CBK Kenya Application for Treasury Bills/Bond Form
In 2026, the Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) has fully modernized the way citizens and corporates invest in government securities. While the legacy manual Application for Treasury Bills/Bonds Form (often referred to as the “T-Bill/Bond Bid Form”) is still available for those who prefer physical documentation or have specific bank-mediated requirements, the shift toward the DhowCSD digital platform has made investing “paperless” for the majority of retail investors.
Below is the download link for CBK Kenya Application for Treasury Bills/Bond Form
CBK Kenya Application for Treasury Bills Bond Form
Above is the download link for CBK Kenya Application for Treasury Bills/Bond Form
Whether you are looking for short-term gains (91, 182, or 364-day T-Bills) or long-term wealth (2 to 30-year T-Bonds), this form is your formal bid to the government.
FAQ: Navigating CBK Bids in 2026
Q: Where can I get the official application form?
A: You can download the revised PDF below. Additionally, for mobile users, the DhowCSD App and the *USSD code 889# (Treasury Mobile Direct) have replaced the need for a physical form for many individual investors.
Q: What is the difference between “Competitive” and “Non-Competitive” bids?
A: * Non-Competitive: You agree to accept the weighted average rate determined at the auction. This is the most common choice for retail investors as it guarantees allocation. Minimum: Ksh 50,000.
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Competitive: You specify the exact interest rate (yield) you are willing to accept. You risk being “locked out” if your rate is higher than what the CBK is willing to pay. Minimum: Ksh 2,000,000.
Q: What is a “CDS Account” and do I need one?
A: Yes. A Central Depository System (CDS) account is a digital “locker” where your government securities are held. You can open one directly via the DhowCSD Portal or through your commercial bank.
Q: How do I fill out the form for a “Rollover”?
A: If you have a maturing T-Bill and want to reinvest the principal immediately into a new issue, you must tick the “Rollover Instructions Only” box and provide the maturing issue number. This prevents you from having to move cash back and forth between your bank and the CBK.
Q: What are the mandatory requirements for the 2026 application?
A: Even if using the manual form, your application will be rejected if it lacks:
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KRA PIN Certificate: (Mandatory for all residents).
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Verified Bank Settlement Details: The account where your interest (coupon) and principal will be paid.
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CDS Portfolio Number: Your unique investor ID.
Key Investment Limits for 2026
| Security Type | Min. Investment (Non-Comp) | Min. Investment (Comp) | Multiples Thereof |
| Treasury Bills | Ksh 50,000 | Ksh 2,000,000 | Ksh 50,000 |
| Treasury Bonds | Ksh 50,000 | Ksh 2,000,000 | Ksh 50,000 |
| Infrastructure Bonds | Ksh 100,000 | Ksh 2,000,000 | Ksh 50,000 |
Pro-Tip: The “Tax-Free” Advantage
If you are looking for the highest net return, look for Infrastructure Bonds (IFB) in the monthly bond prospectus. Unlike standard Treasury Bonds which attract a 15% withholding tax on interest, Infrastructure Bonds are tax-exempt in Kenya, making them the most sought-after paper in 2026.
Last updated on: March 18, 2026