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Safaricom has launched Ziidi Trader, a mini-app embedded within the M-PESA platform that permits users to buy and sell equities listed on the Nairobi Securities Exchange (NSE) directly from their mobile phones.

Officially introduced on February 10, 2026, at the NSE premises in Nairobi under the patronage of President William Ruto, the service represents a deliberate effort to enhance retail investor participation in Kenya’s capital markets.

Ziidi Trader eliminates the conventional requirement for an individual Central Depository System (CDS) account by utilising an omnibus structure managed by Kestrel Capital, the executing broker at launch.

This approach leverages existing M-PESA KYC credentials and the familiar M-PESA PIN for authorisation, thereby reducing onboarding friction and broadening access to a market historically dominated by foreign investors, who account for approximately 65% of activity.

Simplified Access and Onboarding Process

Ziidi Trader operates as a mini-app accessible via the M-PESA application or USSD interface, integrating seamlessly into the user’s existing mobile money ecosystem.

• Onboarding utilises pre-verified M-PESA KYC data, requiring no additional paperwork, separate broker registration, or ID uploads.
• Users authorise trades and other actions using their standard M-PESA PIN.
• The platform supports single-share trading, enabling participation with minimal capital outlays.

This design aligns with the simplified models previously implemented for bond investments and the Ziidi Money Market Fund, prioritising ease of use for everyday M-PESA customers.

The Omnibus CDS Account Structure

Kestrel Capital maintains a pooled omnibus CDS account through which all Ziidi Trader transactions are processed.

• Individual participants do not open personal CDS accounts; instead, their holdings are tracked internally within the M-PESA system.
• Funds from multiple users are aggregated under the omnibus framework, with Kestrel responsible for executing trades on the NSE and managing settlement.
• User positions, including beneficial ownership, are attributed accurately for purposes such as dividend distribution and corporate actions.

This structure removes traditional administrative barriers while ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements through a licensed intermediary.

Settlement, Fees, and Cost Structure

Standard NSE equity settlement typically follows a T+3 cycle. Under Ziidi Trader, user accounts receive credits once trades are matched, with Kestrel Capital overseeing the full settlement process.

• Brokerage fees are set at approximately 1.5% per trade, below the prevailing retail range of 1.8% to 2.1%.
• The pricing model anticipates higher transaction volumes to compensate for reduced per-trade margins.
• No additional charges apply for wallet funding or withdrawals related to the trading environment, further lowering entry costs.

These arrangements support controlled, accessible participation while aligning with M-PESA’s daily transaction limits (up to KES 500,000).

READ ALSO:How Safaricom Plans to Bring Stock Trading to M-PESA Users with Ziidi Trader

Integrated Features and Investor Experience

Ziidi Trader incorporates several value-added tools within the mini-app environment:

• Real-time market prices and live data feeds.
• Portfolio analytics, including performance tracking at counter level.
• Visibility into top movers and corporate actions.
• Dividend payments and sale proceeds are returned directly to the M-PESA wallet or optionally directed to affiliated products such as the Ziidi Money Market Fund.

These capabilities provide users with comprehensive market oversight and decision-support resources without requiring external applications.

Strategic Objectives and Market Implications

The primary objective of Ziidi Trader is to deepen domestic retail engagement in the NSE, where foreign participation has predominated.

By addressing longstanding barriers such as CDS account requirements, paperwork, and perceived complexity, the platform aims to convert a substantial portion of M-PESA’s more than 35 million active users into equity investors.

While Kestrel Capital serves as the sole broker during the initial phase, additional brokers are expected to be incorporated over time.

This phased approach raises considerations regarding competition, commission distribution, trade allocation, disclosure obligations, client protections, and governance within the omnibus framework.

Regulatory oversight by the Capital Markets Authority and NSE will remain essential as volumes scale.

Future Outlook

Ziidi Trader constitutes a transformative initiative by Safaricom to integrate equity trading into the M-PESA ecosystem, enabling share investment without the need for individual CDS accounts.

Through the omnibus structure managed by Kestrel Capital, competitive fee levels, zero wallet movement charges, and integrated analytics, the platform significantly lowers barriers to entry and supports broader financial inclusion.

Launched on February 10, 2026, with strong governmental endorsement, it positions Kenya’s capital markets for enhanced domestic participation.

Users are advised to access the service via the M-PESA app and review official Safaricom or NSE communications for the latest terms, conditions, and updates.

Brief overview of Ziidi Trader and related Ziidi products:

Ziidi Trader is a new stock-trading feature built into the M-PESA app that lets users buy and sell Nairobi Securities Exchange (NSE) shares directly from their phones, removing the need for a separate broker account and paperwork.

The feature has completed pilot stages and is now live inside the M-PESA app for Kenyan users.

The Ziidi Trader app is accessed through M-PESA rather than as a standalone installation, so you use the existing M-PESA interface to trade.

Many people wondered when Ziidi Trader will launch, with the full rollout coming in early 2026 following a successful pilot.

The product is part of Safaricom’s broader Ziidi ecosystem, which began with the Ziidi Money Market Fund, a regulated unit trust that lets users invest from as little as KES 100 using M-PESA.

Because it’s integrated into M-PESA, Ziidi Trader Safaricom works wherever M-PESA is active, including in Ziidi Trader Nairobi and across Kenya.

Early user discussions generally indicate Is Ziidi Trader working — yes, the feature is operational within the app, though some users note learning curves around how share ownership and broker structures work.

The Ziidi money market fund remains popular as a savings and investment option alongside the trading feature.

Ziidi’s integration with Ziidi MPESA makes investing and trading much easier for everyday users in Kenya, using the same mobile money wallet many people already rely on.

Ronnie Paul is a seasoned writer and analyst with a prolific portfolio of over 1,000 published articles, specialising in fintech, cryptocurrency, climate change, and digital finance at Africa Digest News.