Capital Markets Authority of Kenya facts for kids
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| Agency overview | |
|---|---|
| Formed | March 7, 1990 |
| Type | Government agency |
| Jurisdiction | Republic of Kenya |
| Motto | Promoting the Integrity and the Growth of the Capital Markets |
| Agency executives |
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| Parent department | Ministry of the National Treasury & Planning |
The Capital Markets Authority of Kenya (CMA) is a special government group in Kenya. It helps manage and watch over the country's financial markets. Think of it like a referee for how money is invested and traded.
The CMA makes sure that the capital markets work smoothly and fairly. These markets are where companies and the government can raise money. They do this by selling things like shares (parts of a company) or bonds (loans to the government or a company). The CMA also sets rules for how much money can be put into different types of investments.
Contents
What is the CMA?
The Capital Markets Authority (CMA) is a government body that oversees Kenya's financial markets. It makes sure that investing and trading are done in a fair and orderly way. The CMA also gives licenses to companies and people who work in these markets. This includes places like the stock exchange, where shares are bought and sold.
How the CMA Started
The Capital Markets Authority was officially started on March 7, 1990. It was created to help develop and regulate Kenya's capital markets. This means it helps these markets grow and makes sure they follow rules.
The CMA is a "body corporate." This means it can act like a person in legal matters. For example, it can:
- Sue or be sued in court.
- Buy, sell, or own property.
- Borrow and lend money.
- Make agreements and contracts.
- Do other things needed to perform its duties.
Why the CMA is Important
The main goals of the CMA are to:
- Help Markets Grow: Encourage the growth of capital markets. This helps businesses get money for long-term projects.
- Make Investing Easy: Help create a system where people all over Kenya can easily buy and sell shares.
- Keep Markets Fair: Make sure that buying and selling investments is done in an organized, fair, and efficient way.
- Protect Investors: Look out for the interests of people who invest their money.
- Offer Protection: Manage a special fund. This fund helps protect investors if a licensed broker or dealer cannot meet their promises.
- Use Technology: Help use online tools and technology to improve Kenya's capital markets.
Who is in the CMA?
The Authority is made up of several important people:
- A chairman, chosen by the President.
- Six other members, chosen by the Minister.
- The Permanent Secretary to the Treasury.
- The Governor of the Central Bank of Kenya.
- The Attorney-General.
- The Chief Executive Officer of the CMA.
CMA Board Members
As of August 2025, the people leading the CMA Board include:
- Mr. Ugas Mohamed - Chairman
- Mr. Wyckliffe Shamiah - Chief Executive Officer
- Hon. Prof. Njuguna Ndung’u, CBS, Cabinet Secretary, National Treasury and Planning
- Mr. Musa Kathanje - Alternate to the Cabinet Secretary, National Treasury and Planning
- Hon. Justin Muturi, EGH, Attorney General
- Ms. Christine Kanini - Alternate to the Attorney General
- Dr. Kamau Thugge - Governor, Central Bank of Kenya
- Mr. David Luusa - Alternate to the Governor, Central Bank of Kenya
- Prof. Michael Bowen
- Mr. Nicholas Ngarua
- Ms. Elena Natalia Pellegrini
- Ms. Natasha Awuor Aduwo
- Ms. Hellen Ombati - Company Secretary
See also
- Nairobi Stock Exchange
- List of financial regulatory authorities by jurisdiction
External links
- Capital Markets Authority
