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Primary Bond Auction Note November 2025

The Government of Kenya has reopened two key fixed-income bonds – FXD3/2019/015 and FXD1/2022/025 – seeking KES 40 billion to support the FY 2025/26 budget.

This month’s auction lands at a pivotal moment: the State faces KES 212.5B in November maturities, even as liquidity strengthens following the USD 872M Eurobond inflow. The result? A market full of opportunity, but with a disciplined government unlikely to entertain aggressive bids.

Why This Auction Matters

  • High November obligations are keeping investor interest elevated.

  • Government liquidity is strong, moderating upward pressure on yields.

  • T-bill demand is rising, especially for longer-dated paper.

  • Revenue performance is ahead of target, reducing reliance on domestic borrowing.

Key Bond Details

  • FXD3/2019/015 — 8.7 years | Coupon: 12.3400%

  • FXD1/2022/025 — 21.9 years | Coupon: 14.1880%

  • Auction Window: 11–19 November 2025

  • Settlement: 24 November 2025

Rock Advisors’ Recommended Bidding Ranges

  • FXD3/2019/015: 12.75% – 12.95%

  • FXD1/2022/025: 13.87% – 14.07%

Our Take

With liquidity high and interbank rates easing, the government is well-positioned to keep yields contained. Smart investors will calibrate their bids carefully – assertive enough to secure allocation, but within market-aligned levels.

Rock Advisors continues to guide investors through Kenya’s evolving fixed-income landscape with clarity, precision, and strategic insight.

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Key Highlights from the November 2025 Primary Bond Auction Analysis by Rock Advisors

The Government of Kenya, through the Central Bank, is re-opening two fixed-income bonds FXD1/2012/020 and FXD1/2022/015 targeting KES 40 billion for budgetary support in FY 2025/26.

Bond Details
FXD1/2012/020: 7.0 years to maturity, coupon rate 12.000%, recommended bid range 12.37% – 12.57%
FXD1/2022/015: 11.4 years to maturity, coupon rate 13.942%, recommended bid range 13.13% – 13.33%
Auction Period: 23rd October – 5th November 2025
Settlement Date: 10th November 2025

Market Context
November’s total government obligations stand at approximately KES 212.5 billion, up from KES 165.4 billion in October, reflecting heavier refinancing pressure. However, with the recent USD 872 million (KES 112.6 billion) Eurobond inflow following a partial buyback of the 2028 note the government’s liquidity position has improved significantly.


Fiscal Performance
Government revenue rose by 32.8% year-on-year in September to KES 1.03 trillion, the highest in five years. Tax revenue increased by 5.3%, while domestic borrowing surged by 77.6%, reflecting the government’s proactive debt management approach. Despite achieving 93.1% of prorated targets, the exchequer maintains a solid fiscal buffer, which may limit the acceptance of overly aggressive bids in the short term.

T-Bill Market Trends
Investor participation eased in October, with the average subscription rate declining to 97.6% from 118.9% in September. The 91-day T-Bill yield fell below 8% following a 25bps policy rate cut that reduced the Central Bank Rate to 9.25%. The market continues to show a shift towards medium- and long-term papers as investors seek higher returns.

Liquidity and Yield Curve
Interbank activity dropped by 9.46% month-on-month, with the average interbank rate easing to 9.32%, reflecting abundant liquidity in the market. Yields declined across most segments of the curve in October, though slight upward pressure emerged in the medium to long end as investors positioned for better returns.

Real Rates and Outlook
Real interest rates fell below 5.0%, compared to 9.3% a year ago, largely due to inflation and policy easing. Although this may temper investor appetite, the government’s strengthened liquidity position is expected to support stability in upcoming auctions.

Rock Advisors’ Market Outlook
The government’s stronger liquidity position and steady revenue inflows are likely to keep yields stable in the near term.
Investors are advised to remain within recommended bid bands to optimize returns and minimize pricing risk.

Medium to long-term yields could experience mild upward movement as investors reposition for value amid ongoing fiscal adjustments.

Rock Advisors’ Recommendation:
FXD1/2012/020: Bid within 12.37% – 12.57%
FXD1/2022/015: Bid within 13.13% – 13.33%

 

Rock Advisors_Primary Auction Note – November 2025

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October 2025 Primary Bond Auction Note

Market Overview

The Government of Kenya, through the Central Bank of Kenya, has reopened two fixed-income bonds — FXD1/2018/015 and FXD1/2021/020 — targeting KES 50 billion to support the FY25/26 budget.

This auction comes at a time when the exchequer faces KES 165.40Bn in redemptions, down slightly from September’s KES 166.20Bn, giving the government more fiscal breathing room.

External inflows, including the anticipated KES 97Bn disbursement from the World Bank and remaining Eurobond proceeds, are expected to boost liquidity and limit investor bargaining power — likely narrowing yield deviations.

Auction Highlights

Detail FXD1/2018/015 FXD1/2021/020
Tenor 7.7 years 15.9 years
Coupon Rate 12.6500% 13.4440%
Redemption Date 9 May 2033 22 July 2041
Tax Structure 10% Withholding Tax 10% Withholding Tax
Period of Sale 26 Sept – 15 Oct 2025 26 Sept – 15 Oct 2025
Settlement Date 21 Oct 2025 21 Oct 2025
Non-competitive Bids KES 50,000 – 50 Mn KES 50,000 – 50 Mn
Competitive Bids KES 2 Mn min KES 2 Mn min
Rock Advisors Bid Recommendation 12.65% – 12.85% 13.37% – 13.57%

Fiscal Perspective

Kenya’s fiscal revenues surged 60.9% year-on-year in August 2025, hitting KES 709.67Bn, with domestic borrowing up 252.2%. This strong fiscal performance means the government is less likely to accept aggressive investor bids at this auction.

  • Tax revenues grew steadily, reflecting resilient collections and stable economic activity.

  • External financing remains slow but is expected to pick up.

  • Domestic borrowing remains the dominant driver of revenue inflows.

T-Bill & Yield Curve Dynamics

  • T-Bill performance rose to 118.94% in September — a signal of shifting investor appetite back to short-term papers.

  • Interbank activity dropped 15.71% month-on-month, indicating stronger liquidity in the system.

  • Yields are compressing across the curve, amplified by a 25bps cut in the Central Bank Rate to 9.25%.

  • Real rates are under pressure as inflation inches up, dampening aggressive investor positioning.

Rock Advisors Market View

“Improved liquidity, lower redemption pressure, and external inflows point to a conservative issuance stance by the exchequer. Investors should adjust yield expectations accordingly.”

  • FXD1/2018/015: Bid within 12.65% – 12.85%

  • FXD1/2021/020: Bid within 13.37% – 13.57%

Rock Advisors expects narrow yield deviations and a measured investor response in this auction cycle.

Download full report here.

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September 2025 Primary Auction Note

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primary note auction bond

Primary Bond Auction Note (August 2025)

Leading companies are adding new talent to support a digital operating model. To develop sharp insights using digital tools, procurement teams will need data science and analytics expertise.