The Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) has welcomed the establishment of the Clearstream-Kenya Link, a development expected to enhance international investors’ access to Kenyan government securities and strengthen the country’s financial markets.
The link connects Clearstream, Deutsche Börse Group’s post-trade business, with Kenya’s Government Central Securities Depository (DhowCSD), allowing institutional investors to access the local market through a unique omnibus account structure.
Through the new arrangement, investors will be able to participate more efficiently in Kenya’s government securities market, including government bonds, infrastructure bonds and treasury bills.
CBK said the initiative marks a significant milestone in the development of Kenya’s financial markets, as it is expected to deepen liquidity, expand the investor base and improve the resilience of the domestic debt market.
“The Link underscores our commitment to strengthening and modernising financial market infrastructure, fostering greater integration with the global financial system, and advancing Kenya’s position as one of the leading financial centres in Africa,” CBK said.
The Clearstream-Kenya Link becomes the 60th domestic market connection within Clearstream’s global network and the second in Africa after South Africa.
The development builds on ongoing reforms aimed at unlocking the full potential of DhowCSD, which has been instrumental in transforming Kenya’s financial markets through improved operational efficiency, digital access expansion, market deepening and enhanced monetary policy operations.
CBK noted that the initiative will support broader financial inclusion and contribute to long-term financial stability by creating a more accessible and efficient investment environment.
The regulator reaffirmed its commitment to upgrading Kenya’s financial market infrastructure to global standards while strengthening the country’s role as a leading financial hub on the continent.
