Kenya, focusing on their performance, growth potential, and suitability for different investor profiles.
Top 10 Companies to Buy Shares in Kenya for September 2025
Based on recent performance data, market trends, and expert analyses, the following companies stand out as the best shares to buy in Kenya for September 2025. Each company is evaluated for its financial stability, growth prospects, and sector relevance.
1. Safaricom PLC (SCOM)
Sector: Telecommunications
Share Price (September 2025): KSh 29.50
Market Capitalization: KSh 1.16 trillion
Why Invest?
Safaricom remains the crown jewel of the NSE, accounting for 54.7% of the exchange’s total equity market value. As Kenya’s largest telecommunications provider, its dominance in mobile services, particularly through the M-Pesa platform, drives consistent revenue growth. Safaricom’s expansion into financial services and fixed broadband further enhances its appeal. With a payout ratio exceeding 100% and a history of sizable annual dividends, Safaricom is ideal for investors seeking stability and income.
- Key Metrics:
- Dividend Yield: Over 5%
- Price-to-Earnings (P/E) Ratio: Competitive within the telecom sector
- 52-Week Performance: Reached a high of KSh 29.50
- Why It Stands Out: Safaricom’s market leadership, innovative services, and strong brand make it a low-risk, high-reward stock for beginners and long-term investors.
- Investment Tip: With KSh 10,000, you can purchase approximately 340 shares, offering exposure to a blue-chip stock with reliable dividends.
2. Equity Group Holdings (EQTY)
Sector: Banking
Share Price (September 2025): KSh 55.00 (estimated based on trends)
Market Capitalization: KSh 207.5 billion
Why Invest?
Equity Group is a titan in Kenya’s financial sector, known for its innovative digital banking solutions and regional expansion across East Africa. With assets exceeding KSh 3 trillion, Equity’s focus on retail and commercial banking ensures robust profitability. Its consistent dividend payments since 2007 make it a favorite for income-focused investors.
- Key Metrics:
- Dividend Yield: Approximately 7%
- Price-to-Book (P/B) Ratio: Attractive for value investors
- 52-Week Performance: Strong growth, contributing to the banking sector rally
- Why It Stands Out: Equity’s customer-centric model and regional presence position it for sustained growth in a digital-first economy.
- Investment Tip: With KSh 10,000, you can buy around 180 shares, gaining exposure to a leading financial institution.
3. Kenya Commercial Bank Group (KCB)
Sector: Banking
Share Price (September 2025): KSh 40.00
Market Capitalization: KSh 147.8 billion
Why Invest?
KCB is one of Kenya’s largest banks, with a significant footprint across East Africa. Its affordability (around KSh 40 per share) and strong ties to government-backed initiatives enhance its stability. KCB’s focus on digital banking and a dividend yield of over 9.5% make it a compelling choice for investors seeking both growth and income.
- Key Metrics:
- Dividend Yield: 9.5%
- Earnings Per Share (EPS): Reflects consistent profitability
- 52-Week Performance: Hit KSh 40.00, a 52-week high
- Why It Stands Out: KCB’s large asset base and quarterly profit growth ensure long-term reliability.
- Investment Tip: With KSh 10,000, you can acquire approximately 250 shares, offering significant ownership in a Tier 1 bank.
4. East African Breweries Limited (EABL)
Sector: Beverage
Share Price (September 2025): KSh 220.00 (estimated)
Market Capitalization: KSh 174.72 billion
Why Invest?
EABL is a dominant player in East Africa’s beverage industry, with a diverse portfolio including beers, spirits, and non-alcoholic drinks. Its strong brand recognition and consistent revenue growth make it a stable investment. EABL’s stock is attractive for CFD traders due to its liquidity and volatility.
- Key Metrics:
- Dividend Yield: Around 4-5%
- P/E Ratio: Competitive within the consumer goods sector
- 52-Week Performance: Contributed to the NSE’s diversified rally
- Why It Stands Out: EABL’s resilience in varying economic conditions and strong market presence ensure steady returns.
- Investment Tip: With KSh 10,000, you can buy around 45 shares, suitable for investors seeking exposure to the consumer goods sector.
5. Kakuzi PLC
Sector: Agriculture
Share Price (September 2025): KSh 415.00
Market Capitalization: KSh 7.69 billion
Why Invest?
Kakuzi is a leading agricultural company specializing in tea, avocados, macadamia nuts, and forestry. Its focus on sustainable practices and listing on both the NSE and London Stock Exchange enhance its appeal. Kakuzi’s high share price is offset by consistent double-digit dividend yields and low tax on dividends.
- Key Metrics:
- Dividend Yield: Double-digit returns
- P/E Ratio: 14.96, indicating growth potential
- 52-Week Performance: Stable with long-term profitability
- Why It Stands Out: Kakuzi’s niche in high-demand agricultural products ensures resilience against market volatility.
- Investment Tip: With KSh 10,000, you can buy around 24 shares, ideal for investors prioritizing sustainability and dividends.
6. Kenya Power and Lighting Company (KPLC)
Sector: Energy
Share Price (September 2025): KSh 13.90
Market Capitalization: Not specified, but significant growth noted
Why Invest?
Kenya Power has been a standout performer in 2025, surging 523.32% over the past year to KSh 13.90. Its role as Kenya’s primary electricity distributor ensures consistent demand. Recent operational improvements and government support have boosted investor confidence.
- Key Metrics:
- 52-Week Performance: 523.32% gain, one of the top performers
- Dividend Yield: Historically variable but improving
- P/B Ratio: Attractive for value investors
- Why It Stands Out: KPLC’s dramatic recovery and essential service role make it a high-growth option.
- Investment Tip: With KSh 10,000, you can purchase approximately 720 shares, offering significant exposure to the energy sector.
7. Co-operative Bank of Kenya (COOP)
Sector: Banking
Share Price (September 2025): KSh 18.25
Market Capitalization: KSh 66 billion
Why Invest?
Co-operative Bank is a leading Tier 1 bank with a sizable customer base of 7.5 million accounts. Its agency banking model and recognition as the “Best Bank of Kenya” in 2010 highlight its growth trajectory. The bank’s affordability and consistent dividends make it a strong pick.
- Key Metrics:
- Dividend Yield: Stable, around 6-7%
- Market Share: 3.11% of NSE equity market
- 52-Week Performance: Reached KSh 18.25, a 52-week high
- Why It Stands Out: Co-op Bank’s focus on accessibility and innovation ensures steady growth.
- Investment Tip: With KSh 10,000, you can buy around 550 shares, ideal for diversified banking exposure.
8. Absa Bank Kenya
Sector: Banking
Share Price (September 2025): KSh 20.50
Market Capitalization: Not specified, but strong banking sector performance
Why Invest?
Absa Bank Kenya has led the banking sector rally, climbing to a 52-week high of KSh 20.50. Its focus on digital banking and corporate services positions it for growth in Kenya’s financial landscape. Absa’s affordability makes it accessible for retail investors.
- Key Metrics:
- 52-Week Performance: Significant gains, leading banking counters
- Dividend Yield: Competitive within the sector
- P/E Ratio: Attractive for growth investors
- Why It Stands Out: Absa’s strong performance and digital focus make it a modern banking investment.
- Investment Tip: With KSh 10,000, you can acquire around 490 shares, offering a balanced banking investment.
9. Jubilee Holdings
Sector: Insurance
Share Price (September 2025): KSh 300.00
Market Capitalization: Not specified, but the most valuable insurer
Why Invest?
Jubilee Holdings is Kenya’s leading insurer, with a share price reaching KSh 300.00 in 2025. Its diversified portfolio and regional presence ensure stability and growth. The insurance sector’s rally in 2025 highlights Jubilee’s appeal for investors seeking non-banking financial exposure.
- Key Metrics:
- 52-Week Performance: 208.85% gain
- Dividend Yield: Consistent, appealing to income investors
- P/E Ratio: Strong within the insurance sector
- Why It Stands Out: Jubilee’s market dominance and high share price offer prestige and returns.
- Investment Tip: With KSh 10,000, you can buy around 33 shares, suitable for high-net-worth investors.
10. East African Portland Cement (EAPC)
Sector: Manufacturing
Share Price (September 2025): KSh 56.00
Market Capitalization: Not specified, but top performer
Why Invest?
East African Portland Cement led the NSE’s rally with a 625.39% surge to KSh 56.00 over the past year. Its role in Kenya’s construction boom, driven by infrastructure projects, makes it a high-growth stock. However, its volatility suggests it’s best for risk-tolerant investors.
- Key Metrics:
- 52-Week Performance: 625.39% gain, the highest on the NSE
- Dividend Yield: Variable, but growth-focused
- P/B Ratio: Attractive for speculative investors
- Why It Stands Out: EAPC’s dramatic growth reflects Kenya’s infrastructure demand.
- Investment Tip: With KSh 10,000, you can buy around 180 shares, ideal for high-risk, high-reward strategies.
How to Buy Shares in Kenya: A Step-by-Step Guide
Investing in Kenyan stocks is straightforward, thanks to the NSE’s robust infrastructure and licensed brokers. Here’s how to get started:
- Open a CDS Account:
- Register with the Central Depository & Settlement Corporation (CDSC) through a licensed stockbroker or investment bank.
- Requirements: Kenyan ID, KRA PIN, passport-size photo, and a signed CDS 1 form.
- Choose a Stockbroker:
- Select a reputable broker like Kestrel Capital, Faida Investment Bank, or Kingdom Securities.
- Consider fees, customer service, and platform reliability. Online platforms like KSL Trader App offer convenience.
- Fund Your Account:
- Deposit funds via M-Pesa, bank transfer, or debit/credit cards. Some brokers, like FBS, require as little as $5 (KSh 650).
- Research and Select Stocks:
- Analyze companies using metrics like P/E ratio, dividend history, and return on equity.
- Diversify across sectors (e.g., banking, telecom, agriculture) to manage risk.
- Place Your Order:
- Use your broker’s platform to buy shares. The NSE requires a minimum of 100 shares per trade.
- Monitor market trends and set stop-loss orders for CFD trading.
- Monitor Your Portfolio:
- Regularly review your investments and stay updated on market news via platforms like Tuko.co.ke or Kenyan Wall Street.
Key Considerations for Investing in Kenyan Stocks
Before investing, consider these factors to align your strategy with your financial goals:
- Risk Management: Use stop-loss orders and diversify to mitigate losses, especially in volatile stocks like EAPC.
- Fundamental Analysis: Evaluate companies based on earnings, P/E ratio, and market position. Tools like TradingView can help.
- Long-Term vs. Short-Term: Blue-chip stocks like Safaricom and Equity are ideal for long-term holding, while stocks like Kenya Power suit short-term CFD trading.
- Economic Factors: Monitor inflation, currency volatility, and government policies, as they impact stock performance.
- Broker Selection: Choose brokers with regulatory compliance (e.g., Capital Markets Authority) and low fees for cost efficiency.
Emerging Trends in Kenya’s Stock Market for 2025
The NSE’s Strategy 2025-2029 aims to increase retail investor participation to 9 million, signaling a focus on accessibility and growth. Key trends include:
- Digital Trading Platforms: Apps like KSL Trader and EazzyBiz by Equity Bank simplify trading.
- Sector Diversification: Growth in energy, insurance, and manufacturing complements traditional banking and telecom dominance.
- Global Investment Opportunities: Platforms like Ndovu enable Kenyans to invest in US stocks, complementing local investments.
- CFD Trading Growth: Leveraged trading via brokers like Exness offers flexibility but requires robust risk management.
Building Wealth with Kenyan Stocks in September 2025
The Nairobi Securities Exchange offers a wealth of opportunities for investors in September 2025, driven by a booming market and standout performances from companies like Safaricom, Equity Group, KCB, and East African Portland Cement. By focusing on blue-chip stocks for stability and high-growth stocks for speculative gains, investors can build diversified portfolios tailored to their risk appetite. With accessible entry points (as low as KSh 1,000) and modern trading platforms, there’s never been a better time to invest in Kenyan stocks.
