Looks like stocks today are behaving in a way i would not expect (though i keep seeing it now and then)... Why is KCB going up yet they announced that they are laying off workers? Should that not b interpreted by the NSE as bad sign? or does the NSE interpret it as a good management decision which increases the prospects of huge profits in the future (wage bill conversion to profit).

I am still also waiting for Safcom to head to 5 bob to buy a few ... Lakini when?

politics aside its retail investors have waken up...pushing safcom...good to see...kcb with its regional expansion will be big in 2-3 years time.

Cud some1 please comment on Cooperative Bank share??

@the deal: Even the USA can't prevent a total collapse... and al-shabaab is not a huge threat to USA...

If Kenya flunks, there is always a presence in Uganda & bases/port in Tanzania...

Don't forget UK & USA also have Diego Garcia (islands) for use...

Most of KCB business is in Kenya. Even the regional business is dependent on a stable Kenya coz many of KCB's clients in other countries are importers...

True that. Just thinking of the regional economies, they will continue to post stronger growth figures than kenya as we struggle with our politics and our indecisive leadership. I don't think Kenya is headed to the dogs but it will have sluggish growth over the next three years.
BBK starts the results announcements on Thursday, KCB maybe next week.

On KCB:-
Do you retrench when you are expanding or when shrinking?

For the banks to expand as they are doing, they require new technologies which means they require technology compliant staff which I dont think KCB has in the old bi-spectacled mamas they still have in their banking halls as customer facing staff.

Over the years in the bank this old guards earn hefty packages yet they are not trainable or flexible for training, which the bank can get in a fresh graduate who is efficient and trainable and will be paid a starting salary that is almost quarter of what this guys earn.

Actually, technology has created more jobs in banking than it has reduced them.
For technology to pay off they require young blood(which is affodable).

What is KCB basing its forecast on? KCB has never as far as I can remember had a such year on year growth...

@guru,i saw that and was left wondering how they will do it this year.But last year Martin had said they aim at becoming the most profitable bank in Kenya.First quarter report will give us an indicator.

@wazurians i so cant believe my eyes... i thought the sugar boat had left ages ago but looks like all the profit taking is bringing it back to me..
i have a huge order at below 10 bob and my broker says it'll go thru tomoro :d/