NCBA Leads Kenyan Banks as Best Performing NSE Stock in 2025

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NCBA Group was the best performing bank on the Nairobi Securities Exchange (NSE) in 2025, with its share price rising from Ksh 48.20 at the end of 2024 to Ksh 84.00 by December, a gain of 74.3%.

The performance was driven by growth in digital lending, with disbursements reaching KSh1 trillion by Q3 2025, representing a 35% year-on-year increase. It was also supported by the expansion of digital banking services through the launch of the ConnectPlus platform for corporates and increased adoption of mobile banking products.

Best Perfoming Bank Stocks in the NSE (2024 vs. 2025)

DTB followed closely, recording a 65.9% increase to Ksh 114.50, driven by rising interest income, regional market expansion, and stable asset quality. KCB Group shares advanced 58.1% from Ksh 41.60 to Ksh 65.75, bolstered by corporate lending growth and higher uptake of digital platforms.

best perfoming bank stocks in the nse

COOP Bank shares gained 45.6%, closing at Ksh 23.95, as retail lending and digital banking investments expanded. Stanbic Bank recorded a 44.1% rise to Ksh 197.75, supported by steady revenue growth from corporate and investment banking operations.

Other banks also contributed to positive NSE performance, with Equity Group and Absa Kenya recording gains of 38.2% and 36.8% respectively.

Outside banking, several companies delivered substantial returns. Uchumi surged 505.9% to Ksh 1.03, Sameer rose 486.4% to Ksh 14.25, and Home Afrika gained 262.2% to Ksh 1.34.

BK Group posted a 30.6% increase to Ksh 42.50, driven by investment banking performance and sustained trade financing demand. NSE shares advanced 237.5% to Ksh 20.25, while Olympia Capital rose 193.6% to Ksh 8.22.

Other top performers included Kenya Power (+182.7%), KenGen (+152.2%), East African Portland Cement (+140.2%), Kenya Re (+135.2%), and Car & General (+124.2%). Liberty Kenya Life rose 51.2% to Ksh 10.10.

However, some companies struggled despite overall market growth. Umeme fell 53.3% to Ksh 7.82, Williamson Tea declined 35.3% to Ksh 146.50, and Nairobi Business Ventures dropped 26.9% to Ksh 1.47.

Nation Media lost 19.8% to Ksh 11.55, Kenya Airways fell 7.8% to Ksh 3.53, while Kapchorua and TPS Eastern Africa recorded marginal declines of 1.5% and 1.3% respectively.

Jefferson Wachira is a writer at Africa Digest News, specializing in banking and finance trends, and their impact on African economies.