The NASI closed at 244.72, down 1.14%, with the NSE 20-Share Index off 0.59% and the Banking Index down 0.72%. Breadth was negative at 16 gainers against 28 losers of 56 counters traded. Turnover was KES 224.3mn, 79.6% below the 20-session average, on 11,174 trades. Foreign investors were net sellers at KES -43.9mn, 20.8% of turnover, with KCB and Safaricom (SCOM) the largest sold names and Co-op Bank (COOP) and Absa (ABSA) the largest bought. Energy and Petroleum (-0.83%) and Construction and Allied (-0.80%) led sector declines, while Investment (+0.91%) and Automobiles and Accessories (+0.80%) advanced. OCH fell 5.44% to lead losers.

The Central Bank of Kenya held its benchmark lending rate at 8.75%, balancing inflation pressure against growth support, a decision that keeps the current liquidity and yield environment intact for bond and bank counters. Standard Chartered (SCBK) is in a dispute with Nakumatt-linked firms over a Sh950mn loan tied to five mortgaged properties. Co-operative Bank (COOP) has rolled out a UN-backed financing facility targeting digital enterprises that have struggled to access commercial credit.