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Safaricom Launches Stock Trading on M-Pesa, Democratizing Investment in Kenya

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  Published in Stocks and Investing on Wednesday, February 11th 2026 at 4:02 GMT by KELO
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NAIROBI, Kenya - February 11th, 2026 - Safaricom, the telecommunications giant and mobile money innovator, has fundamentally altered the landscape of investment in Kenya, officially launching nationwide stock trading capabilities directly through its ubiquitous M-Pesa platform. What began as a pilot program in late 2025 has rapidly expanded, becoming a cornerstone of Kenya's financial inclusion strategy and drawing international attention to the potential of mobile-based investing.

For years, participation in the Nairobi Securities Exchange (NSE) remained largely inaccessible to the average Kenyan. Traditional brokerage models required navigating complex account opening procedures, significant minimum investment amounts, and a level of financial literacy often lacking within the broader population. These barriers effectively excluded a vast majority of Kenyans from participating in wealth-building opportunities offered by the stock market.

Safaricom, in partnership with Equiti Capital, has shattered these barriers. By integrating stock trading directly into M-Pesa - a platform already used by over 30 million Kenyans for daily transactions - the company has created a seamless and incredibly accessible gateway to the NSE. Users with an existing M-Pesa account (and the vast majority of Kenyans do) can now effortlessly buy and sell shares with a few taps on their phones. The minimum investment has been deliberately set low, initially at just KES 500 (approximately $4 USD), encouraging widespread participation.

"This isn't simply about adding another service to M-Pesa; it's about democratizing wealth creation," explained Peter Ndegwa, CEO of Safaricom, at a press conference earlier today. "We believe everyone deserves the opportunity to grow their financial future, and M-Pesa stock trading makes that a reality for millions of Kenyans who were previously excluded."

The initial uptake has been phenomenal. Within the first six months of the full rollout, M-Pesa trading accounts surpassed 5 million, representing a significant jump in overall NSE participation. The most actively traded stocks include Safaricom itself (naturally), Equity Group Holdings, and KCB Group, indicating strong interest in established blue-chip companies. However, analysts are also noting a growing trend of investment in smaller, growth-oriented companies listed on the NSE, suggesting increased investor sophistication.

While early reactions remain overwhelmingly positive, the launch hasn't been without its challenges. Regulatory bodies, including the Capital Markets Authority (CMA), have been working closely with Safaricom and Equiti Capital to monitor the service and ensure investor protection. Concerns initially centered around potential risks related to market volatility, particularly given the inexperience of many new investors. The CMA has implemented several safeguards, including mandatory financial literacy modules within the M-Pesa app and daily trading limits for new users.

"We've seen a significant increase in retail investor participation, which is fantastic," noted Paul Muthaura, CMA's Chief Executive. "However, we're committed to fostering a responsible investment environment. Our collaboration with Safaricom focuses on educating users about the risks involved and ensuring they make informed decisions."

The success of M-Pesa stock trading is already inspiring similar initiatives across Africa. Mobile network operators in Uganda, Tanzania, and Ghana are reportedly exploring partnerships with brokerage firms to replicate the model. Experts predict that mobile-based investing will become increasingly prevalent across the continent, driving financial inclusion and economic growth. Furthermore, the platform is seeing increased usage from the Kenyan diaspora, allowing them to easily invest in their home country's economy.

Looking ahead, Safaricom plans to expand the range of investment options available through M-Pesa, potentially including unit trusts, bonds, and even regional and international stock markets. The company is also investing heavily in artificial intelligence and machine learning to provide personalized investment advice and risk management tools to its users. The long-term vision is to transform M-Pesa into a comprehensive financial services hub, empowering Kenyans to take control of their financial futures.