Kenyans Get Access to Global Equities as South Africa’s Satrix Lists ETF in Nairobi
In a landmark move for Kenya’s financial markets, South Africa’s Satrix has successfully dual-listed its MSCI World Feeder Exchange-Traded Fund (ETF) on the Nairobi Securities Exchange (NSE), enabling Kenyans to invest directly in some of the world’s most prominent companies.
The ETF, which was originally listed on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE), mirrors the MSCI World Index—a benchmark that tracks large- and mid-cap companies across 23 developed nations. This includes giants from the U.S., Europe, and Asia, giving Kenyan investors diversified exposure to global markets through a single, affordable investment product.
The MSCI World Index features approximately 1,398 constituents and captures about 85% of the free float-adjusted market capitalisation in the developed world. Through the Satrix MSCI World Feeder ETF, Kenyan retail and institutional investors can now buy into that basket via the NSE without going through foreign brokers.
“This dual listing is a testament to the increasing strength and credibility of Kenya’s capital markets,” said Kiprono Kittony, Chairman of the Nairobi Securities Exchange. “It reflects growing global confidence in our infrastructure and regulatory framework.”
The listing was facilitated by Absa Bank Kenya, which acted as the transaction broker. CEO Abdi Mohamed lauded the achievement, saying, “This required deep cross-border expertise and seamless execution. It’s a proud moment for us.”
Exchange-Traded Funds like the one launched today allow investors to buy shares in a fund that holds multiple assets—stocks, bonds, or commodities—offering diversification and lower risk in one instrument. The Satrix MSCI World Feeder ETF is especially attractive for long-term investors looking to hedge against local economic volatility while tapping into international growth.
Frank Mwiti, CEO of NSE, noted that this marks a new chapter in broadening Kenya’s investor base. “We’re moving beyond traditional listings. With ETFs like this, we give ordinary Kenyans access to wealth-building tools once only available to global institutions.”
Kenya’s NSE remains the region’s largest and most active bourse with over 60 listed companies and a market capitalisation exceeding KSh 2.3 trillion. The addition of globally-aligned products like Satrix’s ETF is expected to boost investor confidence and encourage more listings.
This comes amid broader regional integration efforts such as the recently launched EAE 20 Share Index, East Africa’s first cross-border index tracking companies from Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, and Rwanda.
The Satrix listing is a significant step in making global investing local, and it sets the tone for a more dynamic and interconnected financial future for Kenyan investors.
In other news:Co-op Bank Partners with Optiven and Everstrong to Deliver Affordable Housing to Kenyans
Kenyans Get Access to Global Equities as South Africa’s Satrix Lists ETF in Nairobi