How to buy KPLC shares: Open Ziidi Trader on the M-Pesa app, search for “KPLC,” and place a buy order — the minimum investment is KSh 100. You can also buy through a licensed NSE stockbroker like Dyer & Blair or Kingdom Securities by opening a free CDS account with your national ID and KRA PIN. As of April 2026, KPLC trades at KSh 16.90 per share on the Nairobi Securities Exchange (Source: NSE market data, April 2026).
Last updated: April 2026
Kenya Power has been one of the most dramatic turnaround stories on the NSE. The stock has surged over 400% from its 2023 lows, dividends are flowing again after a seven-year freeze, and at a P/E ratio of just 1.3x, it’s currently the cheapest dividend-paying stock on the exchange relative to its earnings. Whether you’re a first-time investor with KSh 1,000 or an experienced trader looking at top NSE stocks to buy in Kenya, this guide covers every method, cost, and risk you need to know.
KPLC at a Glance: Key Numbers Before You Buy
| Metric | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| NSE Ticker | KPLC | NSE |
| Current Share Price | KSh 16.90 | NSE market data, April 2026 |
| 52-Week Range | KSh 6.04 – KSh 18.75 | NSE market data |
| Market Capitalisation | KSh 33 billion | NSE market data |
| Dividend (FY 2025) | KSh 1.00 per share | KPLC Annual Report FY 2025 |
| Dividend Yield | 5.95% (KSh 1.00 ÷ KSh 16.90) | Calculated |
| P/E Ratio | 1.3x (KSh 16.90 ÷ EPS of KSh 12.54) | Calculated from KPLC FY 2025 results |
| YTD Performance (2026) | +24.3% | NSE market data |
| Sector | Energy & Utilities | NSE |
The stock started 2026 at KSh 13.60 and has been one of the stronger performers on the NSE, currently ranked 16th by year-to-date gains (Source: NSE market data, April 2026).
How to Buy KPLC Shares in Kenya: 3 Methods
There are three main ways to buy KPLC shares in Kenya. Here’s each one, step by step.
Method 1: Buy KPLC Shares via Ziidi Trader (Easiest)
Ziidi Trader lets you buy NSE shares directly from the M-Pesa app on your phone. No CDS account registration, no stockbroker paperwork — just your M-Pesa account and a minimum of KSh 100.
Step-by-step:
- Open the M-Pesa app on your phone
- Tap Financial Services → Ziidi Trader
- Complete onboarding (accept terms, verify identity, confirm with M-Pesa PIN)
- Tap Trade → search for “KPLC” or “Kenya Power”
- Tap Buy
- Enter the number of shares and your price (or accept the market price)
- Review the trade summary and tap Buy Shares
- Confirm with your M-Pesa PIN
Your shares will settle in your Ziidi account within T+2 (two business days). You can check your portfolio anytime in the Ziidi Trader section of the M-Pesa app.
Ziidi fees: 1.8% transaction fee on the trade value (buy and sell), plus standard NSE levies (Source: Safaricom/Ziidi Trader, as of April 2026).
Method 2: Buy Through a Licensed Stockbroker
If you want a traditional brokerage account with more control, you can buy KPLC shares through any of the licensed stockbrokers in Kenya. Popular options include SBG Securities (Stanbic), Kingdom Securities (Co-op Bank), Dyer & Blair, Kestrel Capital, AIB-AXYS Africa, and Faida Investment Bank.
Step-by-step:
- Open a CDS account — Visit any licensed stockbroker with your national ID/passport, KRA PIN, and a passport photo. The account is free to open.
- Fund your account — Deposit money into your stockbroker’s client account via M-Pesa, bank transfer, or cheque.
- Place a buy order — Tell your broker (by phone, email, or their online platform) that you want to buy KPLC shares. Specify the quantity and your preferred price.
- Order executes — Once a matching seller is found on the NSE, your order is filled.
- Settlement — Shares appear in your CDS account within T+2.
Broker fees: Typically 1.5%–2.1% of the trade value, depending on the broker. There’s also a CDSC fee (0.04%), CMA levy (0.14%), and NSE fee (0.12%) (Source: CMA Kenya fee schedule).
Method 3: Buy Through an Online Investment Platform
Several fintech platforms now offer NSE share trading online, including EFG Hermes (via their Kenya platform), SBG Securities Online, and Kestrel Capital Online. The process is similar to a traditional broker, but everything is done digitally — account opening, deposits, and trading. You’ll still need a CDS account, but some platforms handle the setup for you.
What Does It Cost to Buy KPLC Shares?
Let’s say you want to buy 100 KPLC shares at the current price of KSh 16.90 (as of April 2026). Here’s a worked cost breakdown:
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| 100 shares × KSh 16.90 | KSh 1,690.00 |
| Broker commission (~1.8%) | KSh 30.42 |
| NSE fee (0.12%) | KSh 2.03 |
| CMA levy (0.14%) | KSh 2.37 |
| CDSC fee (0.04%) | KSh 0.68 |
| Total cost | ~KSh 1,725 |
That’s roughly KSh 17.25 per share all-in. Very affordable — you can start investing with as little as KSh 1,000 and still pick up a decent number of KPLC shares.
Why Are KPLC Shares Getting Attention in 2026?
Kenya Power has been one of the most dramatic turnaround stories on the NSE. Here’s why investors are paying attention:
1. The Share Price Recovery
KPLC shares bottomed out at around KSh 1.38 in December 2023 (Source: NSE historical data). Since then, the stock has surged to KSh 16.90 — a gain of over 1,100%. Investors who bought at the bottom have made extraordinary returns, but the stock still trades well below its historical highs of KSh 20+.
2. Dividends Are Back
After freezing dividend payments for seven years (2017–2023) due to heavy losses, Kenya Power resumed payouts in FY 2024 with KSh 0.70 per share. For FY 2025, the total dividend rose to KSh 1.00 per share (KSh 0.20 interim + KSh 0.80 final). The HY 2026 interim dividend of KSh 0.30 has already been declared (Source: KPLC investor notices via NSE). At the current price, that gives a dividend yield of about 5.95% — better than most money market funds in Kenya.
3. Strong Earnings
For FY 2025 (year ended June 2025), Kenya Power posted profit after tax of KSh 24.47 billion and earnings per share of KSh 12.54 (Source: KPLC FY 2025 Annual Report). Electricity sales hit KSh 231 billion (+21% year-on-year), and the company added 447,251 new customers. For HY 2026 (six months to December 2025), profits rose a further 4.3% to KSh 10.4 billion, with electricity revenue climbing 6.9% to KSh 114.9 billion (Source: KPLC HY 2026 results announcement).
4. Improving Balance Sheet
Total borrowings have dropped from over KSh 87.6 billion to KSh 84.2 billion by December 2025, as the company steadily pays down debt (Source: KPLC HY 2026 financial statements). A stronger shilling has also helped reduce foreign exchange pressures on dollar-denominated loans.
What Are the Risks of Buying KPLC Shares?
No investment guide is complete without talking about the risks. Here’s what could go wrong:
1. Heavy Debt Load
KSh 84.2 billion in borrowings is still significant (Source: KPLC HY 2026 balance sheet). Kenya Power owes KenGen alone KSh 16.6 billion. If the shilling weakens again, foreign-denominated loans could trigger large forex losses — which is exactly what dragged the company down in previous years.
2. System Losses
Kenya Power loses about 23% of the electricity it distributes — well above EPRA’s 19.5% threshold (Source: EPRA regulatory filings). Until these technical and commercial losses are brought under control, they’ll continue eating into profitability.
3. Regulatory Risk
As a regulated utility, KPLC’s tariffs are set by EPRA. Political pressure has historically blocked tariff reviews, and Nairobi County’s push for KSh 806 million in annual wayleave charges could increase costs. Any government intervention that caps tariffs or adds costs would hurt margins.
4. KenGen’s Direct Sales Plans
KenGen, which generates most of Kenya’s electricity, has signalled interest in selling power directly to large consumers — bypassing KPLC entirely. While regulations for this are still incomplete, it represents a long-term structural risk to KPLC’s monopoly distribution model.
5. Government Ownership
The Kenyan government owns 50.1% of KPLC. This means political interests can sometimes override commercial logic — as seen with the historical tariff freezes and delayed infrastructure investments.
Is KPLC a Good Investment Right Now?
Here’s how to think about it:
The bull case: At a P/E ratio of 1.3x (KSh 16.90 ÷ EPS of KSh 12.54) and a dividend yield of 5.95%, KPLC is currently the cheapest dividend-paying stock on the NSE relative to its earnings — but the KSh 84.2 billion debt load means this discount may be justified. The company is profitable, electricity demand in Kenya is growing, and if the turnaround continues, there’s room for further price appreciation.
The bear case: The stock has already rallied over 1,100% from its 2023 lows. The debt load is still heavy, system losses are too high at 23% (vs. EPRA’s 19.5% target), and regulatory risk is always present for a government-controlled utility. The P/E looks artificially low because much of the recent profit was boosted by forex gains that may not recur.
The verdict: KPLC can make sense as part of a diversified NSE portfolio — but don’t put all your eggs in this basket. The risk-reward is favourable for a small position, especially if you’re collecting the 5.95% dividend yield while waiting for further upside. Consider pairing it with more stable stocks like Safaricom shares or defensive holdings like money market funds.
Frequently Asked Questions About Buying KPLC Shares
What is the minimum number of KPLC shares I can buy?
On the NSE, you can buy as little as one share. Via Ziidi Trader, you need a minimum of KSh 100 per transaction — which gets you about 5–6 KPLC shares at the current price of KSh 16.90 (as of April 2026).
Does KPLC pay dividends?
Yes. KPLC resumed dividend payments in 2024 after a seven-year freeze. The FY 2025 total dividend was KSh 1.00 per share, and an interim dividend of KSh 0.30 per share has already been declared for HY 2026. The current annual dividend yield is approximately 5.95% (Source: KPLC investor notices via NSE).
What are KPLC’s trading hours on the NSE?
KPLC shares trade on the NSE Monday to Friday, 9:30 AM to 3:00 PM East African Time. Orders placed outside these hours queue for the next trading session.
Can I buy KPLC shares from outside Kenya?
Yes. Non-resident investors can open a CDS account through a licensed stockbroker and trade NSE shares. You’ll need a passport, KRA PIN (available for foreigners), and to comply with any foreign exchange regulations.
What is the difference between KPLC ordinary shares and preference shares?
KPLC has both ordinary shares (ticker: KPLC) and 4% preference shares (ticker: KPLC-P4) listed on the NSE. Ordinary shares give you voting rights and variable dividends. Preference shares pay a fixed 4% dividend but are very thinly traded. Most investors buy the ordinary shares.
How much does it cost to buy KPLC shares?
The total transaction cost is approximately 2.1% of the trade value — this includes broker commission (~1.8%), NSE fee (0.12%), CMA levy (0.14%), and CDSC fee (0.04%). For a KSh 1,690 purchase (100 shares at KSh 16.90), you’d pay roughly KSh 35 in total fees.
Is KPLC a good stock for beginners?
KPLC is accessible for beginners because of its low share price (KSh 16.90) and availability on Ziidi Trader via M-Pesa. However, it’s a turnaround stock with significant risks including heavy debt and regulatory uncertainty. Beginners should consider starting with a diversified approach — perhaps combining a small KPLC position with money market funds for stability.
How do I sell KPLC shares after buying them?
You sell through the same platform you used to buy. On Ziidi Trader, go to your portfolio, select KPLC, tap “Sell,” enter the quantity, and confirm. Through a stockbroker, call or use their platform to place a sell order. Settlement takes T+2, and proceeds are deposited to your M-Pesa or bank account.
The Bottom Line on Buying KPLC Shares
Buying shares in Kenya has never been easier, and KPLC is one of the most talked-about stocks on the NSE right now. The turnaround story is real — profits are up, dividends are flowing, and the share price has recovered dramatically from its 2023 lows.
But go in with your eyes open. This is still a government-controlled utility with KSh 84.2 billion in debt, 23% system losses, and regulatory risk that could derail the recovery at any time. Buy it as part of a diversified portfolio, not as a speculative bet on continued momentum.
The easiest way to get started? Open Ziidi Trader on your M-Pesa app, search for KPLC, and buy your first shares in under five minutes.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Share prices and financial data are subject to change. Always do your own research before investing, and consider consulting a licensed financial advisor. Past performance is not a guarantee of future results.