How to Buy Safaricom Shares in Kenya: A Simple Guide for Kenyan Investors

Safaricom PLC is one of Kenya’s most recognizable and valuable companies. Beyond being a household name, it’s also one of the largest and most traded stocks on the Nairobi Securities Exchange (NSE), making it a favourite among both new and seasoned investors.

At Ndovu, we make investing simple and accessible by helping Kenyans understand how to build wealth through smart, diversified investments. While Ndovu currently focuses on global ETFs and money market funds, we believe in empowering investors with the knowledge to explore local opportunities.

If you’ve ever wondered how to buy Safaricom shares in Kenya, here’s a simple step-by-step guide to get you started.

How to Buy Safaricom Shares in Kenya

1. Understand Why Safaricom Shares Are Popular

Safaricom isn’t just a telecom company, it’s one of the most profitable businesses in East Africa. Its products like M-Pesa, mobile data, and enterprise solutions have made it a market leader, driving billions in annual revenue and consistent dividends for shareholders.

As of 2025, Safaricom continues to dominate the NSE, accounting for a significant portion of total trading volume. Its Ethiopia expansion, continued innovation, and reliable dividend history make it one of the best long-term investment options in Kenya.

Why investors choose Safaricom:

• Strong brand and market dominance.

• Consistent dividends and solid financial performance.

• Growth potential through regional expansion and digital services.

2. Open a CDS Account

To buy any shares on the Nairobi Securities Exchange, you need a Central Depository System (CDS) account. Think of it as a digital wallet that holds your shares electronically.

You can open one through:

• The Central Bank of Kenya.

• Your commercial bank.

• A licensed stockbroker.

For the process you'll need:

• A valid national ID or passport.

• KRA PIN certificate.

• Two passport-sized photos.

Once approved, you’ll receive a CDS account number, your ticket to trading on the NSE.

3. Choose a Licensed Stockbroker or Online Trading Platform

To buy Safaricom shares, you must go through a licensed stockbroker or digital investment platform connected to the NSE.

Today, there are several online trading apps that allow you to buy and sell shares conveniently from your phone or computer. Examples include:

• Absa Bank Kenya’s digital trading platform.

• NCBA Securities Online.

• Genghis Capital’s iTrader.

Each broker charges a small transaction fee (usually between 1–2% of the trade value). If you’re wondering how to buy Safaricom shares online in Kenya, these platforms make the process seamless — from account setup to trade execution.

4. Fund Your Account and Place Your Order

Once your broker account is set up:

1. Deposit money into your trading account.

2. Search for Safaricom using its ticker symbol SCOM.

3. Enter the number of shares you’d like to buy.

4. Confirm the purchase and wait for the trade to execute.

Your shares will then appear in your CDS account within 24–48 hours.

Tip: You don’t need to buy thousands of shares to start, even a few hundred can be a good entry point for beginners.

5. Track Performance and Reinvest Dividends

Safaricom is known for paying consistent dividends, making it ideal for investors seeking both income and growth.

Keep track of:

• Share price movements on the NSE.

• Quarterly financial reports.

• Dividend announcements.

You can choose to reinvest your dividends to accumulate more shares over time, a simple way to grow your investment passively.

6. Why Safaricom Shares Are a Smart Long-Term Play

Safaricom’s dominance in the telecom and fintech space, particularly through M-Pesa, positions it as a long-term growth stock. As Kenya’s economy digitizes further, Safaricom stands to benefit from increasing mobile penetration, data demand, and regional expansion.

Investing in Safaricom shares allows you to own a piece of one of Africa’s most innovative companies, and participate in its continued growth story.

Final Thoughts

Learning how to buy Safaricom shares in Kenya doesn’t have to be complicated. With a CDS account, a trusted stockbroker, and a long-term mindset, any investor can own part of Kenya’s biggest company.

Question for you:

Would you like to see NSE stocks available on the Ndovu app in the future?

Share your thoughts in the comments, we’d love to hear your opinion!