Dividend Not Received? How to Check and Claim It in Kenya (2026)
If your dividend not received message is on your mind, don’t panic. Most delays come from a few causes you can check yourself.
This guide walks you through a simple checklist and explains what to do if the money has gone unclaimed.
Quick answer
- Confirm you owned the shares on the record date.
- Check that your CDS account has your correct bank and phone details.
- Contact the company’s share registrar.
- After about three years, unclaimed dividends can move to UFAA, which you can search online.
Step 1: Did You Qualify?
You must hold the shares on the record (book closure) date. Check the last day to buy, called the last cum-date. See our guide to NSE book closure dates and what happens if you missed the dividend.
Step 2: Is It Payment Day Yet?
Dividends are paid on a date after book closure. Check the company’s announcement or our dividend calendar. If the date hasn’t passed, there’s nothing to chase.
Step 3: Check Your CDS and Bank Details
Wrong or outdated details are a common cause. If your shares are held in a CDS account, update your details through your stockbroker.
Check:
- Your bank account number and name
- Your phone number
- Your KRA PIN
Step 4: Contact the Registrar
Every listed company has a share registrar. Find it on the company’s investor page. Ask for:
- Confirmation that a dividend was paid on your holding
- The payment date and method
- Which account it was sent to
Common Reasons a Dividend Doesn’t Arrive
| Reason | What to do |
|---|---|
| Wrong bank details | Update through your stockbroker or registrar |
| Closed or dormant account | Provide a new account |
| You bought after the record date | You don’t qualify for that dividend |
| Name mismatch | Fix the details with your registrar |
| Payment not yet made | Wait for the payment date |
Step 5: Search for Unclaimed Dividends
The Unclaimed Financial Assets Authority (UFAA) was created under the Unclaimed Financial Assets Act of 2011 to receive and safeguard unclaimed financial assets and reunite them with owners.
Shares and dividends are generally treated as unclaimed after three years with no claim and no contact with the company. Before that, the registrar still holds your recent dividend.
You can search on the UFAA website or by dialling *361#, according to published guides.
How to Claim From UFAA
Claims typically need completed claim and indemnity forms, plus a letter from the holder confirming that the assets were remitted to UFAA. You also need a certified copy of your ID or passport.
The forms depend on whether you claim as an owner, a beneficiary or an agent. Check UFAA’s current requirements.
If the Shareholder Has Died
You’ll deal with the stockbroker for share transfers and with the registrar and CDS for unpaid dividends. Bring the documents they ask for.
Beware of “Dividend Recovery” Agents
Don’t pay anyone to “unlock” your dividend. Use the registrar and UFAA directly. See our fake government offers guide.
Tax on Dividends
Dividends are paid after withholding tax. For most resident individuals that’s 5%. Read our withholding tax guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why haven’t I received my dividend?
You may not have qualified, the payment date may not have passed, or your details may be wrong.
How long does a dividend take to arrive?
It depends on the company’s stated payment date.
How do I check unclaimed dividends in Kenya?
Search on the UFAA website or via *361#.
When do dividends become unclaimed?
After about three years with no claim and no contact.
Can I claim after many years?
Claims can be made after assets move to UFAA.
Processes change. Confirm requirements with your registrar and UFAA. This article is for information only.
