Ruto Hails Ziidi Trader as Game-Changer in Expanding Share Ownership
News Updated: 10 February 2026 20:04 EAT
President William Samoei Ruto and other government leaders presided over the Launch of Safaricom Ziidi Trader, Nairobi Securities Exchange in Westlands Nairobi
President William Ruto on Tuesday presided over the launch of Safaricom’s Ziidi Trader at the Nairobi Securities Exchange (NSE) in Westlands, describing the platform as a major breakthrough in expanding access to Kenya’s capital markets.
Ziidi Trader allows Kenyans to buy and sell shares listed on the NSE directly through the M-Pesa mobile money platform, eliminating the need for complex registration processes traditionally associated with stock market participation.
The President said the initiative removes long-standing barriers that have locked out millions of Kenyans from equity markets, noting that technology is now making investment opportunities accessible to ordinary citizens.
Ruto described the platform as a turning point in democratising ownership of public assets, saying it will enable more Kenyans to participate confidently in wealth creation through regulated capital markets.
“We are removing barriers so that every Kenyan, regardless of income or location, can participate in the stock exchange and benefit from the growth of our economy,” the President said.
He urged ordinary citizens, including mama mbogas, boda boda riders and young people, to take advantage of the new platform to invest and grow wealth legally and sustainably.
In remarks that drew attention, Ruto cautioned Kenyans against illegal economic activities, saying: “Do not confuse stock theft with the stock exchange. While some are engaged in theft, others are trading shares, investing and creating wealth.”
The President said expanding participation in the capital markets is central to building an inclusive economy where growth benefits are widely shared.
Government officials at the event commended Safaricom and capital markets institutions for leveraging M-Pesa’s wide reach to bring the stock market closer to the people.
Ruto reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to reforming and strengthening capital markets as a key pillar in mobilising domestic capital to support development.
He linked the initiative to the Government’s KSh5 trillion national transformation plan, which seeks to finance infrastructure, industrial growth and job creation through sustainable funding models.
According to the President, resources mobilised through the capital markets will be channelled via the National Infrastructure Fund and the Sovereign Wealth Fund to support national priorities.
He said these funds will help crowd in private investment, reduce reliance on external borrowing and ensure long-term financing of development programmes.
Ruto also noted that the Sovereign Wealth Fund will play a critical role in protecting inter-generational equity, ensuring today’s investments benefit future generations.
The launch of Ziidi Trader is expected to deepen retail investor participation at the NSE and mark a new era of mobile-based investing, positioning technology as a key driver of inclusive economic growth in Kenya.
Tags: President William Ruto Signs Media Kenya Limited Signsmedia Signstvkenya Safaricom Safaricom Plc Nairobi County Westlands
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FELIX MAKONA
FACT FINDER AND DATA DRIVEN JOURNALIST. DATA MINING AT IT'S BEST. GET FACTS RANGING FROM MATTERS DISABILITY AND INCLUSION, POLITICS, ECONOMY, SPORTS AND GENERAL NEWS AROUND THE WORLD