Ziidi Trader Launches on M-PESA, Opening NSE Share Trading to Millions of Kenyans
Investors can now buy and sell shares on the Nairobi Securities Exchange (NSE) directly through their M-PESA wallets following the launch of Ziidi Trader, a new mobile-based trading platform unveiled by Safaricom in partnership with the NSE.
The platform allows users to access the stock market seamlessly from the M-PESA app, marking a major milestone in expanding participation in Kenya’s capital markets by leveraging the scale and convenience of mobile money.
Ziidi Trader operates under the oversight of the Capital Markets Authority (CMA), ensuring investor protection, transparency and market integrity, while promoting informed long-term investing through clear disclosures and investor education.
Safaricom is working with Kestrel Capital to process trades executed through the platform. Under the Ziidi structure, investors will not need individual Central Depository System (CDS) accounts, as M-PESA pools funds from multiple investors into a single account managed by Kestrel an approach expected to speed up transactions and lower trading costs.
Speaking during the launch at the NSE, President William Ruto described the initiative as transformative, saying it will democratise access to wealth creation by enabling more Kenyans to participate in the stock market.
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“This platform represents a decisive turning point in how citizens engage with the stock exchange. It opens the doors of market participation wider than ever before, dismantling long-standing barriers that have locked out many willing investors and bringing opportunity closer to all citizens,” said President Ruto.
He added that integrating trading into M-PESA would give millions of Kenyans particularly youth and women simple, affordable and convenient access to shares, bonds and other listed investment products.
The rollout marks the latest phase in the evolution of Safaricom’s Ziidi Investment Platform. The company previously introduced Ziidi Money Market Fund (MMF) to encourage disciplined saving and investing, followed by Ziidi Shariah, which offers Shariah-compliant investment options.
“Ziidi Trader is a powerful step in democratizing wealth for our customers,” said Safaricom PLC CEO Peter Ndegwa. “For 18 years, M-PESA has transformed how Kenyans live, work and do business. Today, in partnership with the NSE, we are extending that impact to how our customers build and grow their wealth.”
By integrating NSE trading into the M-PESA ecosystem, the platform allows customers to buy and sell shares, monitor portfolios and access market insights within a single digital interface.
NSE Chief Executive Officer Frank Mwiti said the collaboration is helping bring the stock market closer to everyday Kenyans, including those in the diaspora.
“By making NSE trading available through M-PESA, we are making it easier for more people to invest and play an active role in Kenya’s economic growth,” Mwiti said.
In addition to equities, Ziidi Trader enables customers to invest in corporate bonds, offering an accessible way to diversify portfolios and explore opportunities within Kenya’s financial markets.
M-PESA users can access the service under the Financial Services tab of the app and begin investing after accepting the terms and conditions, with the option to start from as little as one share.
The platform aligns with Safaricom’s broader digitalisation agenda while supporting the NSE’s efforts to modernise market access, expand financial literacy and build nationwide investment confidence.
Now live on the M-PESA app, Ziidi Trader provides millions of Kenyans with a modern, secure and fully digital gateway to participate in the country’s economic growth.
