The NASI closed down 1.14% at 244.72, with the N20I and N25I both lower, and breadth split 22 up against 25 down across 56 counters traded. Turnover was KES 284.9 million, 74.7% below the 20-session average, and foreign investors were net sellers at KES -103.7 million, 25.5% of turnover, led by disposals in Safaricom (SCOM) and Equity Group (EQTY). Commercial and Services led sector gains at +3.34% while Automobiles and Accessories lagged at -1.57%. Kenya Airways (KQ) was the top gainer at +5.09%, while Nation Media Group (NMG) fell 3.63%.

Two Dangote-related developments stand out: the CMA has cleared seven Kenyan firms, including SBG Securities (SBIC), to facilitate participation in the Sh207 billion Dangote refinery IPO in Nigeria through correspondent arrangements. Separately, the IFC committed roughly Sh1.9 billion as a cornerstone investor in the Quickmart IPO as that offer opened. Safaricom (SCOM) also launched a Shariah-compliant money market fund via M-Pesa with GulfCap Investment Bank, while AfDB and Family Bank (FMLY) signed a Sh1.297 billion trade finance facility.