List of Share Registrars in Kenya and What They Do
In Kenya’s growing capital market, share registrars play a crucial behind-the scenes role. While stockbrokers and investment banks are often in the spotlight, share registrars are the trusted custodians who ensure smooth ownership tracking, dividend payments, and accurate shareholder records.
Whether you’re an investor trying to claim dividends, a shareholder updating personal details, or a company preparing for a public listing, you’ll interact directly or indirectly with a share registrar.
In this expert-curated guide, we break down:
- What share registrars do
- Why they’re important
- A full list of licensed share registrars in Kenya
- Contact and location information
What is a Share Registrar?
A share registrar is a licensed entity responsible for managing a company’s shareholder records. Their duties include:
- Maintaining share registers
- Processing share transfers and transmissions
- Distributing dividends and bonus shares
- Handling corporate actions like rights issues and AGMs
- Verifying shareholder identities during voting or dividend claims
In Kenya, share registrars operate under the oversight of the Capital Markets Authority (CMA).
Verified List of Share Registrars in Kenya
Below is an updated list of licensed share registrars in Kenya:
1. Image Registrars Limited
- Location: 5th Floor, Barclays Plaza, Loita Street, Nairobi
- Phone: +254 20 2215152 / 2213470
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: www.imageregistrars.com
- Services: Share register maintenance, AGM support, dividend processing, e-voting
2. Custody & Registrar Services Limited (CRSL)
- Location: IKM Place, Tower A, 1st Floor, 5th Ngong Avenue, Nairobi
- Phone: +254 20 7608210
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: www.crsl.co.ke
- Services: Share registry, trustee services, employee share ownership plans (ESOPs)
3. CFAO Kenya Limited (Formerly DT Dobie Registrars)
- Location: Lusaka Road, Industrial Area, Nairobi
- Phone: +254 20 7603000
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: www.cfaogroup.com
- Specialization: In-house share registry for CFAO-listed subsidiaries
4. KCB Bank Kenya – Group Share Registrar Division
- Location: Kencom House, Moi Avenue, Nairobi
- Phone: +254 711 087000
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: www.kcbgroup.com
- Note: Manages KCB Group shareholder registry
5. Equity Bank Kenya – Share Registry Unit
- Location: Equity Centre, Upper Hill, Nairobi
- Phone: +254 763 000000
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: www.equitygroupholdings.com
- Note: Handles registry services for Equity Group shareholders
6. Co-operative Bank of Kenya – Shareholder Services Desk
- Location: Co-operative House, Haile Selassie Avenue, Nairobi
- Phone: +254 703 027000
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: www.co-opbank.co.ke
- Note: Internal registry for Co-op Bank listed shares
Why Share Registrars Matter to You
Whether you are a retail investor or a publicly listed company, share registrars ensure that shareholder data is properly maintained and processed. Their role is essential in:
- Ensuring timely dividend payments
- Supporting shareholder communications
- Facilitating fair and smooth Annual General Meetings (AGMs)
- Upholding transparency and trust in the capital markets
How to Contact a Share Registrar in Kenya
If you’re:
- Missing a dividend payout
- Need to update your contact or bank details
- Want to confirm share ownership
- Transferring inherited shares
Reach out directly to the share registrar managing your listed company’s records. Each listed firm appoints a dedicated registrar for shareholder services—this information is usually found in the company’s annual report or at the Nairobi Securities Exchange (NSE) website.
Tips for Dealing with Share Registrars
- Always use your CDS account number when making inquiries.
- Carry a copy of your ID and share certificate (if physical).
- For deceased shares, carry a copy of the Grant of Probate or Letter of Administration.
- Ask for an official transaction or verification letter for your records.
Final Thoughts
Share registrars are an essential link between listed companies and their investors in Kenya. As capital markets become more digitized and shareholder bases grow, the need for accurate, secure, and professional registry services is more important than ever.
Whether you’re investing for the first time or managing shares inherited from a loved one, knowing who the registrar is and how to reach them can save you time and protect your financial interests.
