Nairobi Securities Exchange Plc

The Nairobi Securities Exchange Plc (NSE) is Kenya's principal securities exchange, operating as the sole licensed platform by the Capital Markets Authority for listing and trading equity, debt, and derivative securities. It provides automated trading services, clearing and settlement through its subsidiary NSE Clear Limited, and acts as a central counterparty for derivatives. Revenues primarily come from trading services (72.1%), IPO initiation (1%), and other services like financial clearing and settlement (26.9%), all generated in Kenya. As a key player in one of Sub-Saharan Africa's fastest-growing economies, NSE facilitates savings, investments, and capital access for local and international companies.

Established in 1954 as the Nairobi Stock Exchange, a voluntary association of stockbrokers under British colonial rule, it evolved significantly over decades. In 2011, it rebranded to Nairobi Securities Exchange Limited to reflect its expansion into full-service operations including derivatives and shorter T+3 settlement cycles. The exchange listed itself via IPO in September 2014 on its Main Investment Market Segment under the Investment Services sector. NSE holds memberships in the African Securities Exchanges Association (ASEA), East African Securities Exchanges Association (EASEA), and is an affiliate of the World Federation of Exchanges (WFE).

NSE maintains a strong market position as the fifth largest bourse in Africa by market capitalization, with investments in NSE Clear Limited (100%) and a 22.5% stake in the Central Depository and Settlement Corporation. It continues to modernize with technology, product diversification, and regional integration, supporting 66 listed companies as of recent records.