Top 10 Most Profitable NSE Stocks in the First Half of 2026

The Nairobi Securities Exchange (NSE) extended its strong performance in the first half of 2026, with several listed companies delivering impressive gains for investors.

While some investors earn money through dividends, others focus on capital gains, buying shares at a lower price and selling them after their value appreciates. For investors who bought these stocks at the beginning of the year, the first six months of 2026 proved highly rewarding.

In this article, we list the best-performing stocks on the NSE based on the change in their share prices between January 2, 2026, the first trading day of the year, and June 30, 2026. We also calculate how much a Ksh100,000 investment made at the start of the year would have been worth by the end of June.

Also Read: Most Profitable NSE Stocks by Dividend Payments [As Announced So Far]

1. Car & General

Car & General emerged as the best-performing stock during the period.

Its share price surged from Ksh51 on January 2 to Ksh117.50 on June 30, representing a gain of more than 130%.

A Ksh100,000 investment at the beginning of the year would have grown to approximately Ksh230,400, delivering a capital gain of about Ksh130,400.

2. Kenya Airways

Kenya Airways recorded the second-highest return among the top performers. The airline's share price increased from Ksh3.58 to Ksh5.86 during the six-month period.

An investor who committed Ksh100,000 in January would now have approximately Ksh163,600, representing a capital gain of Ksh63,600.

3. African Mega Agricultural Company (AMAC)

AMAC also delivered strong gains to shareholders. Its share price climbed from Ksh70.50 to Ksh115.25.

A Ksh100,000 investment would have appreciated to approximately Ksh163,400, generating a capital gain of Ksh63,400.

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4. I&M Bank

Banking stocks continued to perform strongly, with I&M Bank among the standout performers.

The lender's share price rose from Ksh42.80 to Ksh69.50 during the first half of the year.

This means a Ksh100,000 investment would now be worth approximately Ksh162,300, translating to a capital gain of Ksh62,300.

5. Eaagads

Eaagads also rewarded investors with significant capital appreciation. Its share price increased from Ksh20.30 to Ksh30.85.

An investor who invested Ksh100,000 at the beginning of the year would now have around Ksh151,900, earning a capital gain of Ksh51,900.

6. Uchumi Supermarkets

Uchumi Supermarkets made a notable comeback during the period. The retailer's share price rose from Ksh1.13 at the start of the year to Ksh1.69.

A Ksh100,000 investment would now be valued at approximately Ksh149,500, delivering a capital gain of Ksh49,500.

7. Kapchorua Tea

Kapchorua Tea also featured among the best-performing stocks. Its share price climbed from Ksh233 to Ksh346.25.

This would have increased a Ksh100,000 investment to approximately Ksh148,600, resulting in a capital gain of Ksh48,600.

Also Read: How to Start Investing in the Kenyan Stock Market: A Beginner's Guide

8. Co-operative Bank

Co-operative Bank continued its strong momentum in the banking sector. The bank's shares appreciated from Ksh23.90 to Ksh34.30 during the six-month period.

An investor who put in Ksh100,000 would now have approximately Ksh143,500, representing a gain of Ksh43,500.

9. Stanbic Holdings

Stanbic Holdings also posted impressive gains. Its share price rose from Ksh197.75 to Ksh280.25.

A Ksh100,000 investment made in January would now be worth around Ksh141,700, generating a capital gain of Ksh41,700.

10. Britam Holdings

Closing the list is Britam Holdings. The insurer's share price increased from Ksh9.06 at the start of the year to Ksh12.55 by the end of June.

An investor who invested Ksh100,000 would now have approximately Ksh138,500, translating to a capital gain of Ksh38,500.

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

What Investors Should Consider

While these returns demonstrate the wealth-creation potential of investing in equities, they should not be viewed as a guarantee of future performance.

Share prices are influenced by numerous factors, including company earnings, economic conditions, investor sentiment, interest rates, and sector-specific developments.

Before investing in any listed company, investors should evaluate its financial performance, growth prospects, valuation, dividend history, and the risks associated with the business.

The first half of 2026 has shown that selecting the right stocks can generate substantial returns within a relatively short period. However, successful investing requires patience, proper research, and a long-term strategy rather than chasing short-term price movements.