Nairobi, Aug. 12 -- Nine small stocks at the Nairobi Securities Exchange (NSE) have shed Sh2.25 billion in valuation this year, bucking the trend in the general market rally that has handed investors in other companies Sh1 trillion in gains in paper wealth.

The market laggards primarily comprise small-cap stocks that are making losses and companies trading with negative shareholder equity, rendering them insolvent.

Others came into the year on a high share-price base after making large gains in 2025, meaning their losses this year represent a price correction.

The companies that have shed value this year include Eveready East Africa, Nairobi Business Ventures (NBV), Express Kenya, WPP ScanGroup, Umeme, Liberty Kenya Holdings, Home Afri...