Rights Issues - 2013

The season of Rights Issues [last seen in early to mid 2012] is back. With the pre-election political temperatures rising in late 2012 into 2013 and the subsequent economic uncertainty led to high(er) interest rates, a volatile KES and low share prices, the fundraising at the NSE was muted.

Now that the Kenyan General Election is over for most candidates, other matters started taking center stage including the (eagerly awaited) naming of Cabinet Appointees by President Uhuru Kenyatta and the Governors settling into their offices. As calm has settled in, the business of business takes precedence.

Uchumi Supermarkets is coming to the NSE for its 2nd Rights Issue but unlike the 1st Rights Issue, this one is likely to be more successful. Uchumi almost collapsed but Mr. Jonathan Ciano has done a good job in bringing it back from the (almost) dead with the help of shareholders, debenture holders & suppliers.

Rights Issue Date: 3Q 2013 (Estimated)
Size of Offering: KES 1.5bn
Price: 15.00
Quantity of Shares Offered: 100mn
Likelihood of Success: High

*Update: It seems Uchumi may go for a KES 2bn Rights Issue up from the KES 1.5bn after seeing the high demand for its shares.


National Bank of Kenya (NBK) that almost died [technically insolvent] was given a lifeline [subsidy] by GoK and white glove treatment by CBK moved along slowly over time to re-establish itself, and stop the bleeding, under Reuben Marambii, the erstwhile CEO. It has a new CEO, Munir Ahmed, who will try to grow NBK into a respectable player. For now, NBK is assured of government business thus allowing it to steal a march over its competitors. This is the first time that NBK has come into the market for a Rights Issue.

Rights Issue Date: 3Q 2013 (Estimated)
Size of Offering: KES 10bn
Price: TBA
Quantity of Shares Offered: TBA
Likelihood of Success: Moderate to High but depends on pricing

One can expect more Rights Issue, Listings and New Issues in 2013 leading into 2014.