Safaricom has rolled out Ziidi Trader, a new service that allows M-PESA users to buy and sell shares listed on the Nairobi Securities Exchange (NSE) directly through the M-PESA app, in a move aimed at widening access to Kenya’s capital markets.
The service was officially launched from the NSE floor in Nairobi on Tuesday, February 10, 2026, marking a significant milestone in Safaricom’s push to simplify investment for everyday Kenyans.
Announcing the launch on X, Safaricom said Ziidi Trader removes long-standing barriers that have kept many potential investors out of the stock market. “Today marks a shift in how everyday M-PESA users can access the stock market. Ziidi Trader is officially launching, bringing the ability to buy and sell NSE shares directly inside M-PESA, without the traditional barriers that have kept many people on the sidelines,” the company said.
To access the service, users open the M-PESA app, navigate to the Financial Services section, and select Ziidi Trader. Registration is completed through a single opt-in step, with no additional paperwork, no separate broker account, and no requirement to upload identification documents.
Ziidi Trader leverages existing M-PESA know-your-customer (KYC) details, with transactions authorised using the customer’s M-PESA PIN. Safaricom says this approach is designed to make share trading fast, secure, and familiar for millions of users who already rely on the mobile money platform for daily transactions.
Safaricom has partnered with Kestrel Capital, which will act as the sole broker facilitating all trades conducted through the platform. The launch event was attended by President William Ruto, underscoring the broader policy push to deepen financial inclusion and boost retail participation in capital markets.
Through Ziidi Trader, Safaricom aims to demystify stock trading and attract more retail investors to the NSE, which has traditionally been perceived as complex, costly, and largely accessible only to wealthier investors.
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