Uchumi Supermarket has emerged as the strongest performer on the Kenyan stock market at the start of 2026, posting sharp gains within just a few trading sessions and extending an extraordinary rally from last year.
The surge has placed the retailer at the top of the Nairobi Securities Exchange performance table, drawing fresh attention from investors as the market opens the new year on a positive note.
In the first four trading sessions of 2026, Uchumi’s share price rose by 28.16 percent, making it the leading gainer so far this year. The rise builds on an exceptional performance in 2025, when the stock recorded a massive 505.9 percent increase, pointing to sustained investor interest and confidence.
Data from the Nairobi Securities Exchange as of January 7, 2026, shows Uchumi firmly in the lead among Year-to-Date gainers, a position that remains unmatched by any other listed company. The early momentum reflects strong demand for growth stocks as trading resumes after the year-end break.
Uchumi’s rally is part of a wider upswing across the market, with several other companies also posting solid gains in the opening days of the year. Car and General followed with a 9.80 percent rise, while Flame Tree Group recorded an 8.28 percent increase.
Co-operative Bank and Kenya Re-Insurance completed the top five performers, gaining 7.52 percent and 5.32 percent respectively. Their gains point to renewed interest in financial stocks alongside retail counters.
Other companies also posted notable advances. Kenya Power gained 5.15 percent, NCBA Group rose by 5.06 percent, and Umeme Limited added 4.60 percent. Equity Group climbed 4.12 percent, while TPS EA Serena recorded a 4.08 percent increase.
The spread of gains across different sectors highlights a broadly positive mood in the market. Retail, banking, and energy stocks all showed strength, suggesting growing confidence among both local and foreign investors.
Uchumi’s sharp rise has attracted particular focus given the company’s past struggles. Once a leading name in Kenya’s retail space, the supermarket chain has faced major challenges in recent years. The recent jump in its share price suggests that investors are betting on a possible recovery, future growth, or changes expected to improve its performance.
At the same time, market watchers caution that such rapid price increases can carry risks. Sustained growth will depend on real improvements in business performance and wider market conditions, as speculative rallies can fade if expectations are not met.
Analysts link the broader market gains to several factors, including improved economic conditions, higher liquidity, and renewed investor activity at the start of the year. Positive company results, partnerships, and supportive government policies have also helped lift sentiment.
The latest figures from the Nairobi Securities Exchange underline the strength seen across multiple sectors. The steady performance of banks such as Co-operative Bank and NCBA Group, alongside utilities like Kenya Power and Umeme Limited, points to a more balanced recovery.
As trading continues, attention will remain on whether Uchumi Supermarket can maintain its upward trend or whether the pace of gains will slow. The company’s performance in the coming months is expected to play a key role in shaping investor confidence.
Overall, Uchumi’s 28.16 percent rise in just four trading sessions marks a strong opening to 2026 and adds to last year’s remarkable gains. Combined with solid advances across the market, the early performance paints an upbeat picture for Kenyan equities as the year begins.
