NSE Temporarily Halts Absa Bank Kenya Share Trading

The Nairobi Securities Exchange (NSE) has temporarily suspended trading in Absa Bank Kenya Plc shares on Wednesday, August 19, 2026, to facilitate the execution and settlement of a block trade arising from Absa Group’s tender offer.

In a notice dated August 19, NSE said trading in the bank’s ordinary shares will be halted from 9:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., a period of 1 hour and 30 minutes.

“The Nairobi Securities Exchange Plc (NSE) wishes to notify investors and the general public that, pursuant to Clause 9.4.2(c) of the NSE Equity Trading Rules, and with the approval of the Capital Markets Authority (CMA), trading in the ordinary shares of Absa Bank Kenya Ple will be temporarily halted on Wednesday, August 19, 2026 from 9:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m,” read part of the notice.

NSE Suspends Absa Bank Shares Trading 

The exchange said the temporary halt had been approved by the Capital Markets Authority (CMA) in accordance with Clause 9.4.2(c) of the NSE Equity Trading Rules.

In addition, NSE stated that the measure is aimed at ensuring the orderly execution and settlement of a block trade involving Absa Bank Kenya shares.

Also Read: CMA Approves Kenya’s First Local Exchange-Traded Fund for NSE Listing

It further advised investors and other market participants to take note of the temporary suspension.

“The temporary halt is intended to facilitate the orderly execution and settlement of a block trade in Absa Bank Kenya Ple shares, in accordance with the applicable market rules and regulatory requirements. Investors and other market participants are advised to take note of the above,” NSE stated.

The suspension follows Absa Group’s acceptance of 189.38 million shares in Absa Bank Kenya under its tender offer.

According to the bank, the shares were accepted at Ksh 34.50 per share, giving the transaction a value of approximately Ksh 6.53 billion.

Tender Offer to Push the Bank’s Stake Above 71%

During the tender offer, which closed on August 11, shareholders tendered 189,981,668 shares in total, with Absa Group accepting 189,380,644 shares.

Once the transaction is settled, Absa Group’s holding in Absa Bank Kenya will increase from 68.5% to approximately 71.99%.

Also Read: Absa Group Increases Stake in Absa Kenya to 71.99% After Acquiring 189.4 Million Shares.

The group will hold 3,910,196,644 ordinary shares in the Kenyan bank, including the 3,720,816,000 shares it held before the tender offer.

The transfer of the accepted shares will be effected through block trades on the NSE.

C&R Group, the data processing agent, will notify shareholders whose tenders were accepted of their entitlement, after which Absa Bank Kenya will make payments according to their preferred payment method.

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Absa Interim Managing Director and CEO Yusuf Omari speaks during release of half year results. PHOTO/ Absa Group Facebook