Clearstream Launches Kenya Domestic Market Link Access

Clearstream will open a domestic link to Kenya on June 29, 2026, expanding access for global institutional investors. The Clearstream Kenya Market Link will streamline settlement of Kenyan government bonds, treasury bills, and infrastructure bonds through an omnibus account structure. Moreover, this initiative will improve efficiency, broaden market access, and strengthen cross-border investment flows into Kenya. Standard Chartered Kenya will act as a cash correspondent bank in Kenyan shillings and serve as a local custodian with the Central Bank of Kenya.

Additionally, the link allows international investors to settle, safekeep, and manage Kenyan debt instruments through a single access point without requiring local registration or accounts. This expansion reflects Kenya’s growing position as a key economic hub in East Africa, characterized by steady growth and increasing global investor attention. Furthermore, analysts expect the country’s inclusion in global market indices, which could boost capital inflows. New link addresses increasing demand for simplified market access and improved liquidity. 

Jan Willems, Head of Global Markets at Clearstream, said the partnership marks a strategic milestone in expanding global market access. “The new link to Kenya is an important milestone as it follows Clearstream’s strategic aim to facilitate global investment and provide further access for our clients to attractive and growing markets. We are delighted to partner with Standard Chartered and the Central Bank of Kenya to connect the Kenyan market to our global network.”

Clearstream Launches Kenya Domestic Market Link Access

David Luusa, Director of Financial Markets at the Central Bank of Kenya, welcomed the initiative and emphasized its role in strengthening domestic financial infrastructure. “The Central Bank of Kenya welcomes the establishment of the Clearstream-Kenya Link and expects it to provide international investors with efficient access to Kenyan government securities, supported by the Dhow Central Securities Depository (DhowCSD). This is a significant milestone in developing Kenya’s financial markets. The link is expected to deepen liquidity, broaden the investor base, and enhance the resilience of the domestic debt market. This development underscores our commitment to strengthening and modernizing financial market infrastructure, fostering greater integration with the global financial system, and advancing Kenya’s position as one of the leading financial centers in Africa.” 

Moreover, Standard Chartered Kenya’s Chief Executive Officer & Head of Coverage, Corporate & Investment Banking, Birju Sanghrajka, highlighted the significance of the collaboration. He added that the partnership strengthens Kenya’s integration into global markets. “Standard Chartered Kenya collaborates with the Central Bank of Kenya and Clearstream to make Kenya Clearstream’s 60th global domestic market link and its second in Africa after South Africa. Moreover, this marks an important milestone in the development of Kenya’s financial markets. Increased foreign participation in local government securities will bring capital into the economy, broaden the investor base, enhance market liquidity, and promote higher standards of transparency and efficiency.”

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