The Nairobi Securities Exchange (NSE) has announced a landmark policy reform set to transform Kenya’s capital markets by allowing single-unit share trading, a move expected to take effect from August 8, 2025.
NSE CEO Frank Mwiti says this means you will no longer need a lot of money to start investing in shares at the Nairobi securities exchange noting this could lead to more trading activity and more people participating in the stock market.
For years, small investors have found it difficult to access the stock market due to the requirement to buy shares in large bundles, usually 100 shares or more. If you wanted to buy fewer, it was harder and more expensive because those were treated as “odd lots” on a separate board. But that barrier is about to be lifted.
Under the new framework, investors will now be able to buy or sell even one share, making it easier and more affordable for ordinary Kenyans to participate in the capital markets.
The move eliminates the Odd Lot Board, which previously handled trades below 100 shares. All trades regardless of size will now be executed on the main order book, increasing transparency and liquidity.
Additionally, Mwiti says the new system is a bold step toward improving financial inclusion and empowering more retail investors.
He noted, this significant step is critical towards enhancing retail investor participation and aligns with NSEs vision of increasing the number of active investors to 9 million by the year 2029.
However, to protect price integrity, NSE rules will still require that the official daily closing price be based on trades totaling at least 100 shares in a session. If the traded volume falls below that threshold, the previous day’s price will carry forward.
