Government Expands Investor Access through Electronic CDS account opening

The Government of Kenya, through the Privatization Authority (PA), has expanded nationwide access to the Kenya Pipeline Company (KPC) Initial Public Offering (IPO), by enabling investors across the country and in the diaspora to digitally open Central Depository System (CDS) accounts. Investors can now seamlessly open a CDS account and apply for shares digitally within minutes via the KPC IPO e-offer portal, https://kpcipo.e-offer.app. The system integrates a structured account opening workflow, from account type selection and KYC documents upload to CDA approval and account creation, ensuring a secure and transparent investor onboarding process. The integration of the electronic CDS account opening into the KPC IPO platform enhances convenience and removes traditional barriers to participation ahead of the offer’s closing date on 19 February 2026. Speaking on the development, Privatization Authority acting MD, Dr. Janerose Omondi reinforced the Authority's commitment to leveraging technology to broaden investor participation. “The KPC IPO is about democratizing ownership of one of Kenya’s strategic national assets. By leveraging digital platforms, we are making participation in capital markets simpler and more equitable.” said Dr. Omondi. “We have worked closely with various capital market stakeholders to remove traditional barriers by enabling investors to apply online via the KPC IPO portal or receive assisted support at Huduma Centres nationwide. This represents a historic opportunity for wananchi to own a stake in a company that powers Kenya’s economy.” She added. The CDS account opening process is fully system-based and API-integrated with the Central Depository and Settlement Corporation (CDSC), allowing applicants to: Open new Individual, Joint, or Corporate CDS accounts Securely upload Know-Your-Customer (KYC) documentation Receive SMS and email notifications Track application status from submission to approval The expanded access framework is supported through digital platforms including the official e-offer portal (https://kpcipo.e-offer.app), and assisted registration through Huduma Centres nationwide. The KPC IPO marks a significant milestone in Kenya’s capital markets evolution and broader public participation in the transformation of state-owned enterprises. The offer provides retail investors, institutional investors, KPC employees, Oil Marketing Companies, citizens of the East African Community, and international investors a unique opportunity to invest in East Africa’s most strategic energy infrastructure company. With 52 years of operating history, KPC is one of Kenya’s most profitable state-owned enterprises. For the financial year ended 30 June 2025, the company reported of Kshs 38.6 billion and an after-tax profit of Kshs 10.37 billion. The strong financial performance underscores KPC’s strength as a commercially viable, revenue-generating infrastructure asset. With a strong earnings base and a strategic footprint encompassing 1,342 Kilometres of pipeline and storage infrastructure, KPC offers investors exposure to a profitable, well-positioned company at the heart of Kenya’s energy security and regional economic growth.