Most Profitable Stocks in the NSE - January 2025 to August 2025

2025 has been an eventful year for Kenyans looking to grow passive income. The once-reliable returns from options such as Money Market Funds (MMFs) and government securities have seen a noticeable dip.

But as these traditional safe havens become less attractive, the Nairobi Securities Exchange (NSE) has surged. In August, the NSE’s total market capitalization rose to Ksh2.6 trillion — the highest since February 2022. Around the same time, the NSE’s 10 Index (the value of the top 10 best-performing stocks) hit Ksh1,635 — a historic high.

This article breaks down the top-performing stocks, based on the increase in the value of their shares from January to August 20, 2025. For better understanding, we have also included what a Ksh100,000 investment would be worth now — based on the stocks’ growth:

Read Also: What to Look Out for When Buying Shares at The NSE 2025‍

Growth Stocks: January to August 2025

1. Sameer Africa Plc (SMER): With a +441.67% gain, a Ksh100,000 investment in January would now be worth an incredible Ksh541,667. This surge is credited to Sameer’s successful pivot from tyre manufacturing to leasing its extensive real estate portfolio.
   
   
2. Nairobi Securities Exchange Plc (NSE): The market operator's own stock has climbed +119.37%. Your Ksh100,000 would have grown to Ksh219,370.
   
   
3. Kenya Power & Lighting Co Plc (KPLC): The utility has had a powerful run of +115.91%, turning your initial capital into Ksh215,910.
   
   
4. E.A. Portland Cement Co. Ltd (PORT): A +109.17% increase would have turned your Ksh100,000 into Ksh209,170.
   
   
5. CIC Insurance Group Ltd (CIC): The insurer has more than doubled in value with +105.48% growth, turning Ksh100,000 into Ksh205,480.
   

Other High-Growth NSE Stocks

6. KenGen Co. Plc Ord. 2.50 — 97.37%
7. Olympia Capital Holdings Ltd Ord. 5.00 — 96.72%
8. HF Group Plc — 94.27%
9. Home Afrika Ltd Ord. 1.00 — 89.19%
10. Sanlam Kenya Plc Ord. 5.00 — 86.67%
11. Kenya Reinsurance Corporation Ltd Ord. 2.50 — 79.29%
12. Uchumi Supermarket Plc Ord. 5.00 — 72.22%
13. Liberty Kenya Holdings Ltd Ord. 1.00 — 64.18%
14. Safaricom Plc Ord. 0.05 — 62.64%
15. Jubilee Holdings Ltd Ord. 5.00 — 58.90%

While the gains can be exciting, it is crucial to acknowledge that stock trading is a high-risk endeavour compared to more stable passive income vehicles like Money Market Funds or SACCO deposits. The potential for high returns comes with an equal potential for significant losses.

Many investors who bought into other counters at the start of the year are currently counting losses. Here are two practical examples:

• Umeme Ltd (UMME): This stock experienced the sharpest decline, falling by -43.28% from Ksh16.75 to Ksh9.50. A Ksh100,000 investment made in January would be worth only about Ksh56,720 today, representing a loss of over Ksh43,000.
  
  
• The Limuru Tea Co. (LIMT): The agricultural stock saw its price drop by -11.43%, from Ksh350 to Ksh310. Your Ksh100,000 investment would have shrunk to approximately Ksh88,570.
  

These examples show that capital is not guaranteed and can be lost just as quickly as it can be gained.

Read Also: The Most Profitable Stocks at the NSE: January 2024 to Date‍

The Science of Picking Stocks

The impressive gains of stocks like Sameer Africa weren’t just a lottery win for investors; they were often the result of careful analysis and strategy. Successful stock picking is a science. Before you invest, it’s advisable to seek expert advice from a licensed stockbroker or financial advisor and to do your own research.

Here are some of the key factors to look out for when evaluating a stock:

• Company Fundamentals: Is the company profitable? What are its debt levels? Is it led by a strong, reputable management team? A healthy company is more likely to be a good long-term investment.
  
  
• Valuation: Is the stock fairly priced? A common metric is the Price-to-Earnings (P/E) ratio, which helps determine if a stock is overvalued or undervalued compared to its peers.
  
  
• Industry Trends: Is the company in a growing sector? Think about renewable energy, financial technology, or logistics. A company in a booming industry has a natural tailwind.
  
  
• Dividend History: For long-term investors, a company that consistently pays dividends (a share of its profits) can provide a steady income stream in addition to potential share price growth.

You Can Now Buy as Low as One Share in the NSE

One of the major policy changes for retail investors this year is the new “1-share minimum” rule. Previously, buying a stock trading at Ksh400 required a minimum outlay of Ksh40,000 (100 shares × Ksh400). Today, you can start with just Ksh400.

This unlocks a powerful strategy: broad diversification on a budget. Instead of concentrating your risk in one or two companies, you can now buy small units across an entire sector. For example, with a few thousand shillings, you can purchase shares in all 11 listed banks, effectively betting on the health of the entire banking industry rather than a single institution.

You can take this even further by buying shares across the market’s main counters. This strategy of broad diversification has paid off handsomely this year. 

The market as a whole, tracked by the NSE All-Share Index (NASI), has returned approximately 17% from January to date. If this performance continues, it projects to an impressive annualized return of over 26% — a figure that significantly outpaces current MMF and Treasury bill rates.

Read Also: Can You Make Money Investing in The NSE? 

Growth vs. Income: Consider Dividends

While buying the whole market offers diversified growth, your strategy can also focus on income. It’s critical to remember there are two ways to earn from stocks: capital gains (listed above) and dividends. Our article purely measures returns based on capital gains — but the factors for dividend earnings may vary.

Dividends are a portion of a company’s profits paid out to shareholders. Stable, mature companies are prized for their consistent dividend payouts, providing a reliable income stream. A successful investment strategy often involves a blend of high-growth stocks and steady dividend-payers

Wrapping Up

The NSE performance in 2025 offers crucial insights for anyone looking to enter the stock market. The potential for wealth creation is undeniable, but it is advisable to exercise caution and knowledge.

• Acknowledge the Risk: Understand that unlike a savings account, your capital is at risk. Never invest money you cannot afford to lose.
  
  
• Diversification is Key: Spreading your investment across different companies and sectors is your best defence against a single stock performing poorly.
  
  
• Do Your Homework: Don’t just chase “hot” stocks. Take the time to understand the business you are buying into.
  
  
• Seek Professional Guidance: The NSE can be complex. A licensed professional can provide tailored advice based on your financial goals and risk tolerance.