Safaricom gave the Nairobi market its clearest anchor on Monday, 27 July 2026, releasing audited FY2026 results as the NSE 25 showed a 20.29% slump. The contrast was striking: while the benchmark remained deep in the red, Safaricom Plc rose 0.7% and led turnover at KES 42.47 million, according to the market data provided.
That muted but positive reaction matters. It suggests investors were willing to back the operational resilience of Kenya’s largest listed telecom even as they priced in well-known headwinds, including a softer shilling at USD/KES 129.4, up 0.69% on the day, and a margin backdrop shaped by imported cost pressure. For a company whose equity story rests on telecom services, M-Pesa, data monetisation and regional expansion, FY2026 was less about a headline release and more about whether the business could still defend quality growth.
Key figures
- NSE 25: -20.29%
- Safaricom: +0.7%
- Safaricom turnover: KES 42.47 million
- USD/KES: 129.4, up 0.69%
- Brent crude: $90.22/bbl, down 6.8% on the day
Nairobi stock exchange today: heavy announcements, mixed breadth
The 27 July 2026 session was unusually dense on disclosures, with 20 official announcements including audited numbers from Safaricom, TotalEnergies Marketing Kenya, Car & General Kenya and Limuru Tea. Market breadth was not outright bearish despite the benchmark shock value: , and out of counters tracked.