How Kenyans Can Buy Government Bonds and Earn Tax-Free Income Through DhowCSD
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The Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) has simplified investment in government securities through its DhowCSD platform.
The system allows individuals to open accounts, invest in Treasury Bills and Bonds, and track returns digitally without intermediaries.
Through DhowCSD, investors can also participate in securities auctions, view results, access portfolio statements and manage payments in a secure and efficient way.
How to Open a DhowCSD Account
To begin investing, you must first create a DhowCSD account, which allows you to access and manage government securities directly through CBK’s digital platform.
- Visit the DhowCSD Portal or download the mobile app from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store
- Select “Create Account” and enter your personal details
- Complete identity verification (KYC requirements)
- Submit your application for approval
According to CBK’s official user guide, registration is done online, where investors provide the required documents before approval. Once approved, you can then access your account and begin investing.
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Invest in an Infrastructure Bond
After opening your account, you can now invest in government securities such as Infrastructure Bonds. The process follows CBK procedures as follows:
- Review the bond prospectus to understand terms, timelines, and returns
- Choose a bond to invest in
- Submit your bid through DhowCSD before the auction deadline (10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, August 12, 2026)
- Ensure your bid is placed within the stated auction timelines
- Make payment within the deadline provided after successful allocation (by 2:00 p.m. on Monday, August 17, 2026)
Once you complete these steps, DhowCSD allows investors to submit bids, receive auction results, and access payment details directly on the platform.
Enjoy Tax-Free Income
Infrastructure Bonds offer investors a reliable way to earn steady returns while benefiting from government-backed security. Key advantages include:
- Tax-free income on interest earnings
- Interest is paid periodically, typically every six months
- The principal amount is repaid upon maturity
As a result, investors earn predictable returns over time.
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Understanding Notifications on DhowCSD
Once you start using the platform, you will receive system notifications that guide your investment journey, including:
- Alerts on available bonds and Treasury Bills
- Confirmation after submitting bids
- Auction results and allocation updates
- Payment instructions and deadlines
- Portfolio and investment updates
These notifications help you track every stage of your investment process and stay informed.
Why DhowCSD Matters
DhowCSD has transformed how Kenyans invest in government securities by making the process fully digital.
As a result, investors can open accounts, bid, pay, and monitor investments remotely without visiting CBK offices.
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Central Bank of Kenya headquarters in Nairobi PHOTO/CBK
