What is KPLC Shares and How to Buy it?

2025-11-12

The Kenya Power and Lighting Company Plc (KPLC) is one of Kenya’s most influential and long-standing companies, playing a vital role in the country’s electricity distribution network. Listed on the Nairobi Securities Exchange (NSE) under the ticker KPLC, its shares are popular among investors seeking stable, dividend-paying stocks tied to the nation’s infrastructure growth.

With over a century of operation, KPLC remains a cornerstone of Kenya’s energy sector, despite facing challenges such as operational inefficiencies and fluctuating power costs. As of November 2025, the company’s shares have gained significant attention for their steady recovery and strong dividend performance.

Key Takeaways

KPLC shares represent ownership in The Kenya Power and Lighting Company Plc, Kenya’s national electricity distributor.
The stock trades on the Nairobi Securities Exchange (NASE) under the symbol KPLC.
Current Price (Nov 2025): KES 14.25, slightly down by 0.35% on the day.
Market Cap: KES 27.81 billion, with a PE ratio of 1.14 and dividend yield of 6.99%.
Investors can buy KPLC shares through licensed Kenyan brokers or online trading platforms connected to the NSE.

What are KPLC Shares?

KPLC shares are units of ownership in The Kenya Power and Lighting Company Plc, which operates as Kenya’s sole electricity transmission and distribution utility. Owning KPLC shares means you own a portion of the company’s assets, profits, and voting rights at shareholder meetings.

The company’s core operations include:

Electricity Transmission and Distribution: Delivering power across Kenya’s urban and rural areas.
Energy Retailing: Managing customer billing, metering, and energy supply.
Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs): Buying electricity from independent power producers (IPPs) using geothermal, hydro, solar, and wind energy sources.

Founded in 1922, KPLC has grown alongside Kenya’s industrial development and now employs over 10,000 workers. Despite its history of government involvement, it operates as a publicly traded corporation with individual and institutional shareholders.

KPLC Share Price and Market Performance

As of November 11, 2025, KPLC shares closed at KES 14.25, marking a 199% increase year-over-year after recovering from a previous low of KES 3.10 in late 2024. The stock has remained volatile but shows sustained growth due to improving profitability and higher energy demand.

Key Market Data:

Current Price: KES 14.25
52-Week Range: KES 3.10 – KES 15.80
Market Cap: KES 27.81 billion
PE Ratio: 1.14
Dividend Yield: 6.99%
EPS: KES 12.54
Beta: 0.18 (low volatility)

KPLC’s earnings per share (EPS) and dividend payout have made it a steady income-generating stock, particularly for long-term investors who value stable returns.

However, in 2025, the company reported a 5.12% drop in revenue (KES 219.29 billion vs. KES 231.12 billion in 2024) and an 18.66% decline in net income to KES 24.47 billion. Despite this, its low PE ratio indicates the stock may still be undervalued compared to its earnings potential.

Why KPLC Shares Are Popular Among Investors

KPLC remains a popular choice for both Kenyan retail and institutional investors due to several factors:

Government Backing: As a partially state-owned enterprise, KPLC benefits from government support in infrastructure projects and electricity subsidies.
Stable Dividend Income: With a dividend of KES 1.00 per share and a yield near 7%, it appeals to income-focused investors.
Long-Term Growth Potential: Kenya’s growing industrialization and electrification projects continue to increase demand for power distribution.
Low Valuation: A PE ratio of 1.14 suggests strong earnings relative to share price, which may attract value investors.

While the company faces challenges such as delayed payments from government institutions and infrastructure losses, it maintains strong balance sheet fundamentals and remains central to Kenya’s economic development.

How to Buy KPLC Shares

Buying KPLC shares is straightforward for both Kenyan residents and international investors interested in African equity markets.

Step 1: Open a CDS Account

A Central Depository System (CDS) account is required to trade on the Nairobi Securities Exchange (NSE). You can open one through:

Licensed NSE brokers (such as Genghis Capital, NCBA, Faida Investment Bank, or Dyer & Blair).
Commercial banks with brokerage services like KCB, Equity Bank, or Co-op Bank.

Step 2: Fund Your Account

Once your CDS account is active, deposit funds in Kenyan Shillings (KES) to your broker account. Most brokers allow direct bank transfers or mobile payments via M-Pesa.

Step 3: Place a Buy Order for KPLC Shares

Through your broker’s platform or app, search for “KPLC” on the NSE market list. Enter your desired quantity and price, or place a market order for immediate execution.

Example:

If KPLC trades at KES 14.25, buying 1,000 shares would cost about KES 14,250, excluding broker commissions and fees.

Step 4: Monitor Your Investment

Track your holdings via the NSE app, your broker dashboard, or financial sites like StockAnalysis.com and Bloomberg Africa.

You’ll receive dividends directly into your registered bank account if declared during the financial year.

KPLC Dividend Policy

KPLC has historically rewarded shareholders through consistent dividends. The latest declared dividend is KES 1.00 per share, with an ex-dividend date of December 3, 2025.

Dividends are typically paid annually, though the amount can vary based on company performance and government policy. Investors holding KPLC shares before the ex-dividend date will qualify for this payout.

Is KPLC a Good Buy in 2025?

Analysts consider KPLC a moderate-risk, value-oriented investment. Its current financial ratios suggest it’s undervalued, but investors should note operational risks such as:

Rising infrastructure maintenance costs.
Exposure to foreign exchange fluctuations due to imported equipment.
Government intervention in electricity tariffs.

However, for long-term investors, KPLC remains one of Kenya’s most stable dividend stocks with low volatility (beta 0.18) and consistent power demand growth.

If Kenya continues investing in renewable energy integration and power grid upgrades, KPLC’s revenue could rebound strongly by 2026.

Final Thoughts

The Kenya Power and Lighting Company (KPLC) remains a pillar of the Kenyan economy and a key player in East Africa’s electricity distribution network. Its century-long legacy, stable dividend yield, and government affiliation make it a dependable option for investors seeking long-term stability over speculative growth.

For those investing through the Nairobi Securities Exchange, KPLC shares offer a way to gain exposure to Kenya’s expanding infrastructure and industrial sectors while earning consistent dividend income.

FAQs

What is KPLC?

KPLC is The Kenya Power and Lighting Company Plc, responsible for power transmission and retail electricity distribution in Kenya.

How much is KPLC share price today?

As of November 2025, KPLC trades at approximately KES 14.25 per share.

How can I buy KPLC shares?

You can buy KPLC shares through a licensed Nairobi Securities Exchange (NSE) broker after opening a CDS account.

Does KPLC pay dividends?

Yes. The company declared a KES 1.00 per share dividend in 2025, with a yield of around 7%.

Is KPLC a good investment?

Yes, for long-term, income-focused investors. It offers low volatility, strong dividend history, and exposure to Kenya’s infrastructure growth.

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Disclaimer: The content of this article does not constitute financial or investment advice.

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