Clearstream Opens New Kenya Market Link for Global Investors

Clearstream open a new domestic market link to Kenya on June 29, 2026, expanding access to the country’s government debt market for institutional investors.

Also, the new connection will allow investors to access Kenyan government bonds, infrastructure bonds, and treasury bills through a unique omnibus account structure. The arrangement is to simplify market entry while improving settlement and custody services for international participants.

Moreover, under the new framework, Standard Chartered Kenya will act as Clearstream’s cash correspondent bank for the Kenyan Shilling and serve as the local custodian with the Central Bank of Kenya.

Clearstream Opens New Kenya Market Link for Global Investors

The move comes as Kenya continues to strengthen its position as one of East Africa’s leading economies. Growing international investor interest, combined with the country’s anticipated inclusion in global market indices, has increased demand for easier access to Kenyan financial assets.

The Kenya connection becomes Clearstream’s 60th domestic market link and makes it the only international central securities depository (ICSD) offering direct access to the country’s government debt market. Through a single access point, clients will be able to settle and safekeep Kenyan government securities, use local debt instruments within collateral management services, and conduct foreign exchange transactions involving the Kenyan Shilling. The structure also removes the need for local registration or account-opening procedures.

Jan Willems, Head of Global Markets at Clearstream, described the launch as an important milestone that aligns with the company’s strategy of facilitating global investment and expanding access to developing markets. He said Clearstream was happy to work with Standard Chartered and the Central Bank of Kenya to connect the Kenyan market with its international network.

So, David Luusa, Director of Financial Markets at the Central Bank of Kenya, said the Clearstream-Kenya Link is expected to improve international investor access to Kenyan government securities through the Dhow Central Securities Depository. He added that the initiative should deepen market liquidity, broaden the investor base, and strengthen the resilience of the domestic debt market.

Birju Sanghrajka, Chief Executive Officer and Head of Coverage, Corporate & Investment Banking at Standard Chartered Kenya, said increased foreign participation in government securities could attract additional capital, improve liquidity, and support greater transparency and efficiency across Kenya’s financial markets.

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