Centum Investment Company PLC has announced the successful completion of the sale of its entire equity stake in Bakki Holdco Limited, a licensed bank non-operating holding company, effectively marking its exit from Sidian Bank Limited.
In a notice dated March 12, 2026, signed by Group Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director James Mworia and directed to shareholders and the investing public, the company confirmed that the transaction had been finalized.
“Centum Investment Company PLC (“Centum”) hereby notifies its shareholders and the investing public of the successful completion of the sale of its entire equity stake in Bakki Holdco Limited (Bakki”), a licensed non-operating holding company that served as the holding vehicle for Centum’s interest in Sidian Bank Limited,” read the notice in part.
Centum Completes Sale of Stake Linked to Sidian Bank
Centum held 50% of the issued shares of Bakki, which in turn owned 27.2% of Sidian Bank Limited.
In May 2024, Centum sold 50% of Bakki Holdco to Kenbe Investments, the vehicle of former Ugandan attorney-general William Byaruhanga, for Ksh 1.032 billion.
The first exit attempt came in June 2022, when Centum signed a binding agreement to sell its full 83.43% stake to Nigeria’s Access Bank for Ksh 4.3 billion, against a total entry cost of approximately Ksh 4.7 billion.
However, the Access deal collapsed in January 2023 after the conditions precedent expired without agreement.
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According to Centum, the sale transaction was successfully concluded following the receipt of the necessary approvals from the Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) and the Competition Authority of Kenya (CAK).
All other customary conditions precedent were also fulfilled before the completion of the deal.
Consequently, and upon finalization of post-completion filings, Bakki Holdco Limited will cease to be a subsidiary of Centum.
This means Centum will no longer have ownership control over the holding company that previously held its stake in Sidian Bank Limited.
“This divestment marks the conclusion of Centum’s exit from Sidian Bank Limited,” the notice read further.
Also Read: Centum Sells Shares at Sidian, Retains 44.52% Stake
The investment firm further noted that the exit represents an important milestone in Centum’s portfolio management strategy.
It added that the move is aimed at strengthening the Group’s liquidity position and reallocating capital toward new growth investment opportunities.
Mworia stated that the financial effects of the transaction will be reflected in Centum Investment Company PLC’s next financial reporting cycle for the year ending 31 March 2026.
He emphasized that the company expects the sale to result in a modest financial gain relative to the previously reported carrying value of Bakki Holdco Limited in Centum’s books.
About Centum
Centum Investment Company is a publicly listed investment holding company headquartered in Nairobi, Kenya, established in 1967.
It is one of East Africa’s largest and most diversified investment firms, cross-listed on both the Nairobi and Uganda Securities Exchanges.
Centum provides access to private equity, real estate, and marketable securities across the region.
