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Safaricom Launches Stock Trading on M-Pesa, Revolutionizing Kenyan Finance

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  Published in Stocks and Investing on Tuesday, February 10th 2026 at 15:04 GMT by Channel NewsAsia Singapore
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NAIROBI, Kenya - February 10th, 2026 - Safaricom, Kenya's leading telecommunications provider, has officially launched full-scale stock trading capabilities directly within its ubiquitous M-Pesa mobile money platform. What began as a limited pilot program in early 2026 has rapidly expanded, marking a pivotal moment in Kenya's - and potentially Africa's - financial landscape. The move is already exceeding expectations, dramatically increasing access to the Nairobi Securities Exchange (NSE) and reshaping the profile of the average Kenyan investor.

For years, participation in the Kenyan stock market has been largely confined to a relatively small segment of the population - those with access to traditional brokerage services and the financial literacy to navigate the complexities of investing. Safaricom's integration of stock trading into M-Pesa tears down these barriers, allowing millions of M-Pesa users, many of whom were previously excluded, to participate in wealth-building opportunities.

"We envisioned M-Pesa as more than just a platform for payments and transfers," stated Peter Ndegwa, CEO of Safaricom, in a press conference today. "We saw the potential to empower Kenyans financially, and enabling direct access to the stock market through their mobile phones is a significant step towards realizing that vision. The initial response has been phenomenal; we're seeing a surge in first-time investors."

The platform functions with a streamlined user interface within the existing M-Pesa app. Users can seamlessly link their M-Pesa accounts to a brokerage account (facilitated through partnerships with several established financial institutions), deposit funds, and buy or sell shares listed on the NSE with just a few taps on their phones. Safaricom has prioritized security, employing multi-factor authentication and robust encryption to protect users' investments. Furthermore, educational resources, including tutorials and market analysis, are integrated into the app to promote informed investment decisions.

Impact on the Nairobi Securities Exchange

The NSE, which has struggled with stagnant growth in recent years, is experiencing a renaissance. Trading volumes have increased by over 300% since the full rollout, and the number of registered retail investors has surged. This influx of new participants is injecting much-needed liquidity into the market and broadening its base.

"This is a game-changer for the NSE," explained Geoffrey Odundo, CEO of the Nairobi Securities Exchange. "Safaricom has effectively bypassed many of the traditional hurdles that prevented widespread participation in the stock market. We're seeing a democratization of finance that we could only dream of a few years ago. We are working closely with Safaricom to ensure the infrastructure can handle the increased demand and to maintain market stability."

Broader Implications for Financial Inclusion in Africa

Kenya's M-Pesa model is being closely watched across Africa. Mobile money platforms are rapidly gaining prominence as drivers of financial inclusion, particularly in countries with limited banking infrastructure. Safaricom's success with integrating stock trading could pave the way for similar initiatives across the continent. Several other mobile network operators in East and West Africa are reportedly exploring partnerships to replicate the model.

"What Safaricom has achieved in Kenya is a blueprint for financial empowerment," says Dr. Amina Mohammed, a financial analyst specializing in African markets. "The key is leveraging existing mobile infrastructure to reduce costs and complexity. This isn't just about stock trading; it's about building a more inclusive and resilient financial system for the future."

However, challenges remain. Ensuring financial literacy among new investors is crucial to prevent market manipulation and protect vulnerable individuals. Regulators are also working to adapt existing frameworks to accommodate this new era of mobile-based investing. The Central Bank of Kenya has formed a task force to monitor the impact of M-Pesa's stock trading platform and to develop appropriate safeguards. Safaricom itself is investing heavily in financial education programs to empower its users and promote responsible investing.

The integration of stock trading into M-Pesa is more than just a technological innovation; it's a social and economic transformation that is rewriting the rules of finance in Kenya and potentially across the African continent.