The Nairobi Securities Exchange (NSE) has been vibrant with excitement lately. After weeks of a bullish rally, investors are seeing the market bounce back stronger. This recent trend has boosted investor sentiment in regard to Kenya’s economic outlook. In mid-June, the NSE All Share Index climbed to 147.83 points, while the total market capitalization swelled to KSh 2.3 trillion.
At the heart of this surge is Safaricom PLC, the telecom giant which seems to cement its top position as the most valuable company in Kenya. The released report shows Safaricom at KSh 1 trillion market cap. However, there are also other companies on the list. Besides telecommunication, banking, brewing, and energy are among the leading industries that are making significant moves, reshaping the rankings across the broader pool of Nairobi Securities Exchange-listed companies in 2025.
So, which companies are the richest in Kenya right now? And what’s driving their value? Let’s dive in.
Before we dive into the top 10 most profitable companies in Kenya, it’s worth understanding why the NSE is on such a strong run.
The increase in safaricom’s market cap can be alluded to its annunciation of a massive KSh 48 billion dividend payout after reporting a 10.8% hike in net profit for 2024.As a result, many investors rushed to buy shares before the dividend cutoff, pushing prices higher.
Companies like East African Portland Cement and Kenya Power have surprised the market with record-breaking year-to-date gains; 507% and 386% respectively. All these can be attributed to operational restructuring and renewed investor confidence.
Improved macroeconomic stability has attracted back foreign portfolio investors who had exited during previous market slumps.
With this backdrop, let’s now examine the most valuable companies on the NSE right now.
Safaricom continues to lead the pack, making up nearly half of the Nairobi Securities Exchange total value. Its strong performance in mobile money (MPESA, Fuliza), data services, and new fintech ventures has kept the company highly profitable.
Fun fact: Safaricom’s KSh. 1 trillion valuation is bigger than the GDP of some East African countries!; Rwanda, Burundi and Djibouti.
Equity remains the king of Kenya’s banking sector. Its success is driven by its aggressive regional expansion. With subsidiaries in other countries like Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, and DRC, it’s no longer just a Kenyan story but a pan-African banking powerhouse.
KCB has been on a steady growth path, bolstered by its strategic cost-cutting initiatives and the acquisition of National Bank of Kenya. It’s the preferred banking institution for large corporate clients.
Kenya’s beer and spirits giant continues to be a promising investment choice. Even though the current tough economic times in Kenya has affected the majority of the consumers, EABL has managed to sustain profits.
SCBK is a favorite among dividend-focused investors. Its conservative lending model and strong capital reserves make it a safe bet especially during volatile market cycles.
Since rebranding from Barclays, ABSA has transformed its brand and operations. The increased profits realized by ABSA can be attributed to its strategic digital banking innovations and SME lending programs.
Popularly known as “Co-op Bank,” it has a unique edge through its strong ties to SACCOs (savings and credit cooperatives), which give it access to millions of customers in Kenya.
Born from the merger of NIC and CBA, NCBA has carved a niche in asset financing and digital banking, particularly with the popular M-Shwari mobile savings and loans platform.
Stanbic's increase in profits has been due to its corporate banking and investment advisory services. The financial institution is also benefitting from renewed trade and infrastructure investments in East Africa.
Rounding off the list of the top 10 biggest and most profitable companies in Kenya is the Investments & Mortgages Bank (I&M), a mid-sized bank with a growing regional presence. It remains attractive for investors looking for stability and steady growth rather than aggressive expansion.
|
Company |
Share Price (KSh) |
Market Cap (KSh) |
|
SCOM (Safaricom
Ltd) |
24.05 |
976.61B |
|
EQTY (Equity Group
Holdings Plc) |
46.05 |
171.14B |
|
KCB (KCB Group Ltd) |
44.50 |
143.16B |
|
EABL (East African
Breweries Plc) |
181.00 |
142.61B |
|
SCBK (Standard
Chartered Bank) |
282.00 |
104.20B |
|
ABSA (ABSA Bank
Kenya Plc) |
18.90 |
102.66B |
|
COOP (The
Co-operative Bank of Kenya) |
16.55 |
97.98B |
|
NCBA (NCBA Group
Plc) |
55.50 |
92.26B |
|
SBIC (Stanbic
Holdings Plc) |
161.75 |
63.94B |
|
IMH (I&M
Holdings Plc) |
34.00 |
56.22B |
If you look at Kenya’s top 10 companies, one thing stands out, banks and telecoms still rule the market. And it’s easy to see why. These sectors are steady, predictable, and tend to hold up even when the economy gets rough. Safaricom, for example, keeps thriving thanks to its near-monopoly on mobile money, which most Kenyans rely on daily.
But here’s an interesting twist: smaller players like Kenya Power and East Africa Portland Cement have surprised everyone with huge gains this year. It shows that if you’re willing to take a bit more risk, turnaround stories can pay off in a big way.
Safaricom has a near-monopoly in mobile money (M-Pesa) and dominates Kenya’s telecom market. It generates stable cash flows, making it highly attractive to investors.
The banking sector dominates, with six out of the top ten companies coming from financial services.
With the market on a bullish run, investors are seeing renewed confidence. However, if you want to invest, its advised that you assess the fundamentals of each company first.
Check out this Beginner’s Guide to Investing in the Nairobi Securities Exchange. It breaks down everything you need to know before buying your first share.
Kenya’s stock market is showing strong signs of recovery. These top 10 most profitable companies in Kenya are setting the tone for what’s to come. While telecom through Safaricom continues to lead the charge, the banking sector remains the backbone of the Kenyan economy. For investors, it’s a reminder that even in uncertain times, blue-chip companies often provide the best balance when it comes to risk and investment growth.
The Fineducke Team is a group of passionate writers, researchers, & finance enthusiasts dedicated to helping the youth make smarter money decisions. From saving tips, investment ideas to digital income guides, our team works together to bring you easy-to-understand, practical content tailored for everyday life believing financial education should be simple & relatable.
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