President William Ruto has reiterated the government’s commitment to strengthening Kenya’s capital markets, saying digital trading platforms are expanding access to investment opportunities and empowering millions of Kenyans to participate in wealth creation.
The President made the remarks during the launch of Safaricom’s Ziidi Trader at the Nairobi Securities Exchange (NSE), a new platform that allows users to buy and sell NSE-listed shares directly through the M-Pesa mobile money platform.
Ziidi Trader opens capital markets to ordinary Kenyans
President Ruto commended Safaricom and key capital markets stakeholders for leveraging technology to make share trading accessible to more citizens.
“We commend the capital markets and Safaricom for making it possible for Kenyans to buy shares from the comfort of their homes and phones, expanding access for millions of citizens,” Ruto said.
Ziidi Trader removes long-standing barriers to entry into the stock market, including complex procedures and the need for physical brokerage services. By integrating trading into M-Pesa, the platform is expected to attract first-time investors, youth, and retail traders across the country.
Democratising ownership through technology
According to the President, digital innovations in the financial sector are reshaping how Kenyans access and own public assets.
“These innovations are democratising public assets and revolutionising ownership, allowing ordinary Kenyans to participate confidently in wealth creation through the capital markets,” he said.
Kenya’s capital markets have traditionally been dominated by institutional investors. The introduction of mobile-based trading solutions signals a shift towards inclusive finance and broader public participation.
KSh5 Trillion Transformation Plan
President Ruto noted that strong and efficient capital markets are central to financing the government’s KSh5 trillion national transformation plan, which targets infrastructure development, economic growth, and job creation.
“As Government, we will continue reforming and strengthening our capital markets as a central pillar for mobilising capital to deliver our KSh5 trillion national transformation plan,” he stated.
Funds raised through the capital markets will be channelled through the National Infrastructure Fund and the Sovereign Wealth Fund, mechanisms designed to attract private sector investment while safeguarding national interests.
Protecting inter-generational equity
The President emphasized that the funds will support long-term development while protecting future generations.
“These resources will crowd in private investment, finance national priorities, and protect inter-generational equity,” Ruto said.
Financial analysts say the integration of mobile money with capital markets could boost market liquidity at the NSE and deepen Kenya’s investment culture.
Boost for Retail Investors and the NSE
With over 30 million M-Pesa users nationwide, Ziidi Trader is expected to significantly increase retail investor participation at the NSE. The platform positions Kenya as a regional leader in digital finance and inclusive investment solutions.
As technology continues to reshape financial services, the collaboration between government, regulators, and private firms such as Safaricom signals a new era for Kenya’s capital markets.
