Best Day Trading Platforms and Brokers in Kenya 2025
With an emerging market and strong economic position in the African continent, Kenya offers opportunities for day traders. However, to trade key export commodities like coffee or stocks listed on the Nairobi Securities Exchange (NSE), you’ll need an online broker.
The Capital Markets Authority (CMA) oversees day trading platforms in Kenya. Residents can also open accounts with overseas brokers, however it’s important to adhere to the CMA’s regulations and Kenya’s tax rules.
We’ve narrowed down the best day trading brokers in Kenya, after testing each platform thoroughly. Many of these platforms offer a terrific range of financial markets plus convenient deposits, such as Kenya’s own M-Pesa.
Top 6 Platforms For Day Trading In Kenya
Following our first-hand evaluations, these 6 trading platforms stand out as the best for Kenyan day traders:
Here is a short overview of each broker's pros and cons
- XM - XM is a globally recognized forex and CFD broker with 10+ million clients in 190+ countries. Since 2009, this trusted broker has been delivering low trading fees across its growing roster of 1000+ instruments. It’s also highly regulated, including by ASIC and CySEC and offers a comprehensive MetaTrader experience. 100% deposit bonus + further offers up to 4500$
- Exness - Established in 2008, Exness has maintained its position as a highly respected broker, standing out with its industry-leading range of 40+ account currencies, growing selection of CFD instruments, and intuitive web platform complete with useful extras like currency convertors and trading calculators.
- RoboForex - RoboForex is an online broker, established in 2009 and registered with the IFSC in Belize. Traders can choose from five accounts (Prime, ECN, R StocksTrader, ProCent, Pro) catering to different needs with trades from 0.01 lots and spreads from 0 pips. RoboForex has also enhanced its offering over the years, adding CFD instruments and launching its stock trading platform, plus the CopyFX system.
- AvaTrade - Established in 2006, AvaTrade is a leading forex and CFD broker trusted by over 400,000 traders. Operating under regulation in 9 jurisdictions, AvaTrade processes an impressive 2+ million trades each month. Through like MT4, MT5, and its proprietary WebTrader, the broker provides a growing selection of 1,250+ instruments. Whether it’s CFDs, AvaOptions, or the more recent AvaFutures, short-term traders at all levels will find opportunities. With terrific education and 24/5 multilingual customer support, AvaTrade delivers the complete trading experience.
- IC Markets - IC Markets is a globally recognized forex and CFD broker known for its excellent pricing, comprehensive range of trading instruments, and premium trading technology. Founded in 2007 and headquartered in Australia, the brokerage is regulated by the ASIC, CySEC and FSA, and has attracted more than 180,000 clients from over 200 countries.
- Deriv - Established in 1999, Deriv is an innovative broker now serving over 2.5 million global clients. The firm offers CFDs, multipliers and more recently accumulators, alongside its proprietary derived products which can't be found elsewhere, providing flexible short-term trading opportunities.
Best Day Trading Platforms and Brokers in Kenya 2025 Comparison
| Broker | Minimum Deposit | Markets | Platforms | Leverage | Regulator |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| XM | $5 | CFDs, Forex, Stocks, Commodities, Indices, Thematic Indices, Precious Metals, Energies | MT4, MT5, TradingCentral | 1:1000 | ASIC, CySEC, DFSA, IFSC |
| Exness | $10 | CFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, Crypto | Exness Trade App, Exness Terminal, MT4, MT5, TradingCentral | 1:Unlimited | CySEC, FCA, FSCA, CMA, FSA, CBCS, BVIFSC, FSC, JSC |
| RoboForex | $10 | CFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, ETFs, Futures | R StocksTrader, MT4, MT5, TradingView | 1:2000 | IFSC |
| AvaTrade | $100 | CFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, ETFs, Bonds, Crypto, Spread Betting, Futures | WebTrader, AvaTradeGO, AvaOptions, AvaFutures, MT4, MT5, AlgoTrader, TradingCentral, DupliTrade | 1:30 (Retail) 1:400 (Pro) | ASIC, CySEC, FSCA, ISA, CBI, FSA, FSRA, BVI, ADGM, CIRO, AFM |
| IC Markets | $200 | CFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, Bonds, Futures, Crypto | MT4, MT5, cTrader, TradingView, TradingCentral, DupliTrade, Quantower | 1:30 (ASIC & CySEC), 1:500 (FSA), 1:1000 (Global) | ASIC, CySEC, FSA, CMA |
| Deriv | $5 | CFDs, Multipliers, Accumulators, Synthetic Indices, Forex, Stocks, Options, Commodities, ETFs | Deriv Trader, Deriv X, Deriv Go, MT5, cTrader, TradingView | 1:1000 | MFSA, LFSA, BVIFSC, VFSC, FSC, SVGFSA |
XM
"With a low $5 minimum deposit, advanced charting platforms in MT4 and MT5, expanding range of markets, and a Zero account offering spreads from 0.0, XM provides all the essentials for active traders, even earning our ‘Best MT4/MT5 Broker’ award in recent years."
Christian Harris, Reviewer
XM Quick Facts
| Bonus Offer | $30 No Deposit Bonus When You Register A Real Account |
|---|---|
| Demo Account | Yes |
| Instruments | CFDs, Forex, Stocks, Commodities, Indices, Thematic Indices, Precious Metals, Energies |
| Regulator | ASIC, CySEC, DFSA, IFSC |
| Platforms | MT4, MT5, TradingCentral |
| Minimum Deposit | $5 |
| Minimum Trade | 0.01 Lots |
| Leverage | 1:1000 |
| Account Currencies | USD, EUR, GBP, JPY |
Pros
- XM’s customer support has delivered over years of testing, with 24/5 assistance in 25 languages, response times of <2 minutes and now a growing Telegram channel.
- XM stands out for its commitment to trader education, with a wealth of well-presented resources, including webinars, tutorials, and even real-time trading sessions through XM Live.
- XM’s growing roster of 1,000+ instruments provides diverse short-term trading opportunities, with unique turbo stocks, fractional shares, and more recently thematic indices.
Cons
- XM is falling behind the curve by not offering cTrader and TradingView which are increasingly being favored over MetaTrader for their smoother user experience and superior charting packages.
- While the XM app stands out for its usability and exclusive copy trading products, the selection of technical analysis tools needs to be improved to meet the needs of advanced traders.
- XM relies solely on the MetaTrader platforms for desktop trading, so there’s no in-house downloadable or web-accessible solution for a more beginner-friendly user experience with unique features.
Exness
"After slashing its spreads, improving its execution speeds and support trading on over 100 currency pairs with more than 40 account currencies to choose from, Exness is a fantastic option for active forex traders looking to minimize trading costs."
Exness Quick Facts
| Demo Account | Yes |
|---|---|
| Instruments | CFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, Crypto |
| Regulator | CySEC, FCA, FSCA, CMA, FSA, CBCS, BVIFSC, FSC, JSC |
| Platforms | Exness Trade App, Exness Terminal, MT4, MT5, TradingCentral |
| Minimum Deposit | $10 |
| Minimum Trade | 0.01 Lots |
| Leverage | 1:Unlimited |
| Account Currencies | USD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, NZD, INR, JPY, ZAR, MYR, IDR, DKK, CHF, HKD, SGD, AED, SAR, HUF, BRL, NGN, THB, VND, UAH, KWD, QAR, KRW, MXN, KES, CNY |
Pros
- Highly competitive spreads, reduced for USOIL and BTCUSD in 2024, are available from 0 pips with low commissions from $2 per side.
- Improved execution speeds, now averaging under 25ms, offer optimal conditions for short-term traders.
- Exness was the first brokerage to pass the $1 trillion and $2 trillion marks in monthly trading volumes, highlighting its legitimacy.
Cons
- Exness has expanded its range of CFDs and added a copy trading feature, but there are still no real assets such as ETFs, cryptocurrencies or bonds
- Apart from a mediocre blog, educational resources are woeful, especially compared to category leaders like IG which provide a more complete trading journey for newer traders.
- MetaTrader 4 and 5 are supported, but TradingView and cTrader still aren’t despite rising demand from active traders and integration at alternatives like Pepperstone.
RoboForex
"RoboForex is great if you want a vast range of 12,000+ day trading markets with ECN accounts, powerful charting and loyalty promotions. It also stands out for stock traders with its user-friendly R StocksTrader platform, featuring 3,000+ shares, fees from $0.01 and sophisticated watchlists."
RoboForex Quick Facts
| Bonus Offer | $30 No Deposit Bonus |
|---|---|
| Demo Account | Yes |
| Instruments | CFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, ETFs, Futures |
| Regulator | IFSC |
| Platforms | R StocksTrader, MT4, MT5, TradingView |
| Minimum Deposit | $10 |
| Minimum Trade | 0.01 Lots |
| Leverage | 1:2000 |
| Account Currencies | USD, EUR |
Pros
- The R Stocks Trader platform rivals leading solutions like MT4, with netting and hedging capabilities, comprehensive backtesting, Level II pricing, and a flexible workspace.
- RoboForex offers over 12,000 instruments, providing more short-term trading opportunities than the vast majority of online brokers, with forex, stocks, indices, ETFs, commodities, and futures.
- RoboForex is known for its tight spreads starting from 0 pips and low minimum deposits from $10, making it accessible to those on a budget. The ability to trade with micro lots further lowers the barrier to entry for new traders.
Cons
- Despite offering a range of platforms, RoboForex still doesn't support the increasingly popular cTrader. This might deter traders who prefer this specific platform for their day trading activities and is available at firms like Fusion Markets.
- While RoboForex offers competitive spreads, some of its account types come with high trading commissions up to $20 per lot, trailing the cheapest brokers, such as IC Markets.
- RoboForex provides a variety of account types, which, while offering flexibility, can be overwhelming for newer traders trying to choose the most suitable option for their trading style. Alternatives, notably eToro, provide a smoother entry into online trading with one retail account.
AvaTrade
"AvaTrade offers active traders everything they need: an intuitive WebTrader, powerful AvaProtect risk management, a smooth 5-minute sign-up process, and dependable support you can rely on in fast-moving markets."
AvaTrade Quick Facts
| Bonus Offer | 20% Welcome Bonus up to $10,000 |
|---|---|
| Demo Account | Yes |
| Instruments | CFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, ETFs, Bonds, Crypto, Spread Betting, Futures |
| Regulator | ASIC, CySEC, FSCA, ISA, CBI, FSA, FSRA, BVI, ADGM, CIRO, AFM |
| Platforms | WebTrader, AvaTradeGO, AvaOptions, AvaFutures, MT4, MT5, AlgoTrader, TradingCentral, DupliTrade |
| Minimum Deposit | $100 |
| Minimum Trade | 0.01 Lots |
| Leverage | 1:30 (Retail) 1:400 (Pro) |
| Account Currencies | USD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD |
Pros
- The WebTrader excelled in our hands-on tests, sporting a user-friendly interface for beginners, complete with robust charting tools like 6 chart layouts and 60+ technical indicators.
- Support at AvaTrade performed excellently during testing, with response times of 3 minutes and localized support in major trading jurisdictions, including the UK, Europe and the Middle East.
- AvaTrade continues to enhance its suite of products, recently through AvaFutures, providing an alternative vehicle to speculate on over 35 markets with low day trading margins.
Cons
- Although the deposit process itself is smooth, AvaTrade still doesn’t facilitate crypto payments, a feature increasingly offered by brokers like TopFX, which caters to crypto-focused traders.
- AvaTrade’s WebTrader has improved, but work is still needed in terms of customizability – frustratingly widgets like market watch and watchlists can’t be hidden, moved, or resized.
- While signing up is a breeze, AvaTrade lacks an ECN account like Pepperstone or IC Markets, which provides the raw spreads and ultra-fast execution many day traders are looking for.
IC Markets
"IC Markets offers superior pricing, exceptionally fast execution and seamless deposits. The introduction of advanced charting platforms, notably TradingView, and the Raw Trader Plus account, ensures it remains a top choice for intermediate to advanced day traders."
IC Markets Quick Facts
| Demo Account | Yes |
|---|---|
| Instruments | CFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, Bonds, Futures, Crypto |
| Regulator | ASIC, CySEC, FSA, CMA |
| Platforms | MT4, MT5, cTrader, TradingView, TradingCentral, DupliTrade, Quantower |
| Minimum Deposit | $200 |
| Minimum Trade | 0.01 Lots |
| Leverage | 1:30 (ASIC & CySEC), 1:500 (FSA), 1:1000 (Global) |
| Account Currencies | USD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, NZD, JPY, CHF, HKD, SGD |
Pros
- IC Markets offers fast and dependable 24/5 support based on firsthand experience, particularly when it comes to accounts and funding issues.
- You have access to over 2,250 CFDs across various markets, including forex, commodities, indices, stocks, bonds, and cryptocurrencies, allowing for diversified trading strategies.
- IC Markets offers among the tightest spreads in the industry, with 0.0-pip spreads on major currency pairs, making it especially cost-effective for day traders.
Cons
- Interest isn't paid on unused cash, an increasingly popular feature found at alternatives like Interactive Brokers.
- There are fees for certain withdrawal methods, including a $20 wire charge, which can eat into profits, especially for frequent withdrawals.
- Despite four industry-leading third-party platforms, there is no proprietary software or trading app built with new traders in mind.
Deriv
"Deriv is ideal for active traders seeking alternative and unique ways to speculate on global financial markets, from multipliers and accumulator options to its bespoke synthetic indices, which mimic real market movements and are available 24/7, allowing for continuous trading opportunities regardless of market hours."
Deriv Quick Facts
| Demo Account | Yes |
|---|---|
| Instruments | CFDs, Multipliers, Accumulators, Synthetic Indices, Forex, Stocks, Options, Commodities, ETFs |
| Regulator | MFSA, LFSA, BVIFSC, VFSC, FSC, SVGFSA |
| Platforms | Deriv Trader, Deriv X, Deriv Go, MT5, cTrader, TradingView |
| Minimum Deposit | $5 |
| Minimum Trade | 0.01 Lots |
| Leverage | 1:1000 |
| Account Currencies | USD, EUR, GBP |
Pros
- Account funding is a breeze with a very low minimum deposit of $5 and a huge selection of payment options, plus Tether was added to the cashier in 2023.
- Deriv stands out with its innovative products, from multipliers and derived indices to its addition of accumulator options, providing exclusive short-term trading opportunities.
- Although response times trail alternatives in our personal experience, Deriv offers 24/7 support and is one of the few brokers to offer WhatsApp assistance.
Cons
- While the Academy launched in 2021 is a step in the right direction, there is limited education on advanced trading topics for seasoned traders and no live webinars to upskill new traders.
- Although there’s a basic blog, there's little in terms of technical analysis or market reports which could help active traders identify potential opportunities.
- Apart from the MFSA in the EU, Deriv lacks top-tier regulatory credentials, reducing the level of safeguards like access to investor compensation.
Methodology
To find the best day trading platforms in Kenya, we searched our directory of 219 online brokers and pinpointed all those that accept Kenyans.
We then ranked them by their overall rating, which is derived from 100+ data points and findings from our hands-on tests.
- We checked that each platform accepts Kenyan day traders.
- We verified that each broker is regulated by a credible authority.
- We favored brokers with a wide range of markets.
- We prioritized brokers with competitive day trading fees.
- We ensured each broker offers reliable charting platforms.
- We focused on brokers with transparent leverage and margin.
- We examined each broker’s execution speeds.
- We investigated each broker’s account funding.
How To Choose A Day Trading Broker In Kenya
Following our extensive assessments, there are several factors to consider when choosing a broker:
Choose A Trustworthy Broker
The most trusted brokers are regulated by credible authorities, helping to protect your account from trading scams.
Indeed, the Kenyan regulator has ramped up its warnings to investors following a rise in fraud, including a notorious fake investment scam where 13,000 investors lost 1.1 billion shillings, as reported by Bizna.
In Kenya, the Capital Markets Authority (CMA) oversees trading brokers and is considered a ‘yellow-tier’ body in line with our Regulation & Trust Rating. However, with the CMA not licensing many brokers, Kenyans can also register with international platforms.
- AvaTrade maintains its position as a highly regulated broker, with licenses from reputable authorities including ASIC (Australia) and CySEC (Cyprus). The firm is also trusted, with a long history since 2006 and robust security measures in place, including negative balance protection for all clients.
Choose A Broker With Diverse Markets
Day traders can benefit from broad access to global financial markets, allowing them to diversify portfolios and capitalize on various trading opportunities.
Kenyan traders may be interested in local markets, like currency pairs involving the KES, or stocks listed on the Nairobi Securities Exchange (NSE), such as BOC Kenya Ltd and Safaricom. Kenya is also a major exporter of tea, clothes and coffee, according to data from Statista.
On the downside, we’ve found not many brokers grant access to these markets, providing Kenyans with fewer domestic markets than traders in Western nations.
- Pepperstone offers a superb range of 1300+ global markets spanning forex, stocks, indices, ETFs and commodities, including major Kenyan export commodities like coffee and gold. Its extremely fast 30ms execution speeds and impressive fill rate of 99.90% also make it a superb option for day traders, with Pepperstone earning our ‘Best Overall Broker’ in 2023.
Choose A Broker With Competitive Fees
Low trading fees, notably spreads and commissions, are important for day traders who often need to protect slim profit margins.
Together with non-trading costs like deposit and withdrawal fees, plus charges for transferring in Kenyan Shillings, you should assess these fees against the overall service you get – higher fees may be justified if you get premium tools.
For example, let’s say a broker offers slightly higher commissions than others you’ve seen, but offers an AI-powered economic calendar with live fiscal updates from the Central Bank of Kenya with impact ratings, or a filterable stock screener for NSE-listed equities. Such features may elevate your day trading experience.
- FOREX.com continues to offer some of the lowest fees in the industry, with spreads as low as 0.0 pips on major assets and commissions from $5 per $100k. You also get low-cost deposits, plus superior tools, notably Trading Central, which is great for supporting trading decisions.
Choose A Broker With Powerful Charting Platforms
The best brokers in Kenya offer a range of charting platforms and research tools, creating a comprehensive environment for short-term trading strategies.
Most brokers offer industry favorites, MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5, occasionally alongside their own bespoke terminals (often tailored to beginners).
There are also more contemporary solutions like TradingView, offering some of the most user-friendly research tools I’ve seen.
I particularly appreciate the integrated panel with stock data on Kenyan stocks, including income statements and technical signals. Below you can see how I was able to streamline my analysis of Kenya Airways Ltd.
- Exness offers a great selection of platforms to suit all needs and experience levels, including MT4, MT5 and a TradingView-powered proprietary terminal. It’s also a stand-out option for Kenyan traders because it’s one of the few day trading platforms we’ve tested to support a KES-based account.
Choose A Broker With Fast Execution
Securing fast and efficient execution is key for traders using fast-paced strategies like scalping and algo trading.
The best brokers achieve speeds of less than 100 milliseconds alongside low latency (the measure of time delay) and low slippage (the difference in requested price and filled price).
- IC Markets consistently achieves ultra-fast speeds of 35 milliseconds via institutional-grade execution technology, making the broker a great pick for serious day traders. I also love its ‘Market Buzz’ tool, which intuitively delivers analysis and sentiment insights.
Choose A Broker With Clear Leverage Requirements
Leverage allows you to gain exposure to a larger position while only putting down a small deposit. But while this allows you to magnify your potential gains, it can also significantly increase losses.
For example, if I want to speculate on the USD/KES pair with leverage of 1:30 using a $500 initial margin, this means the value of my trade would increase to $15,000.
- FXTM provides very high leverage up to 1:2000 (not recommended for beginners). There’s also a handy margin calculator to help you determine how much you need to open and maintain a position.
Choose A Broker With An Accessible Minimum Deposit
Choose a broker with a minimum deposit that suits your budget. You’ll typically need up to 250 USD (approximately 33,250 KES) to open a live account, based on our tests, though many brokers let you start with much less.
Additionally, consider what payment methods the broker offers as this may impact processing times and transaction costs. According to research by Adyen, M-Pesa remains a leading mobile payment solution in Kenya, offering a convenient way for Kenyan traders to make deposits.
- XM offers an ultra-low minimum deposit of just $5, making it ideal for beginners or those on a budget. It’s also one of the few brokers that offers deposits via M-Pesa, offering ultimate convenience for Kenyan traders.
FAQ
Who Regulates Day Trading Platforms In Kenya?
The Capital Markets Authority (CMA) regulates day trading platforms in Kenya.
That said, the CMA isn’t as active as other prominent regulators, such as the FCA and the ASIC, and Kenyans can open accounts with overseas platforms.
If you go down this route, we recommend choosing a tightly regulated broker and ensuring you still follow the CMA’s rules and tax requirements from the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA).
Which Is The Best Broker That Accepts Day Traders In Kenya?
Use our list of the best day trading platforms in Kenya to find a suitable option.
If you’re looking for competitive fees, for example, FOREX.com offers spreads from 0.0 pips on major assets. It also offers some of the best analysis tools and resources we’ve seen. Alternatively, XM is one of a select few brokers to support deposits in Kenya’s very own M-Pesa, while Exness distinguishes itself with its KES account.
Recommended Reading
Article Sources
- List of African Countries by GDP - Wikipedia
- Capital Markets Authority (CMA)
- Nairobi Securities Exchange (NSE)
- Kenya Forex Scam - Bizna
- BOC Ltd - TradingView
- Safaricom - TradingView
- Central Bank of Kenya
- Kenya Airways Ltd - TradingView
- M-Pesa In Kenya - Adyen
The writing and editorial team at DayTrading.com use credible sources to support their work. These include government agencies, white papers, research institutes, and engagement with industry professionals. Content is written free from bias and is fact-checked where appropriate. Learn more about why you can trust DayTrading.com