Africa Digest News

Ziidi Trader, launched by Safaricom on February 10, 2026, integrates share trading on the Nairobi Securities Exchange (NSE) directly into the M-PESA application.

The platform, executed through Kestrel Capital as the sole broker at launch, applies a streamlined fee structure designed to enhance accessibility for retail investors.

Brokerage fees are set at approximately 1.5% per trade, below the conventional retail range of 1.8% to 2.1% typically charged by traditional brokers.

This guide provides a comprehensive breakdown of known costs based on available information as of February 11, 2026.

The pricing model emphasises volume-driven economics, with no charges for wallet funding or withdrawals related to the trading environment. Official confirmation of all components should be obtained directly from the M-PESA app or Safaricom channels, as terms may be subject to updates.

Primary Brokerage Fee

The core charge is the brokerage commission:

• Rate: Approximately 1.5% per trade (applied to both buy and sell transactions).
• Application: This percentage is calculated on the gross trade value (total consideration before any other deductions).
• Comparison: The fee undercuts prevailing retail brokerage rates of 1.8%–2.1%, reflecting a deliberate strategy to encourage higher transaction volumes from M-PESA’s extensive user base.

The brokerage fee covers execution, processing, and settlement services provided by Kestrel Capital.

Additional Statutory and Exchange-Related Charges

Standard NSE trades incur mandatory levies and taxes, which are passed through to the investor:

• Capital Markets Authority (CMA) Levy: Typically 0.12% of trade value (split between buyer and seller).
• NSE Trading Fee: Approximately 0.12%–0.15% (varies by counter and transaction type).
• Central Depository and Settlement Corporation (CDSC) Fee: Around 0.08%–0.10% for settlement.
• Stamp Duty: 0.1% on share purchases (the seller pays on sales in some cases, but the structure may vary under the omnibus model).

In practice, the total all-in transaction cost (brokerage plus statutory charges) for small trades has been reported in the range of 1.5%–1.6%, as illustrated by examples showing a KES 4,500 trade incurring approximately KES 68.50 in total charges (roughly 1.52%).

Funding and Withdrawal Costs

Ziidi Trader eliminates several common friction points:

• No wallet funding charges — Transfers from your M-PESA wallet to the trading environment incur zero additional fees.
• No withdrawal charges — Proceeds from sales or dividends are returned directly to your M-PESA wallet without deduction for movement.
• No custody or account maintenance fees — There are no ongoing charges for holding shares or maintaining the trading position within the platform.

This structure significantly reduces the effective cost for frequent or small-value investors compared to traditional brokerage accounts.

READ ALSO:Best NSE Stocks to Buy on Ziidi Trader Today (Top Picks for Long-Term Investors – February 2026)

Potential Hidden or Indirect Costs

While Ziidi Trader avoids many conventional hidden fees, investors should remain aware of the following considerations:

• Spread and Market Impact — For less liquid counters, the execution price may include a bid-ask spread or slight slippage, particularly on larger orders relative to daily volume.
• Daily Transaction Limit — Aligned with M-PESA limits (KES 500,000 per day), this cap may require multiple transactions for larger trades, potentially incurring repeated brokerage fees.
• Opportunity Cost of Funds — Funds held in the trading environment earn no interest (unlike some money market options), though proceeds settle quickly upon trade matching.
• Tax Implications — Capital gains tax (10% on profits for residents) and withholding tax on dividends apply as per Kenyan tax law; these are not platform-specific charges but affect net returns.

No evidence indicates additional platform-specific hidden fees, such as inactivity charges, data access fees, or premium feature subscriptions.

Summary of Costs

• Brokerage Commission: ~1.5% per trade (buy and sell).
• Statutory/Exchange Levies: ~0.3%–0.5% combined (CMA, NSE, CDSC, stamp duty).
• Total All-In Cost: Approximately 1.8%–2.0% round trip (buy + sell), with examples showing ~1.52% for small trades.
• Funding/Withdrawal: Zero charges.
• Account Maintenance/ Custody: None.

Looking Ahead

Ziidi Trader’s fee structure prioritises affordability and simplicity, with a competitive 1.5% brokerage rate and the elimination of wallet movement charges distinguishing it from traditional retail brokerage models.

The platform’s design supports micro-investing and high-frequency participation while passing through standard NSE levies.

As of February 11, 2026, this approach has contributed to rapid adoption, with significant trade volumes reported shortly after launch.

For the precise fee applicable to any transaction, review the trade confirmation screen within the M-PESA app prior to authorisation, as it displays the full breakdown.

Consult Safaricom’s official resources, the M-PESA help section, or Kestrel Capital disclosures for the most current and personalised information. Always consider your risk tolerance and conduct due diligence before investing.

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.