From August 8, 2025, Kenyans will have easier access to shares at the National Securities Exchange (NSE) and be able to buy just one share of blue-chip stocks, following changes to NSE Equity Trading Rules.
Through a statement released on Tuesday, July 29, NSE revealed that the changes would allow interested investors to buy and sell in single units, a shift away from the past minimum 100-share requirement to invest.
“We are delighted to inform all investors and the public that, effective August 8, 2025, shares will be traded on the NSE in multiples of one (1) unit,” NSE stated.
“This significant change follows the approval of amendments to the NSE Equity Trading Rules, allowing the buying and selling of shares in single units,” it further added.
As per NSE, the move was part of its broader initiative to improve access to investment opportunities at the NSE.
Further, NSE posited that by enabling single-unit trading, the NSE will provide greater flexibility for investors, reduce entry barriers, and encourage wider participation, particularly from retail investors who have previously found it difficult to invest due to high minimum trade sizes.
Buying and Selling Shares
Buying and selling shares on the NSE in Kenya might sound complicated, but it is quite straightforward once you understand the few key steps and players involved.
To buy or sell shares on the NSE, you first need to set up two crucial accounts: a Central Depository System (CDS) account, which electronically holds your shares, and a trading account with a licensed stockbroker. Key requirements include one’s national ID or passport, KRA PIN, passport photos, and sometimes proof of address or income.
The stockbroker acts as your essential link to the market, sending your buy or sell instructions to the NSE. Before investing, it is wise to research companies to align with your financial goals.
Once ready, you instruct your stockbroker on the specific company and quantity of shares you wish to trade, along with your preferred price, either the current "market" price or a specific "limit" price. . The market price is the current best price in the market, while the limit price is the price one sets to buy shares. More or less, the price you would wish to buy the shares at.
This order is then sent to the NSE's electronic system. If a matching buyer or seller is found, the transaction is executed.
For buying, funds are debited from your trading account, and shares are credited to your CDS account. For selling shares, shares are debited from your CDS account, and the proceeds, minus fees, are credited to your trading account, from where you can withdraw them.
In essence, you, the investor, use a stockbroker as your gateway to the NSE, where your digital shares are managed by the CDSC, all under the watchful eye of the Capital Markets Authority (CMA), which ensures fair and orderly trading.
