NAIROBI, June 25 (Xinhua) -- Kenya's central bank on Thursday welcomed the launch of the Clearstream-Kenya Link, which will provide international investors with streamlined access to government securities through the Government Central Securities Depository (DhowCSD) digital platform.
The Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) said Clearstream's connection to the DhowCSD will provide institutional investors with efficient access to the local market.
"This is a significant milestone in the development of Kenya's financial markets. The link is expected to deepen liquidity, broaden the investor base, and enhance the resilience of the domestic debt market," the CBK said in a statement.
Utilizing a unique omnibus account structure, the link will support Kenyan government bonds, infrastructure bonds, and treasury bills, the CBK said.
The apex bank said the development underscores its commitment to modernizing Kenya's financial market infrastructure, fostering deeper integration with the global financial system, and cementing the country's position as a leading financial hub in Africa.
Clearstream is a leading global settlement and custody firm for domestic and international securities.
According to the CBK, the link marks the 60th domestic market connection within Clearstream's global network and its second in Africa, after South Africa.
"This development builds on transformative initiatives aimed at unlocking the full potential of the DhowCSD, which is transforming Kenya's financial markets through enhanced operational efficiency, expanded digital access, deeper markets that promote broader financial inclusion, and improved monetary policy operations," it said.
The CBK said it remains committed to upgrading the country's financial infrastructure, promoting financial inclusion, and ensuring long-term financial stability. ■