Ziidi Trader is a mini-application integrated into the M-PESA platform, launched by Safaricom on February 10, 2026, in partnership with the Nairobi Securities Exchange (NSE) and Kestrel Capital as the executing broker.
The service enables eligible M-PESA customers to buy and sell NSE-listed shares directly from their mobile phones without requiring an individual Central Depository and Settlement Corporation (CDSC) account or separate brokerage registration.
This FAQ compiles essential information based on official Safaricom disclosures as of February 11, 2026.
It addresses common questions regarding eligibility, onboarding, trading mechanics, fees, risks, and support.
For the most accurate and up-to-date details, consult the Ziidi Trader section within the M-PESA app or contact Safaricom Customer Care.
General Questions
What is Ziidi Trader?
Ziidi Trader is a service accessible through the M-PESA app that allows users to buy and sell shares listed on the Nairobi Securities Exchange using M-PESA funds. It operates as a mini-app under the Financial Services section and simplifies access to capital markets by eliminating traditional barriers such as individual CDSC accounts.
Who can use Ziidi Trader?
The service is available to M-PESA registered customers who are 18 years of age or older, have a fully verified (KYC-compliant) M-PESA account, and complete the onboarding process, including risk acknowledgement. It is restricted to Kenyan residents with active M-PESA accounts.
Do I need a CDSC account?
No. Ziidi Trader utilises an omnibus CDSC account managed by Kestrel Capital. Individual shareholdings are tracked internally within the M-PESA ecosystem, ensuring accurate attribution of ownership for dividends, corporate actions, and other entitlements.
Onboarding and Access
How do I start using Ziidi Trader?
- Open the M-PESA app and log in with your M-PESA PIN.
- Navigate to the Financial Services section (or search for “Ziidi Trader”).
- Select Ziidi Trader and accept the terms, conditions, and risk disclosures.
- Confirm identity and source of funds using existing M-PESA KYC data.
- Authorise activation with your M-PESA PIN.
No additional documents or external registration are required.
Is there a minimum investment amount?
Trading is possible from as little as one share, subject to market availability and liquidity. No fixed minimum investment is imposed by the platform.
READ ALSO:Ziidi Trader Fees Explained: Full Cost Breakdown, Charges & Hidden Costs (2026 Guide)
Trading Process
How do I buy or sell shares?
- Access the Trade section to search or browse NSE-listed securities.
- Select a counter and view live prices and details.
- Enter quantity and order type (market or limit).
- Review the summary (including fees).
- Confirm with your M-PESA PIN.
Proceeds from sales and dividends are credited directly to your M-PESA wallet.
What features are available?
The platform includes live market prices, portfolio tracking, watchlists, price alerts, top movers, corporate actions visibility, and counter-level performance analytics.
What is the transaction limit?
Daily limits align with standard M-PESA thresholds (up to KES 500,000 per day).
Fees and Costs
What are the brokerage fees?
Brokerage commission is approximately 1.5% per trade (applied to both buy and sell transactions), below typical retail rates of 1.8%–2.1%.
Are there other charges?
Standard statutory levies apply (CMA levy ~0.12%, NSE fee ~0.12%–0.15%, CDSC fee ~0.08%–0.10%, and stamp duty of 0.1% on purchases). No charges apply for wallet funding, withdrawals, custody, or account maintenance.
Are there hidden costs?
No platform-specific hidden fees exist. Potential indirect costs include bid-ask spreads on less liquid counters and capital gains tax (10% on profits) or dividend withholding tax as per Kenyan law.
Risks and Important Considerations
Can I lose money?
Yes. Share prices fluctuate, and investments carry the risk of loss. Ziidi Trader operates under Capital Markets Authority oversight to ensure transparency and investor protection, but market risks remain. Only invest funds you can afford to lose.
What happens to my shares if something goes wrong?
Shares are held in a regulated omnibus account. Individual ownership is tracked, and the platform adheres to CMA regulations for client asset protection.
Is my data secure?
Transactions use your existing M-PESA security (PIN authorisation). The service complies with data protection and financial regulations.
Support and Limitations
How do I get help?
Contact Safaricom Customer Care (*100 for prepaid, *200 for postpaid), visit a Safaricom shop, or use in-app support options.
What are the limitations?
- Trading is limited to NSE-listed shares.
- The platform is currently available only in Kenya for M-PESA users.
- Features may evolve; check the app for updates.
Future Outlook
Ziidi Trader represents a significant advancement in democratising access to Kenya’s capital markets by integrating NSE trading into the M-PESA ecosystem.
It removes traditional barriers while maintaining regulatory compliance and investor protections.
Before commencing trading, review the full terms, risk disclosures, and current market conditions within the M-PESA app.
For personalised guidance or clarification on any aspect, reach out to Safaricom Customer Care or refer to the official Ziidi Trader FAQs on the Safaricom website.
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.
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