Safaricom Introduces Ziidi Trader to Bring Stock Trading to M-PESA Users

Safaricom has launched Ziidi Trader, a new service that allows M-PESA users to buy and sell shares listed on the Nairobi Securities Exchange (NSE) directly from their mobile phones. The launch, which took place on Tuesday, February 10, 2026, at the NSE floor in Nairobi, is aimed at making stock trading more accessible to everyday Kenyans.

In a statement on X, Safaricom said:
“Today marks a new era for M-PESA users. #ZiidiTrader is now live, giving everyone the ability to trade NSE shares directly within M-PESA without the usual hurdles that have kept many people away from the stock market.”

How Ziidi Trader Works

M-PESA users can access Ziidi Trader by opening the M-PESA app, navigating to the Financial Services section, and selecting the platform. Signing up is simple – it requires just one step. There is no need for extra paperwork, a separate brokerage account, or uploading ID documents.

The platform uses the existing M-PESA KYC details and the user’s mobile money PIN to authorize trades. This makes the process quick and familiar for millions of Kenyans who rely on M-PESA daily.

Partnerships and Support

Safaricom has partnered with Kestrel Capital, which will act as the sole broker for all trades. The launch event was attended by President William Ruto, highlighting the importance of expanding retail investment in Kenya. Ziidi Trader is designed to attract more individual investors to the NSE, which has traditionally been viewed as complex and mainly for wealthy investors.

Simple and Fast Trading

With Ziidi Trader, users can:

Create watchlists to track stocks
Monitor share prices in real time
Buy and sell shares directly from their M-PESA wallet

Safaricom Introduces Ziidi Trader to Bring Stock Trading to M-PESA Users

Funds are settled quickly since transactions happen directly through M-PESA. Ziidi Trader builds on Safaricom’s previous Ziidi products, such as the Ziidi Money Market Fund launched in 2025, which lets users invest small amounts and earn daily interest.

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Pilot and Future Impact

The service was tested in a pilot phase late last year to ensure smooth operations before full rollout. Kenya currently has over 34 million active M-PESA accounts, used for sending money, paying bills, and saving. Ziidi Trader now opens the door for these users to enter the stock market without the usual complicated procedures.

Experts say that wider participation could strengthen the NSE and bring new capital into the market. Retail investors will find it easier to own shares in Kenyan companies, promoting economic inclusion. However, some brokers have expressed concerns about being excluded due to Safaricom’s choice of a single partner, and others caution that easy access might lead some users to invest without fully understanding the risks.