Safaricom has launched Ziidi Trader, a service integrated into the M-PESA app that allows users to buy and sell stocks listed on the Nairobi Stock Exchange (NSE) directly from their mobile phone, without the need for a separate brokerage account.
Users can access Ziidi Trader through the Financial Services section of M-PESA. All transactions are executed by Kestrel Capital, Safaricom’s exclusive partner, and settled directly via M-PESA. The platform also allows users to track real-time stock prices and create personalized watchlists.
Ziidi Trader was tested in a pilot phase in late 2025 and builds on the Ziidi Money Market Fund launched in 2025. Kenya has over 34 million active M-PESA accounts, providing a large base of potential investors.
The service aims to broaden individual investors’ access to the NSE and facilitate financial inclusion by simplifying traditional trading procedures. However, some observers point out that the exclusive use of a single broker and the risk for novice investors remain issues to monitor.
