NSE expands access for retail investors to buy blue-chip stocks
If the total cumulative traded volume is below 100, the closing price shall remain the previous average reported by the NSE
Retail investors can now buy shares in blue chip companies after the Nairobi Securities Exchange (NSE) announced that shares at the bourse will be traded in multiples of one unit effective August 8.
This follows the approval of amendments to its Equity Trading Rules, allowing the buying and selling of shares in single units.
In a notice to investors and the public that, NSE said the milestone is part of its broader initiative to improve access to investment opportunities at the NSE.
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.
In view of the above, the Odd Lot Board (previously used for trades below 100 shares) has been removed. All market orders will now be placed and executed on the Main Order Book. Going forward, under Rule 7.6.6, the official daily closing price of a listed equity shall be determined only if the total cumulative traded volume in a session is at least 100 shares or units. If the total cumulative traded volume is below 100, the closing price shall remain the previous average reported by the NSE.
Commenting on the development, NSE Chief Executive Officer Frank Mwiti stated: “We are pleased to take this significant step towards enhancing retail investor participation in our market. This initiative is part of our broader strategic efforts to increase financial inclusion and market accessibility for all investors. It aligns with our vision of increasing the number of active investors to 9 million by the year 2029.”
The NSE said it remains committed to fostering a more inclusive and investor-friendly market.
“This development reinforces our efforts to deepen the market and support the growth of retail investor participation, while also aligning with global best practices in equity trading.”
According to Mwango Capital, the move means retail investors can now buy just one share of blue-chip stocks like Standard Chartered Bank Kenya (Sh309 per share), Kakuzi (Sh439 per share), British American Tobacco Kenya (Sh398.75 per share) or East African Breweries Ltd (Sh207 per share), significantly lowering the barrier to entry.
