The Nairobi Securities Exchange (NSE) is set to revolutionize Kenya’s equity market by allowing shares to be traded in single units starting August 8, 2025.
This landmark move, approved through amendments to the NSE Equity Trading Rules, is designed to dismantle barriers for retail investors and broaden participation in the stock market.
Previously, investors had to trade shares in multiples of 100, a minimum lot size that many found restrictive. By permitting single-unit transactions, the NSE aims to create a more flexible, accessible trading environment where individuals with smaller capital can confidently enter the market.
This change also signals the end of the Odd Lot Board — a special platform that handled trades below 100 shares. All trades will now be conducted on the Main Order Book, simplifying the trading process and increasing liquidity.
Under the revised Rule 7.6.6, the official daily closing price for a listed equity will only be recorded if the total traded volume in a session reaches at least 100 shares. Should the volume fall below this threshold, the previous average closing price will stand.
NSE Chief Executive Officer Frank Mwiti welcomed the development, describing it as “a significant step towards enhancing retail investor participation in our market.” He stressed that the initiative forms part of broader strategic efforts to “increase financial inclusion and market accessibility for all investors.”
The NSE’s ambition is clear: to grow the number of active investors on the exchange to 9 million by 2029. “The NSE remains committed to fostering a more inclusive and investor-friendly market,” Mwiti added. “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.”
With these reforms, Kenya’s capital market takes a decisive stride towards democratizing investment opportunities and nurturing a new generation of investors eager to share in the country’s economic growth.
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