The Nairobi Securities Exchange (NSE) set for a massive retail explosion starting January 2026. Safaricom has officially moved its Ziidi Trader feature out of the pilot phase, allowing over 35 million M-Pesa users to buy and sell stocks directly from their mobile wallets.
For decades, the Nairobi Bourse was seen as a “private club” for wealthy institutional investors. However, with the integration of Ziidi Trader into the M-Pesa ecosystem, the barrier to entry has been permanently lowered, shifting the market toward “wealth redistribution through infrastructure.”
Key Features of Ziidi Trader
The new platform isn’t just a payment gateway; it is a full-scale trading terminal embedded within your phone.
- Real-Time Portfolio Tracking: Monitor your gains and losses as they happen.
- Instant Watchlists: Keep tabs on your favorite blue-chip stocks like Safaricom (SCOM), Equity Group (EQTY), and EABL.
- Market Alerts: Receive notifications on price fluctuations to help you time your entry or exit.
- Zero Paperwork: Eliminates the need for separate brokerage accounts and physical KYC forms.
The ‘Big Winners’ of the M-Pesa Integration
Market analysts predict that influx of retail capital will primarily benefit well-known brands that have high liquidity and “trust factor.”
| Company | Why They Win | | Safaricom | As the owner of the M-Pesa ecosystem, Safaricom gains from both trading fees and increased investor loyalty. | | Banking Giants (KCB/Equity) | New investors typically flock to familiar, dividend-paying banks as their first "safe" investment. | | The NSE | The exchange will see a surge in trading volumes, which currently sits at a low 4.3% retail participation. | Increased retail demand is expected to trigger capital gains across major listed firms. PHOTO/File/Kenya Times
Why This Matters for Your Wallet
The “Ziidi model” is built on the logic of Capital Gains. As millions of Kenyans gain the ability to buy even a single share, the increased demand for stocks is likely to drive up prices. This “democratization of the floor” means a boda boda rider in Kisumu can now invest with the same ease as a fund manager in Upper Hill.
How to Get Started in January 2026
* Open the M-Pesa Super App: Navigate to the “Financial Services” or “Grow” tab.
* Select Ziidi Trader: Follow the prompts to activate your trading profile (uses your existing M-Pesa KYC).
* Top Up & Trade: You can start with as little as KES 100, selecting your preferred company and hitting “Buy.”
