President William Ruto has backed Safaricom’s new securities investment platform to increase participation of retail investors on the Nairobi Securities Exchange as the government moves forward with privetization of key state-owned enterprises.
Speaking during the launch of Zidii Trader which has been developed in partnership with the Nairobi Securities Exchange (NSE) and integrated on the M-Pesa app, President Ruto said the platfrom will enable millions of Kenyans, especially our youth and women to invest in shares, bonds, and other products listed on the NSE conveniently, affordably and with ease.
“This platform represents a decisive turning point in how citizens engage with the stock exchange. 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,” said Ruto.
President Ruto further backed the ongoing government privetization agenda to develop a robust pipeline of enterprises that can benefit from private sector participation and public listing as well as deepen capital markets broaden citizen ownership of national assets, and accelerate economic growth.
“It is within this context that the ongoing privatisation of the Kenya Pipeline Company should be understood. It is a deliberate and carefully sequenced policy decision, guided by global best
practice and designed to build on reforms already underway,” he added.
According to President Ruto, due to deliberate efforts by the government, the NSE has recorded improved performance with market capitalization rising by 48pc to Ksh 3 trillion from Ksh 1.98 trillion.
Safaricom said Ziidi Trader simplifies the investment options, allowing customers to buy and sell shares, monitor their portfolios and access market insights seamlessly within the M-PESA App.
“Ziidi Trader is a powerful step in democratizing wealth for our customers. For eighteen years, M‑PESA has transformed how Kenyans live, work and do business. Today, in partnership with the NSE, we are extending that impact to how our customers build and grow their wealth. Our ambition is to be a trusted partner in powering digital lifestyles, making investing simple, convenient and accessible to everyone, everywhere,” noted Peter Ndegwa, Safaricom Plc Chief Executive Officer.
Additionally, Ziidi Trader lets customers invest in corporate bonds, providing an easy and secure way to expand their portfolios and explore new opportunities in Kenya’s financial markets.
“By making NSE trading available through M-PESA, we are making it easier for more people, both locally and abroad to invest and play an active role in Kenya’s economic growth,” added Frank Mwiti, NSE Chief Executive Officer.
