New CBK platform to deepen foreign investment in Kenya’s debt market

A Central Bank of Kenya survey shows strong CEO confidence in economic growth, despite risks from rising costs and global uncertainties. (Photo: File)

By Alfred Onyango
Thursday, June 25, 2026

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CBK described DhowCSD as a systemically important infrastructure aimed at enhancing operational efficiency, expanding digital access and improving monetary policy operations.

The Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) and securities depository firm Clearstream have launched a new market link poised to give international investors easier access to Kenyan government securities.

The move is further expected to deepen liquidity, broaden the investor base and strengthen the country’s position as a regional financial hub.

Dubbed ‘Clearstream-Kenya Link’, the new platform is supported by the Government Central Securities Depository (DhowCSD).

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Authorities believe the development will also enhance the resilience of the domestic debt market by increasing participation from global investors.

According to the regulator, the link underscores Kenya’s efforts to modernise financial market infrastructure, strengthen integration with the global financial system and reinforce its status as one of Africa’s leading financial centres.

The connection also marks Clearstream’s 60th domestic market link globally and only its second in Africa after South Africa.

Clearstream, which is part of Deutsche Börse Group’s post-trade business, will connect directly to DhowCSD, the government securities depository platform launched by President William Ruto in July 2023.

The system was introduced to provide world-class registry, custodial and settlement services for both primary and secondary market operations.

At the time of its launch, President Ruto said the platform would eliminate barriers to participation in government securities and create opportunities for more Kenyans to invest in nation-building.

CBK described DhowCSD as a systemically important infrastructure aimed at enhancing operational efficiency, expanding digital access and improving monetary policy operations.

The central bank reiterates that the Clearstream-Kenya Link builds on the gains achieved through DhowCSD, which has been instrumental in transforming the government securities market through greater efficiency and broader market participation.