The NASI closed down 1.14% at 244.72, with the NSE 20-Share Index off 0.59% to 4,341.24. Breadth was negative, 22 counters up against 27 down of 55 traded. Turnover was KES 431.7mn, 59.3% below the 20-session average. KCB led value traded at KES 104.0mn but foreign investors were net sellers there, taking out KES -94.6mn, contributing to an overall net foreign outflow of KES -103.9mn, 15.6% of turnover. Construction and Allied led sector declines at -2.20%, while Investment Services and Automobiles and Accessories gained. NBV, BOC and CRWN were among the day's heaviest losers.

The Central Bank of Kenya held its benchmark rate at 8.75%, citing stable inflation, which stood at 6.8% in September versus 6.6% in August, and a steady exchange rate, with the MPC seeing price growth remaining within its 2.5-7.5% target band. Private-sector credit growth accelerated to 10.6% in September from 10.3% in August, with lending strongest in trade, construction, agriculture, and finance and insurance. Separately, Kenyan investors will need a minimum of Sh107,000 to subscribe to the Dangote Petroleum Refinery IPO via GDRs on the NSE, priced at Sh53.50 each, after CMA approval of the route.