60 @ 60: Development of the Nairobi Securities Exchange
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Date
2014
Authors
Waweru, Freshia
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Publisher
Strathmore University
Abstract
The Nairobi Securities Exchange (NSE) was established in 1954 and recently celebrated its 60th anniversary. However, the number of listed companies over this period have been minimal – currently, there are 63 listed companies but four has been suspended from trading. This study therefore sought to investigate the specific factors influencing company listings at the NSE. The study sought to establish: first, the factors that influences listing decision among the listed companies; and secondly; to establish why some companies, which have met the listing requirements threshold have not opted to publicly list despite the numerous efforts by the exchange. For the first objective, a regression analysis was carried out to determine which factors influences listing decision. The factors analyzed included; stock market liquidity, stock market volatility, the legal and regulatory framework, and political environment. The industry, market automation and taxation were used as control variables. The model was significant at 5% lever with an adjusted R squared of 68.8%. Political environment was the most significant variable followed by stock market liquidity and then stock market variability. The industry into which a company belongs to as well as the market automation were found to be insignificant at 5% significant levels. The second objective used questionnaires to establish why the non listed companies which have met the listing requirements were not yet listed. Most non-listed considered the legal and regulatory framework as too stringent and hence the leading hindrances to listing. The companies also considered the listing and maintenance costs as too high. In addition, most companies did not want the public scrutiny that accompanies a listed company. Other companies were family owned and wanted the status quo while others did not want dilution of ownership. Most of the non listed companies considered access to wide capital base as the leading reason why they could consider listing.
To increase the number of listings therefore, the NSE as well as the Capital Markets Authority (CMA) should ensure that the market is liquid. This would ensure that the companies are able to access capital easily. The ongoing efforts to widen the number of products available should continue to attract more investors. Also, the rules and regulations should be reviewed to make sure they are not too stringent. There is need to review the listing costs which were considered as too high. The NSE should constantly communicate with the prospective companies the measures they are taking to encourage listings. The government should also ensure a stable political environment.
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