Starting August 8, 2025, Kenyans will find it much easier to invest in shares at the Nairobi Securities Exchange (NSE), thanks to a major shift in trading rules. For the first time, investors will be able to buy or sell just one share, instead of being required to purchase a minimum of 100 shares as was the case before.
This development is part of the NSE’s ongoing efforts to make stock market investment more inclusive and accessible to the public.
In an official statement released on Tuesday, July 29, the NSE announced the rule change, confirming that from August 8, shares will be tradable in single units.
“We are pleased to inform all investors and the general public that effective August 8, 2025, shares will be traded on the NSE in multiples of one unit,” the NSE stated.
This change follows the successful amendment of the NSE Equity Trading Rules, allowing anyone to buy or sell shares in single units, whether they’re looking to invest a large sum or just start small.
The NSE further explained that this rule update is part of a broader strategy aimed at widening access to investment opportunities in Kenya’s capital markets.
By enabling people to trade in single units, the NSE hopes to break down financial barriers that previously discouraged small-scale or first-time investors from entering the market.
Retail investors—everyday people with modest funds—will now be able to participate more freely without needing large sums of money.
How to Buy and Sell Shares on the NSE
Although trading on the stock exchange may seem complex at first glance, the process is fairly simple once you understand the basic steps and key players involved.
To begin your investment journey, you need to open two main accounts: a Central Depository System (CDS) account and a trading account with a licensed stockbroker.
The CDS account is an electronic account that securely holds your shares, while the trading account connects you to the NSE through your chosen broker.
To open these accounts, you’ll need documents such as a national ID or passport, your KRA PIN, passport-size photos, and in some cases, proof of address or income.
Your stockbroker plays a critical role—they receive your instructions and send your orders to the NSE. Before making any investment, it’s wise to conduct thorough research to identify companies that align with your financial goals.
When you’re ready to invest, you’ll tell your broker which company’s shares you want to buy or sell, how many shares you’re targeting, and your desired price. You can either go with the “market price,” which is the current price of the stock, or set a “limit price,” which is a specific amount you’re willing to pay or accept.
Once your order is placed, it is transmitted to the NSE’s electronic trading platform. If a matching order is found—whether you’re buying or selling—the trade is executed immediately.
If you’re buying shares, money will be deducted from your trading account and the shares will be deposited into your CDS account.
If you’re selling, the shares will be taken from your CDS account, and the money you earn (after broker fees and transaction costs) will be added to your trading account, ready for withdrawal.
In short, as an investor, your stockbroker is your bridge to the market, your CDS account holds your digital shares, and everything happens under the oversight of the Capital Markets Authority (CMA), which ensures transparency and fairness in trading.
With these new single-share trading rules, the NSE is opening its doors wider to Kenyans from all walks of life—making it easier than ever to start small, learn the ropes, and grow your wealth through the stock market.
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