How Much You Would Spend Buying Just 1 Share From Every Company on the NSE

At the start of August 2025, the Nairobi Securities Exchange (NSE) introduced one of the most significant reforms in recent years. For decades, investors could only buy or sell shares in blocks of 100, a rule that locked out many Kenyans who found the entry costs too high. Now, with the rule change, anyone can purchase as few as one share.

With the change, ordinary Kenyans can begin their investment journey with just a few shillings, without having to raise hundreds of thousands.

In this article, we look at how much it would cost today if you decided to buy one share from every company listed on the NSE, as well as if you decided to diversify it across various sectors. 

The Price of Buying a Share in the Entire NSE Stocks

As of August 20, 2025, more than 67 companies were listed across various sectors. Mumias Sugar was the cheapest stock at Ksh0.27 while the ABSA New Gold ETF was the most expensive at Ksh4,050.

The cost of buying one share in every listed company would come to about Ksh10,260 based on the prevailing market prices.

Under the old rule, you would have needed Ksh1.026 million to buy the same basket, and if you invested the full amount in January, when the total price of a share from each company came to Ksh8,805.19, your investment would, as of August 20, be valued at Ksh1.196 million.

Some of the strongest performers during this period included Sameer Africa, which rose by 441.66 percent from Ksh2.64 to Ksh14.30, and the NSE Plc itself, which was up 119.37 percent.

Sector Breakdown: What 1 Share Costs in Key Industries

Different investors often prefer to focus on sectors they understand best, such as banking, agriculture, or manufacturing. Looking at the market through sector lenses reveals interesting trends between January and August 2025.

1. Banking

The banking sector, which includes 11 companies such as Equity, KCB, Absa, and Standard Chartered, would have cost Ksh920.1 to buy one share of each company in August, reflecting a growth of 20.9 percent. Therefore, if you invested Ksh100,000 in this sector in January, you would have ended up with Ksh120,900.

Every listed bank recorded growth in share value during this period except Cooperative Bank, which dropped slightly from Ksh18 to Ksh17.45.

2. Manufacturing

The manufacturing sector, which features companies such as East African Breweries, British American Tobacco, Carbacid, and Unga Group, showed a total cost of Ksh812.21 in August, representing a 16.94 percent growth. If you invested Ksh100,000 in this sector in January, you would have ended up with Ksh116,940.

All companies recorded gains except Mumias Sugar, which remained flat at Ksh0.27.

3. Energy and Petroleum

Energy and petroleum stocks also registered strong performance. Buying one share of each of the four companies in this category, including KenGen, KPLC, Total Energies, and Umeme, would have cost Ksh59.4 on August 20, translating to a 24.31 percent increase. If you invested Ksh100,000 in this sector in January, you would have ended up with Ksh124,310.

4. Insurance

The insurance sector saw the most significant growth. One share of each of the six companies, including Britam, CIC Insurance, Jubilee, and Sanlam, would have cost Ksh326.25 in August, representing a sharp increase of 60.13 percent. If you invested Ksh100,000 in this sector in January, you would have ended up with Ksh160,130

5. Agriculture

The agricultural sector, with companies such as Kakuzi, Sasini, and Williamson Tea, recorded a modest rise. The total cost of one share in each company in August was Ksh1,325.15. This represented a 6.43 percent increase. If you invested Ksh100,000 in this sector in January, you would have ended up with Ksh106,430

All companies in this category grew except Limuru Tea, which fell from Ksh350 to Ksh310.

What Investors Should Consider Before Buying Stocks

The one-share rule opens new doors, but as with all investing, caution and strategy remain critical. Here are some key points for prospective investors to keep in mind:

1. Dividends versus price growth

Some companies, especially banks, are reliable in paying dividends. For investors seeking regular income without selling shares, this is an attractive option. Others may focus more on long-term capital appreciation. Decide which strategy works for you.

2. Do your research

Before investing, take time to understand the company. What does it do? How is it managed? How much debt does it carry? Thorough research can help you avoid costly mistakes.

3. Check valuation

Price alone does not tell the full story. A stock might be cheap but risky, or expensive but stable. Tools such as the Price-to-Earnings (P/E) ratio can help you evaluate whether a stock is fairly priced compared to peers.

4. Consider liquidity

Some NSE stocks trade very infrequently, meaning you may find it difficult to sell when you need to. Pay attention to trading volumes before committing.

5. Think long term

Share prices rise and fall in the short term. Building wealth in the stock market requires patience and a long-term outlook.

6. Diversify

Do not put all your money in one company or even in one sector. Diversification spreads risk and increases the chances of steady returns.

Wrapping Up

The introduction of single-share trading has marked a turning point for the Nairobi Securities Exchange, lowering barriers that once kept many potential investors away. What previously required more than Ksh1 million can now be done with just over Ksh10,000, giving a clear picture of how much the landscape has shifted.

The data between January and August 2025 shows how different sectors and individual counters have moved, from the sharp gains in insurance and energy to the more modest growth in agriculture. Together, these shifts highlight both the opportunities and the risks that come with equity markets.

This adjustment in trading rules signals a more inclusive chapter for the NSE and sets the stage for a broader conversation on how Kenyans engage with listed companies in the years ahead.

‍