The NASI fell 1.14% to 244.72 even as breadth favoured advancers 34 to 16 of 55 counters traded. Turnover rose 4.0% above its 10-session average to KES 1.63bn on 13,639 trades. Co-operative Bank (COOP) led gainers, up 8.92% to 34.80, followed by TPS Eastern Africa (TPSE) and Crown Paints (CGEN). AMAC, SGL and LKL led losers. The Banking sector index rose 3.39% even as the broader NASI fell, while Manufacturing and Allied and Investment lagged. Foreign investors were net sellers at KES -487.7mn, 23.9% of turnover, selling KCB (KES -238.4mn) and Safaricom (SCOM) (KES -139.8mn), the two most traded counters by value.

Kenya Power (KPLC) reported full-year net profit up 2.13% to Sh25bn, helped by 12% higher electricity sales and a Sh1.64bn cut in finance costs. President Ruto urged banks at CBK's 60th anniversary event to lower lending rates and expand credit access, a message landing as CBK also moves on a new bank licensing framework. Absa Bank Kenya (ABSA) will finance new Shell stations under a Vivo Energy tie-up, and NCBA Group (NCBA) added motor insurance to its LOOP app, both incremental to bank non-lending revenue lines.