In a bold move set to redefine public participation in Kenya’s capital markets, the Government has digitized access to the highly anticipated Kenya Pipeline Company (KPC) Initial Public Offering (IPO) — allowing investors across the country and in the diaspora to open Central Depository System (CDS) accounts online within minutes.
Through the Privatization Authority (PA), the government has integrated electronic CDS account opening directly into the KPC IPO e-offer portal, eliminating traditional paperwork and long queues that once locked out thousands of potential investors.
Investors can now seamlessly open a CDS account and apply for shares via the official KPC IPO platform. The system is API-integrated with the Central Depository and Settlement Corporation (CDSC), ensuring a secure, transparent and efficient onboarding process.
The digital workflow allows applicants to:
Open Individual, Joint, or Corporate CDS accounts
Upload Know-Your-Customer (KYC) documents securely
Receive real-time SMS and email alerts
Track application status from submission to approval
For those who prefer in-person assistance, the government has also enabled supported registration at Huduma Centres nationwide.
With the IPO closing on February 19, 2026, the new system removes barriers and expands access to wananchi eager to own a stake in one of Kenya’s most strategic national assets.
Speaking on the milestone, Privatization Authority Acting MD Dr. Janerose Omondi emphasized that the IPO represents more than just a share sale.
“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,” she said.
She noted that collaboration with capital market stakeholders ensures both online access and assisted services countrywide — marking what many analysts are calling a watershed moment in Kenya’s privatization journey.
The Kenya Pipeline Company is no ordinary state corporation. With 52 years of operating history, it stands among Kenya’s most profitable public enterprises.
For the financial year ending June 30, 2025, KPC reported:
KSh 38.6 billion in revenue
KSh 10.37 billion in after-tax profit
The company operates a vast 1,342-kilometre pipeline network and storage infrastructure, forming the backbone of Kenya’s fuel supply chain and regional energy logistics.
The IPO opens doors to:
Retail investors
Institutional investors
KPC employees
Oil Marketing Companies
East African Community citizens
International investors
Analysts say the digital rollout could significantly boost subscription levels by enabling seamless participation from Kenyans abroad and first-time retail investors.
As the February 19 deadline approaches, one thing is clear: the KPC IPO is not just a share offer — it is a defining test of Kenya’s digital transformation in capital markets and a rare chance for wananchi to invest in the engine that powers the nation’s economy.
