Tue Sep 24 04:04:19 UTC 2024: ## Kenyan Eurobond Yields Dip Amid Global Rate Cuts

**Nairobi, Kenya** – Yields on Kenyan Eurobonds have declined in recent weeks, mirroring a global trend of falling interest rates. This dip comes as the US Federal Reserve, for the first time in four years, lowered interest rates, impacting the returns earned from sovereign debt instruments worldwide.

All six of Kenya’s listed Eurobonds saw their yields drop by between 0.38 and 0.79 percent last week. The 10-year Eurobond, maturing in 2028, experienced the most significant decline, falling to 9.218 percent from 10.013 percent. Only the 30-year Eurobond, maturing in 2048, remains in double-digit territory.

Analysts attribute the downtrend to the attractiveness of emerging market papers due to rate differentials, as interest rates in developed economies decrease. This increased attractiveness leads to higher prices and consequently lower yields.

Despite this recent trend, Kenya’s Eurobonds have remained relatively stable throughout 2024, following a successful partial buyback of the debut Eurobond in February. This action allayed investor concerns regarding the possibility of a sovereign default.

While Kenya has focused on concessional sources of funding from institutions like the World Bank and IMF, the National Treasury remains prepared to leverage the international capital markets for liability management operations. This was demonstrated by the successful redemption of a maturing Eurobond in February, after a near three-year hiatus caused by high interest rates.

Looking forward, analysts anticipate that Kenyan Eurobond yields will remain stable in the single-digit territory over the medium term. This positive outlook is based on the recent success of accessing international markets and the continued focus on concessional funding sources.

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