On 10th July 2024, Bamburi Cement Plc received a notice of intention from Tanzania-based Amsons Industries (K) Limited to acquire up to 100% of the company’s ordinary shares at KES 65 per share. The historic offer, valued $180 million, became one of East Africa’s largest corporate takeover transactions in recent years.
Behind this transaction was KCB Investment Bank, which was incorporated in 2013 as a subsidiary of KCB Group PLC, initially operating as KCB Capital and acted as a transaction adviser to Amsons Group,
The business later rebranded to KCB Investment Bank in 2023 to better reflect its wider role beyond advisory services. While advisory remains a key part of its work, the investment bank also provides capital markets and wealth management solutions.
The rebrand was aimed at positioning KCB Investment Bank as a more complete investment solutions provider by supporting clients across different financial needs.
Also read:
Today, KCB Investment Bank supports businesses, institutions, and individuals through three main areas:
- Advisory services
- Capital markets
- Wealth management
Advisory Services
KCB Investment Bank helps clients navigate critical business decisions by providing the right advice and financial structures to support growth, expansion, acquisitions, market entry, and business restructuring. Through its advisory business, it provides support in areas such as mergers and acquisitions, corporate finance advisory, capital raising, valuation, and transaction advisory.
One of the notable transactions it supported was the acquisition of Bamburi Cement by Amsons Group. It has also supported KCB Group’s sale of National Bank of Kenya and other corporate transactions.
Connecting Businesses to Capital Markets
Another key role of KCB Investment Bank is helping clients access capital markets. Through its brokerage and capital markets business, the institution supports investors and businesses in areas such as trading in bonds and securities, as well as helping companies access funding through market-based solutions.
It also works on structured financing solutions that help unlock capital for projects and businesses. For example, KCB Investment Bank was involved in the securitisation of Sports Fund Levy cash flows, a financing structure that helped mobilise funds for the development of Talanta Stadium.
Helping Individuals Build Wealth
KCB Investment Bank also provides wealth management solutions for individuals and institutions. Rather than applying a one-size-fits-all approach, investment solutions are tailored based on factors such as a client’s financial goals, income, investment horizon, and risk appetite.
A Regional Investment Partner
As part of KCB Group, KCB Investment Bank benefits from the group’s presence across East Africa. KCB Group operates across markets including Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, South Sudan, Burundi, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo, with a representative office in Ethiopia.
This regional footprint enables it to support businesses looking for opportunities beyond their home markets.
For international investors interested in East Africa, the bank provides a single point of access to multiple markets in the region.
Building East Africa’s Financial Future
As businesses across the region continue to expand and seek new opportunities, the need for specialised financial solutions will continue to grow.KCB Investment Bank’s role is to help bridge the gap between businesses seeking growth and the capital required to achieve it. By combining advisory expertise, capital markets expertise, wealth management solutions, and regional reach, KCB Investment Bank continues to support businesses and investors across East Africa.
KCB Investment Bank is headed by Maurice Opiyo, who brings over 19 years of experience in investment banking. Before joining the investment banking space, Maurice had an early passion for football, but his career journey eventually led him into finance, where he now leads KCB Investment Bank’s strategy and growth agenda.
#KCB Investment Bank
CEO & Co-Founder, Abojani Investment
Robert Ochieng is a visionary entrepreneur and the co-founder of Abojani Investment, a leading financial education platform in Kenya that has empowered over 20,000 Africans to embark on their investment journeys. As CEO, he has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to financial literacy, successfully demystifying money and investments and making them accessible and relevant to individuals from all walks of life.
Running Thriving Investment Communities
Robert’s influence extends well beyond Abojani Investment’s core offerings. He has actively fostered a sense of community by running investment forums and groups with a vast following of over 300,000 Africans. These communities provide a safe space for individuals to exchange ideas, share experiences, and support each other on their investment journeys.
Vision for the Future
As co-founder of Abojani Investment, Robert envisions a financially empowered Africa. He strives to expand the reach of his financial education initiatives, enabling millions more to gain the knowledge and confidence needed to achieve their financial goals. His vision is to create a society where every individual has the tools and understanding to build lasting wealth and prosperity.
Professional Background
Robert Ochieng is a highly accomplished CEO at the helm of Abojani Investment, an investment and advisory firm in Kenya. He is a seasoned professional with over 14 years of experience in IT, Finance, and leadership.
His career includes key roles at prominent institutions such as Equity Bank, Gulf African Bank, Guaranty Trust Bank (GTBank) and Airtel.
Robert’s expertise has also been sought after by the National Treasury for consultancy on planning and budgeting systems, showcasing his exceptional knowledge and skills in the field. Passionate about driving meaningful conversations and collaborations between academia, industry, and the public sector, Robert actively engages in research projects focusing on digital transformation within the financial services sector. With his visionary leadership and strategic insights, Robert Ochieng continues to make a significant impact in the business world.
