Season’s Greetings from #TheWinningTeam #Corporate Bonds
Here are the biggest stories from the markets this week.
Safaricom Marks Green Bond Success at the NSE
As confidence returns to Kenya’s capital markets, recent corporate bond issuances have attracted strong investor interest. Safaricom’s recently concluded green bond stood out, with 2,453 individual investors committing approximately Ksh 39 billion in just 11 days. Retail investors accounted for 96 percent of the total amount raised, highlighting growing household participation in fixed income instruments.
The successful closure of Safaricom’s first tranche green bond was celebrated at the Nairobi Securities Exchange bell-ringing ceremony. The event underscored the telco’s appeal to retail investors and reinforced the growing appetite for corporate bonds as Kenya’s capital markets continue to stabilise.
Diageo Signals Exit from EABL
East African Breweries Plc issued a cautionary notice confirming that its majority shareholder, Diageo, plans to sell its 65 percent stake to Japan’s Asahi, subject to regulatory approvals in Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania. The announcement points to a potential shift in EABL’s ownership, with shareholders advised to exercise caution as further details emerge.
Dividend Bonanza
Investors ended the week on a positive note as Carbacid and Centum paid dividends to shareholders who were on their registers as of the respective book closure dates, adding to the list of companies rewarding investors during the period.
Leadership Transition at Kenya Airways
Allan Kilavuka proceeded on terminal leave as Group CEO of Kenya Airways, stepping aside ahead of the expiry of his contract. Captain George Kamal has taken over in an interim capacity as the board begins the search for a substantive CEO. Kilavuka exits after six years marked by operational stabilisation and a major financial turnaround, including a Ksh 5.4 billion after-tax profit in 2024.
Board Appointments at Britam Asset Managers Uganda
Britam Asset Managers Company (Uganda) Limited appointed Geoffrey Kitakule, Maximilia Byenkya, Ruth Doreen Mutebe, and Degeya Ssekyeru John as Non-Executive Directors. The appointments are expected to strengthen governance, strategic oversight, and long-term value creation.
Family Bank Strengthens Its Board
Family Bank appointed Baptista Muriki Kanyaru to its Board of Directors. A seasoned Advocate of the High Court of Kenya, Mr. Kanyaru brings extensive experience in legal practice, governance, and leadership, and currently serves on the boards of KTDA Holdings, Kiegoi, and Igembe Tea Factories.
WPP Scangroup Issues Third Profit Warning
WPP Scangroup issued its third consecutive profit warning, projecting that earnings for the year ending December 31, 2025 will decline by at least 25 percent amid reduced client spending and the loss of a major account. The group recently appointed Akua Brayie Owusu-Nartey as Group CEO as part of efforts to stabilise operations.
Airtel Africa Partners with SpaceX
Airtel Africa announced a partnership with SpaceX to introduce Starlink Direct-to-Cell satellite connectivity across its 14 markets, serving more than 174 million customers. The initiative will enable connectivity in areas without terrestrial network coverage, expanding digital inclusion across the continent.
Treasury Bills Attract Lower Uptake
The government raised Ksh 16 billion out of the Ksh 24 billion offered through treasury bills this week, as yields continue to settle firmly within the single-digit range.
Coming Up
Abojani’s monthly masterclasses are back, with the 73rd edition commencing on 12th January and running online via Zoom. The programme is designed to help participants take full charge of their financial journey as the new year begins.
We want to take this moment to sincerely wish you and your loved ones a happy holiday season filled with joy, laughter and peace.
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.
