How to Buy Shares on the NSE in Kenya (Beginner Guide)

How to Buy Shares on the NSE in Kenya (Beginner Guide)

💡 Quick Answer:

To buy shares on the Nairobi Securities Exchange, you need to open a CDS account through a stockbroker, deposit money, and place an order for the shares you want to

buy.

Shares are traded on the Nairobi Securities Exchange and are regulated by the Capital Markets Authority.

Imagine This

You admire companies like Safaricom or Equity Bank.

Instead of just being a customer, you decide to own a small part of the company.

When you buy shares, you become a shareholder, meaning you own a small portion of that business.

If the company performs well, you may earn:

• dividends
• profit if the share price increases

Step 1: Open a CDS Account

Before buying shares, you must open a CDS account.

This account is provided by the Central Depository and Settlement Corporation.

The CDS account is where your shares are stored electronically.

You usually open it through a licensed stockbroker.

Documents required may include:

• National ID or passport
• KRA PIN
• passport photo
• bank details

Step 2: Choose a Licensed Stockbroker

You must buy shares through a licensed stockbroker or investment bank.

These firms help you place buy and sell orders on the stock market.

They are regulated by the Capital Markets Authority.

Many brokers also offer mobile trading apps or online platforms.

Step 3: Deposit Money

After opening your account, you need to deposit funds into your brokerage account.

This money will be used to buy shares.

Deposits can usually be made through:

• bank transfer
• M-Pesa
• online banking

Keep idle capital in a Serrari Money Market Fund while you decide which shares to buy.

Step 4: Choose the Shares You Want to Buy

Next, decide which company you want to invest in.

Examples of companies listed on the NSE include:

• Safaricom PLC
• Equity Group Holdings
• KCB Group

Your broker can help you place a buy order for the shares.

Step 5: Place Your Order

Once you choose the shares, your broker places the order on the market.

If the order is matched with a seller, the trade is completed and the shares appear in your CDS account.

Example: Buying Shares

Imagine you buy shares worth KSh 10,000.

If the share price increases over time, your investment may grow.

Example:

You may also receive dividends if the company distributes profits.

Why People Invest in Shares

Investing in shares can offer:

• potential long-term growth ✔ dividends from company profits ✔ ownership in major companies

However, share prices can rise or fall, so they carry more risk than some other investments.

Understand how share earnings work with how dividends work in Kenya.

Tips for Beginners

If you are new to investing in shares:

• start with small amounts ✔ research companies before investing
• avoid investing based only on rumors
• think long-term

Compare shares with other instruments in which investment is safest in Kenya.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the minimum amount to buy shares?

The minimum amount depends on the share price of the company and brokerage requirements.

Can beginners buy shares?

Yes. Many beginners start by opening a CDS account and investing small amounts.

Speak with a Serrari advisor to build a beginner share investment strategy on the NSE.

Are shares risky?

Share prices can fluctuate, so they carry higher risk than investments like Treasury Bills or money market funds.

Explore the best investments in Kenya 2026 to understand how shares compare.

Final Thoughts

Buying shares on the NSE allows investors to own part of some of Kenya's largest companies.

With the right knowledge and patience, investing in shares can help build wealth over time.

Quick Tip

If you are new to shares, consider starting with well-established companies and investing gradually as you learn.