President William Ruto has welcomed the launch of Safaricom’s new Ziidi Trader platform, describing it as a major step toward making investment in the stock market easier and more accessible to ordinary Kenyans.
Speaking at the Nairobi Securities Exchange (NSE) during the official launch, President Ruto said the new service will allow millions of Kenyans to buy and sell shares directly through their mobile phones using the M-Pesa platform. He said this move removes long-standing barriers that have kept many low-income earners out of the capital markets.
Expanding Access to Wealth Creation
The President noted that the initiative supports the government’s Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda, which focuses on creating opportunities for people at the bottom of the economic pyramid.
“It opens the doors of market participation wider than ever before, dismantling long-standing barriers that have locked out many willing investors and bringing opportunity closer to all citizens,” he said.
Ziidi Trader allows Kenyans to trade shares listed on the NSE without the need for complex procedures or large amounts of starting capital. In the past, many citizens were excluded due to high minimum investment requirements and limited access to trading platforms.
President Ruto highlighted that the government recently removed the minimum KSh50,000 requirement to invest in the capital markets. He said this reform has already contributed to strong growth at the NSE.
Strong Performance at the NSE
According to the President, the NSE has recorded one of its best performances in more than a decade. Market capitalisation grew by about 48 per cent, rising from KSh1.968 trillion to nearly KSh3 trillion in the past year.
He expressed confidence that the number of Kenyans participating in the capital markets will increase from the current 200,000 to millions in the near future.
“We remain committed to building markets that are deep, efficient and accessible, capable of financing innovation, empowering enterprise and advancing national priorities,” he said.
Supporting National Development
President Ruto explained that the government plans to use capital markets to help finance the KSh5 trillion national transformation plan without increasing taxes or taking on unsustainable debt.
He said funds raised through the National Infrastructure Fund and the Sovereign Wealth Fund will attract private investment, support key national projects, and protect future generations.
The President also encouraged Kenyans to participate in the upcoming Kenya Pipeline Company Initial Public Offering (IPO), promising that ordinary citizens will be given first priority.
“This is an opportunity for Kenyans to own a high-value asset built over many years,” he said.
Role of Stakeholders
National Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi said the Treasury is committed to strengthening the capital markets through supportive policies and incentives. He added that a more inclusive capital market will ensure more citizens benefit from economic growth.
“When people say the economy is growing but the benefits are in the hands of a few, it is because the capital market is not inclusive enough,” he said.
NSE Chairperson Kiprono Kittony said digital innovation is helping open investment opportunities to more Kenyans. Safaricom Chief Finance Officer Dilip Pal added that Ziidi Trader allows anyone with a mobile phone to participate in wealth creation.
“We invite all Kenyans to move from being observers to active participants in our capital markets,” he said.
A New Era for Investors
The launch of Ziidi Trader marks a new chapter in Kenya’s financial sector, as technology is used to remove trading barriers and promote financial inclusion. Leaders say the move will empower citizens, boost investor confidence, and strengthen the country’s economic growth.
With mobile-based trading now available, millions of Kenyans may soon find it easier to invest, save, and build wealth through the stock market.
