The way Kenyans save and invest has changed permanently.
Not long ago, investing meant walking into a stockbroker’s office, filling out paperwork, and needing large amounts of starting capital. Today, wealth-building has moved to your phone. Thanks to fintech innovation and widespread mobile money adoption, anyone with a smartphone can start investing — even with as little as a few shillings.
But accessibility comes with a new challenge.
👉 The most important investment decision you’ll make is not what to buy — it’s who to trust.
This guide goes beyond marketing claims and feature lists. We break down Kenya’s most popular investment apps through a real-world lens, focusing on:
- Regulatory credibility
- Cost structures and hidden trade-offs
- Actual user experiences
- Who each platform is really for
There is no “best” investment app for everyone. The right choice depends on your goals, risk tolerance, and time horizon. Consider this your roadmap to navigating Kenya’s digital investment ecosystem responsibly.
1. Regulation First: How to Protect Your Money
Before depositing even one shilling, confirm that the platform you’re using is legitimate.
In Kenya, the Capital Markets Authority (CMA) is the primary regulator for investment products and fund managers. A CMA license doesn’t guarantee profits — but it does mean:
- The firm meets minimum capital and governance standards
- There is regulatory oversight
- You have a formal channel for complaints and redress
The CMA maintains a public register (and a mobile app) where you can verify licensed entities. This simple check is your first and most important defense against scams.
2. Deep Dive: The Leading Investment Apps in Kenya
2.1 Ndovu — Hands-Off Wealth Management for the Modern Investor
Ndovu positions itself as a robo-advisor built for Kenyans who want professional portfolio management without complexity. You can complete onboarding entirely online in minutes.
Regulatory Status
Ndovu Wealth Limited is a CMA-licensed Fund Manager, while its parent company, Waanzilishi Capital, is licensed as an Investment Adviser — a strong trust signal.
What You Can Invest In
- Money Market Funds (MMFs)
- Shariah-compliant funds
- African & US government bonds
- Real estate exposure
- US stocks and ETFs
Costs & Fees
Ndovu operates on subscription tiers:
- Basic: No subscription fee, but higher transaction fees (up to 4.5% on global funds)
- Standard: KES 3,000/year (lower fees)
- Ultimate: KES 30,000/year (lowest transaction fees)
There are generally no deposit or local withdrawal fees, though USD bank transfers attract a fee.
User Experience
Users consistently praise:
- Clean interface
- Clear portfolio tracking
- Responsive support via WhatsApp, phone, email, and Telegram
Ndovu performs well in a market where trust and liquidity matter.
Best for: Investors who want diversified, professionally managed portfolios with minimal effort.
2.2 Chumz — Saving First, Investing Second
Chumz is less about returns and more about behavior change. Its strength lies in helping users build a consistent saving habit through automation and gamification.
You can start saving from as little as KES 5, with rules that automatically save spare change from M-Pesa transactions.
How It’s Structured
- Funds are invested in the Nabo Money Market Fund
- Nabo Capital is CMA-licensed
- Funds are held by regulated trustees and custodians (KCB & Stanbic)
Fees to Watch
- Standard M-Pesa transaction fees apply
- Withdrawals cost:
- KES 20 (below KES 1,000)
- KES 30 (above KES 1,000)
For very small, frequent savings, these fees can significantly reduce returns.
User Feedback
- Positive: Excellent for building discipline (e.g., 52-week challenges)
- Negative: Slow customer support and delayed responses
Best for: Beginners who struggle to save consistently and want structure, not high returns.
2.3 EasyEquities — Global Markets on a Small Budget
EasyEquities is popular for one reason: fractional investing. You can invest any amount in global shares, ETFs, and even crypto.
Key Feature: Fractional Share Rights (FSRs)
You are not buying actual shares. You’re buying a contractual claim that mirrors the economic performance of a share (price changes and dividends), but:
- You don’t own the share directly
- You don’t get voting rights
Regulatory Reality
- Licensed and regulated in South Africa
- Not licensed by Kenya’s CMA
This means Kenyan users fall under South African jurisdiction in disputes.
User Experience
Mixed reviews:
- Pros: Access to global markets with no minimums
- Cons: Technical issues, withdrawal problems, slow support
Best for: Investors who want global exposure with small amounts and understand the regulatory trade-offs.
2.4 AIB DIGITRADER — Direct Access to the NSE
AIB DIGITRADER is the mobile trading app of AIB-AXYS Africa, a long-established CMA-licensed stockbroker.
What It Offers
- Real-time NSE trading
- Live price data and order books
- Portfolio management
- M-Pesa integration for funding
Fees
- 1.63% per trade
- KES 200 annual account maintenance fee
User Experience
Despite strong institutional backing, user reviews highlight:
- Login and password reset issues
- Poor app performance
- Slow support responses
Best for: Experienced traders who want direct NSE access and can tolerate a clunky interface.
3. Other Investment Apps Worth Knowing
Dosikaa — The NSE-Backed Retail Investor App
Supported by the CMA and NSE, Dosikaa focuses on local stock market participation with:
- Minimum investment of KES 500
- Real-time NSE data
- Strong research and analytics tools
Best for: Investors focused purely on Kenyan equities.
Hisa — Social & Global Investing
Offers access to thousands of global stocks and other asset classes.
Reality Check:
User complaints frequently mention:
- Failed trades
- Withdrawal challenges
- Poor customer support
Best for: Advanced users who can manage platform risk and volatility.
Koa — High-Yield Digital Savings
Koa focuses on simple, high-interest saving, offering up to 10% p.a., compounded daily.
- Funds managed by Britam
- M-Pesa deposits and withdrawals
- No app withdrawal fees (M-Pesa fees still apply)
- 14-day initial lock-up period
Best for: Savers seeking better returns than banks with minimal effort.
DhowCSD — Government Securities, Direct from CBK
Run by the Central Bank of Kenya, DhowCSD allows direct investment in:
- Treasury Bills
- Treasury Bonds
Minimum Investment: KES 50,000
Pros: No middlemen, high security
Cons: High entry point, limited flexibility
Best for: Conservative investors seeking low-risk government-backed returns.
4. How to Choose the Right Investment App
Start with regulation.
Then match the platform to your goal:
- Building a saving habit: Chumz
- Hands-off diversified investing: Ndovu
- Global stocks on a budget: EasyEquities (with caution)
- Active NSE trading: AIB DIGITRADER or Dosikaa
- High-yield savings: Koa
- Government securities: DhowCSD
Final Thoughts: Convenience Must Be Matched with Due Diligence
Kenya’s investment apps have lowered the barrier to entry — but they haven’t removed risk.
Smart investors combine:
- Digital convenience
- Regulatory awareness
- Clear personal goals
Start small. Verify licenses. Understand fees.
That’s how digital investing becomes a real tool for long-term financial freedom.
