Kenya shilling 129.96 holds as NSE turnover jumps on Nedbank deal

Kenya shilling 129.96 as reserves stay ample

According to CBK’s Recent Monetary and Financial Developments note for the week ending 5 November 2026, the Kenya shilling exchanged at KSh 129.96 per U.S. dollar on 5 November, unchanged from 29 October. Foreign exchange reserves were USD 14,699 million (5.9 months of import cover), above the statutory four-month endeavour. Commercial banks’ excess reserves averaged KSh 31.9 billion above the 3.25% CRR, and KESONIA stayed at 8.75%.

NSE turnover after the Nedbank–NCBA deal

CBK says NASI, NSE 25 and NSE 20 rose 1.68%, 3.14% and 1.37% in the week. Market capitalisation was up 1.68%, while total shares traded and equity turnover surged 933% and 2,756% respectively — driven by Nedbank’s acquisition of NCBA shares valued at KSh 107.3 billion. That matches NCBA’s own completion announcement; see our Nedbank 66% deal story once live.

Bills, bonds and money markets

The 5 November Treasury bill auction drew KSh 67.7 billion of bids against KSh 28.0 billion advertised (241.8% performance). The 4 November re-opened 15-year and 30-year bonds drew KSh 99.5 billion against KSh 50.0 billion (198.9%). Detailed auction results for those instruments are covered in round20 posts already on the site; this weekly wrap only records CBK’s headline performance figures. Secondary bond turnover fell 10.35% on the week, while Kenya Eurobond yields eased 25.87 basis points on average.

For readers tracking Kenya shilling 129.96, the takeaway is practical: A flat Kenya shilling 129.96 rate fits the stable FX tone ahead of the December MPC. See also next MPC meeting. This Kenya shilling 129.96 briefing sticks to primary documents only.

Frequently asked questions

What was the dollar rate on 5 November 2026?

KSh 129.96 per U.S. dollar, unchanged from 29 October, CBK says.

Why did NSE turnover spike?

CBK attributes the jump to Nedbank’s acquisition of NCBA shares valued at KSh 107.3 billion.

Are reserves above the statutory floor?

Yes. USD 14.7 billion equalled 5.9 months of import cover, above the four-month endeavour.