Kenya’s stock market reaches major milestone with single-share trading
The upgrade from “Restricted” to “Pass” now allows investors to trade in single shares, making the market more accessible to retail participants and boosting overall investor engagement.
The Nairobi Securities Exchange (NSE) has achieved a major milestone after being upgraded from “Restricted” to “Pass” by the FTSE Russell Index Governance Board, a globally recognised authority that oversees the integrity of index products worldwide.
The upgrade now allows investors to trade in single shares, making the market more accessible to retail participants and boosting overall investor engagement.
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The decision follows the FTSE Equity Country Classification Interim Review conducted in September 2025 and takes effect from August 1, 2025. The reform enables trading in single-share multiples instead of large board lots — a move expected to improve market flexibility, deepen liquidity, and lower entry barriers for smaller investors.
“This FTSE Russell upgrade is a powerful endorsement of the modernisation and reform agenda we’ve championed at NSE,” said Frank Mwiti, CEO of NSE.
“It reflects our unwavering commitment to democratizing investment, boosting liquidity, and positioning Kenya as a globally competitive investment hub. We are building a market that is dynamic, transparent, and inclusive, one that attracts both local and international investors."
Kenya’s position strengthened
The FTSE Russell Index Governance Board is responsible for developing and maintaining index policies, approving methodology changes, and ensuring indices evolve in line with market and regulatory shifts. Its latest evaluation strengthens Kenya’s position on the radar of global asset allocators and reinforces confidence in the country’s capital markets.
"The FTSE Equity Country Classification process is globally recognised for its rigour, evaluating markets against comprehensive technical criteria and incorporating insights from leading institutional investors. This upgrade places Kenya firmly on the radar of global asset allocators, reinforcing confidence in the country's capital markets," stated the NSE.
Trusted worldwide
"FTSE Russell's flagship equity indexes are trusted worldwide for portfolio construction, risk analysis, and asset allocation, making this development a strategic win for Kenya's integration into global investment flows."
By enabling single-share trading, the NSE is opening doors for retail investors, fostering more active participation, and aligning Kenya’s market infrastructure with global best practices.
“This upgrade is a catalyst for growth and inclusion in Kenya's capital markets. The change also drives liquidity, creating deeper, more active markets that benefit all stakeholders. Most importantly, it aligns Kenya with global best practices, signalling to international investors that the country is ready for greater capital inflows and integration into the world’s leading investment ecosystems. This is not just an upgrade—it is a signal to the world: Kenya is ready for the next era of investment,” said NSE.
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