Kenya’s Housing Finance raises Sh3.5b in rights issue, targets expansion
BUSINESS
By Frankline Sunday
| Mar 27th 2015 | 2 min read
BUSINESS
NAIROBI: Housing Finance has raised Sh3.5 billion in a successful cash call which is part of the mortgage financier’s bid to raise funds for an ambitious expansion drive.
Housing Finance had priced the cash call at Sh30 per share, offering shareholders a total of 116.6 million new shares and one share for every two ordinary shares held.
The rights issue, however, surpassed expectations with shareholders posting up to Sh9 billion worth of applications, more than twice the value of the original cash call.
As a result, the company has stated that all shareholders will receive 100 per cent allocation on their initial allotment and 70 per cent on any additional application for additional shares.
“Housing Finance has an expansive business plan and the cash received from the rights issue will enable the firm to execute its ambitious five-year strategic plan,” stated Managing Director Frank Ireri.
READ MORE
Housing Finance further revealed that large shareholders like Equity Bank, British American Investments Ltd and National Social Security Fund (NSSF) applied for their rights in full.
LOAN BOOK
Recent financial reports from the mortgage lender indicated the company registered a profit growth of 6 per cent to record Sh719.78 million up from Sh676.17 million in a similar period in 2013.
The firm saw its loan book grow by 29 per cent to Sh43.27 billion, up from Sh33.47 billion recorded in 2013 on the back of stable base lending rates.
Customer deposits increased to Sh33.14 billion up from Sh25.92 billion in 2013 with interest income from loans and advances growing by 13 per cent to Sh4.14 billion, up from Sh3.66 billion during a similar period in 2013.
The firm is eyeing at least seven new branches this year including Kitengela, Westlands and Naivasha.
RELATED VIDEOS
Insurance brokers sue AG, KRA over 10pc excise tax
Insurance brokers have contested the introduction of 10 per cent levy on their brokerage commission. Eighteen insurance brokerage firms have moved to court under a certificate of urgency, suing Commissioner of Domestic Taxes and the Attorney General.China rejected Kenya's request for Sh32.8b debt moratorium
China is Kenya’s largest bilateral lender with an outstanding debt of Sh692 billion.MOST READ

- Why Kenya might not issue another Eurobond
BUSINESS
- EABL invests Sh5b in biomass plant
BUSINESS
- Ethical procurement practices key to fostering Kenya's growth
OPINION
By Chilion Ogol
- M-Pesa profile in Safaricom rises as voice revenue stutters
BUSINESS
- Kenya to import 540,000 tonnes of maize to avert looming shortage
BUSINESS