Best Day Trading Platforms and Brokers in Kenya 2024

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Written By
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Jemma Grist
Jemma is a writer, editor and fact-checker focused on retail trading and investing. Jemma brings a unique perspective to the forex, stock, and cryptocurrency markets and works across several investment websites as a researcher and broker analyst.
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Edited By
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James Barra
James is an investment writer with a background in financial services. As a former management consultant, he has worked on major operational transformation programmes at prominent European banks. James authors, edits and fact-checks content for a series of investing websites.
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Fact Checked By
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Michael MacKenzie
Michael is a writer and editor with over a decade in journalism and publishing. His niche lies in editing and fact-checking content in the financial services sector, with a focus on online brokers and trading platforms. Michael previously reported on politics and economics in the Middle East and edits books for established publishers.
Updated

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 10 Platforms For Day Trading In Kenya

Following our first-hand evaluations, these 10 trading platforms stand out as the best for Kenyan day traders:

Click a broker for details
  1. 1
    AvaTrade
    20% Welcome Bonus up to $10,000

    Ratings
    4.8 / 5
    4.3 / 5
    4.5 / 5
    3.8 / 5
    4.3 / 5
    4.3 / 5
    4.3 / 5
    4.5 / 5
    4.3 / 5
    4 / 5

    $100
    0.01 Lots
    1:30 (Retail) 1:400 (Pro)
    ASIC, CySEC, FSCA, ISA, CBI, FSA, FSRA, BVI, ADGM, CIRO, AFM
    CFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, ETFs, Bonds, Crypto, Spread Betting, Futures
    WebTrader, AvaTradeGO, AvaOptions, AvaFutures, MT4, MT5, AlgoTrader, TradingCentral, DupliTrade
    Skrill, Wire Transfer, FasaPay, Mastercard, Perfect Money, Swift, MoneyGram, Credit Card, WebMoney, JCB Card, Debit Card, Neteller, Boleto
    USD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD
  2. 2
    IC Markets

    Ratings
    4.6 / 5
    4 / 5
    3.5 / 5
    4.6 / 5
    4 / 5
    4.5 / 5
    4 / 5
    3.5 / 5
    3.1 / 5
    4.2 / 5

    $200
    0.01 Lots
    1:30 (ASIC & CySEC), 1:500 (FSA), 1:1000 (Global)
    ASIC, CySEC, FSA, CMA
    CFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, Bonds, Futures, Crypto
    MT4, MT5, cTrader, TradingView, TradingCentral, DupliTrade
    PayPal, Skrill, Neteller, Visa, UnionPay, Wire Transfer, Rapid Transfer, Mastercard, POLi, BPAY, Credit Card, Klarna, Swift, SafeCharge
    USD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, NZD, JPY, CHF, HKD, SGD
  3. 3
    Deriv

    Ratings
    3.5 / 5
    4 / 5
    4.8 / 5
    3.3 / 5
    4.5 / 5
    3.8 / 5
    2.5 / 5
    3.8 / 5
    4.2 / 5
    4.5 / 5

    $5
    0.01 Lots
    1:1000
    MFSA, LFSA, BVIFSC, VFSC, FSC, SVGFSA
    CFDs, Multipliers, Accumulators, Synthetic Indices, Forex, Stocks, Options, Commodities, ETFs
    Deriv Trader, Deriv X, Deriv Go, MT5, cTrader, TradingView
    Neteller, Visa, Skrill, WebMoney, FasaPay, Perfect Money, Diners Club, Banxa, Paytrust, Wire Transfer, Mastercard, Credit Card, JCB Card, Sticpay, Trustly, Volet, Paysafecard, AstroPay, Maestro, Airtm, Boleto, JetonCash, Przelewy24, Bitcoin Payments
    USD, EUR, GBP
  4. 4
    Exness

    Ratings
    3.8 / 5
    4.3 / 5
    3.5 / 5
    3.8 / 5
    3.8 / 5
    3.8 / 5
    4.3 / 5
    1.5 / 5
    4.4 / 5
    4.3 / 5

    $10
    0.01 Lots
    1:2000
    CySEC, FCA, FSCA, CMA, FSA, CBCS, BVIFSC, FSC
    CFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, Crypto
    Exness Trade App, Exness Terminal, MT4, MT5, TradingCentral
    Wire Transfer, Credit Card, Visa, Mastercard, Bitcoin Payments, Boleto, Airtel, Debit Card, Neteller, Skrill, Perfect Money, Sticpay, AstroPay, Cashu, FasaPay, WebMoney, M-Pesa
    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
  5. 5
    Pepperstone
    CFDs and FX are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. 81.8% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs.

    Ratings
    4.6 / 5
    4 / 5
    3.8 / 5
    4.4 / 5
    4.4 / 5
    4.6 / 5
    4.3 / 5
    4 / 5
    4.4 / 5
    4.1 / 5

    $0
    0.01 Lots
    1:30 (Retail), 1:500 (Pro)
    FCA, ASIC, CySEC, DFSA, CMA, BaFin, SCB
    CFDs, Forex, Currency Indices, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, ETFs, Crypto, Spread Betting
    MT4, MT5, cTrader, TradingView, AutoChartist, DupliTrade
    Visa, Mastercard, Credit Card, Debit Card, PayPal, Wire Transfer, POLi, UnionPay, BPAY, Neteller, Skrill, PIX Payment
    USD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, NZD, JPY, CHF, HKD, SGD
  6. 6
    XM
    $30 No Deposit Bonus When You Register A Real Account

    Ratings
    3.8 / 5
    4.3 / 5
    4 / 5
    3.8 / 5
    3.3 / 5
    4 / 5
    4.3 / 5
    4.3 / 5
    4.7 / 5
    3.9 / 5

    $5
    0.01 Lots
    1:1000
    ASIC, CySEC, DFSA, IFSC
    CFDs, Forex, Stocks, Commodities, Indices, Thematic Indices, Precious Metals, Energies
    MT4, MT5, TradingCentral
    Credit Card, Debit Card, Skrill, Neteller, Wire Transfer, Perfect Money, Apple Pay, Google Wallet, TransferWise, Visa, M-Pesa
    USD, EUR, GBP, JPY
  7. 7
    Eightcap

    Ratings
    4.3 / 5
    4 / 5
    3.6 / 5
    3.8 / 5
    4.3 / 5
    4 / 5
    3.5 / 5
    3.5 / 5
    4.8 / 5
    4.4 / 5

    $100
    0.01 Lots
    1:500
    ASIC, FCA, CySEC, SCB, CNMV
    CFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, Crypto
    MT4, MT5, TradingView
    Neteller, Skrill, Visa, UnionPay, Credit Card, Debit Card, Bitcoin Payments, Wire Transfer, FasaPay, BPAY, PayPal, Dragonpay, PIX Payment
    USD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, NZD, SGD
  8. 8
    RoboForex
    $30 No Deposit Bonus
    RoboForex Ltd and its affiliates do not target EU/EEA/UK clients. Please be aware that you are able to receive investment services from a third-country firm at your own exclusive initiative only, taking all the risks involved.

    Ratings
    3 / 5
    4 / 5
    4 / 5
    3.5 / 5
    4.1 / 5
    4.3 / 5
    3.8 / 5
    3.8 / 5
    4.7 / 5
    4.4 / 5

    $10
    0.01 Lots
    1:2000
    IFSC
    CFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, ETFs, Futures
    R StocksTrader, MT4, MT5, TradingView
    Visa, iDeal, Trustly, Neteller, Skrill, Giropay, Sofort, Wire Transfer, Rapid Transfer, Alipay, POLi, Perfect Money, MoneyGram, Cashu, SafeCharge, WeChat Pay, Vietcombank Transfer, Volet, ecoPayz, AstroPay
    USD, EUR
  9. 9
    eToro
    51% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading with this provider. eToro is a multi-asset investment platform. The value of your investments may go up or down. Your capital is at risk.

    Ratings
    4.8 / 5
    4.2 / 5
    4.5 / 5
    3 / 5
    4 / 5
    3.5 / 5
    4.5 / 5
    4.5 / 5
    4.8 / 5
    4 / 5

    $100
    $10
    FCA, ASIC, CySEC, FSA, FSRA, MFSA, CNMV, AMF
    CFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, ETFs, Smart Portfolios, Commodities, Futures, Crypto, NFTs
    eToro Web, CopyTrader, TradingCentral
    Visa, Skrill, Neteller, Wire Transfer, Rapid Transfer, Swift, Debit Card, iDeal, Klarna, Sofort, Trustly, Przelewy24
    USD, EUR, GBP
  10. 10
    FOREX.com
    20% Welcome Bonus Up To $5000

    Ratings
    4.9 / 5
    4 / 5
    4.3 / 5
    4.6 / 5
    4.6 / 5
    4.3 / 5
    4.8 / 5
    4.5 / 5
    3.6 / 5
    3.8 / 5

    $100
    0.01 Lots
    1:400
    NFA, CFTC, CIRO, FCA, CYSEC, ASIC, SFC, FSA, MAS, CIMA
    Forex, CFDs, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, Futures, Options, Crypto
    MT4, MT5, TradingView, eSignal, AutoChartist, TradingCentral
    Wire Transfer, Credit Card, Debit Card, Visa, Mastercard, Skrill, Neteller, ACH Transfer
    USD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, JPY, CHF, PLN

Here is a short summary of why we think each broker belongs in this top list:

  1. AvaTrade - AvaTrade is a leading forex and CFD broker, established in 2006 and regulated across 9 jurisdictions. Over 400,000 users have signed up with the broker which processes over 2 million trades each month. The firm offers multiple trading platforms, including MT4, MT5, and a proprietary WebTrader. 1250+ financial instruments are available for day trading, from CFDs to AvaOptions and now AvaFutures, alongside a comprehensive education center and multilingual customer support.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. Pepperstone - Established in Australia in 2010, Pepperstone is a top-rated forex and CFD broker with over 400,000 clients worldwide. It offers access to 1,300+ instruments on leading platforms MT4, MT5, cTrader and TradingView, maintaining low, transparent fees. Pepperstone is also regulated by trusted authorities like the FCA, ASIC, and CySEC, ensuring a secure environment for day traders at all levels.
  6. 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$
  7. Eightcap - Eightcap is a multi-regulated forex and CFD broker established in Australia in 2009. The broker has proven popular with active day traders, providing 800+ instruments with tight spreads and notable improvements in recent years, integrating the leading TradingView platform, alongside AI-powered financial calendars and algo trading tools with zero coding experience required.
  8. 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.
  9. eToro - eToro is a top-rated multi-asset platform which offers trading services in thousands of CFDs, stocks and cryptoassets. Launched in 2007, the brand has millions of active traders globally and is authorized by tier one regulators, including the FCA and CySEC. The brand is particularly popular for its comprehensive social trading platform. Cryptoasset investing is highly volatile and unregulated in the UK and some EU countries. No consumer protection. Tax on profits may apply. 51% of retail CFD accounts lose money.
  10. FOREX.com - Founded in 1999, FOREX.com is now part of StoneX, a financial services organization serving over one million customers worldwide. Regulated in the US, UK, EU, Australia and beyond, the broker offers thousands of markets, not just forex, and provides excellent pricing on cutting-edge platforms.

Best Day Trading Platforms and Brokers in Kenya 2024 Comparison

Best Day Trading Platforms and Brokers in Kenya 2024 Comparison
Broker Minimum Deposit Markets Platforms Leverage Regulator
AvaTrade logo
$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 logo
$200 CFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, Bonds, Futures, Crypto MT4, MT5, cTrader, TradingView, TradingCentral, DupliTrade 1:30 (ASIC & CySEC), 1:500 (FSA), 1:1000 (Global) ASIC, CySEC, FSA, CMA
Deriv logo
$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
Exness logo
$10 CFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, Crypto Exness Trade App, Exness Terminal, MT4, MT5, TradingCentral 1:2000 CySEC, FCA, FSCA, CMA, FSA, CBCS, BVIFSC, FSC
Pepperstone logo
$0 CFDs, Forex, Currency Indices, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, ETFs, Crypto, Spread Betting MT4, MT5, cTrader, TradingView, AutoChartist, DupliTrade 1:30 (Retail), 1:500 (Pro) FCA, ASIC, CySEC, DFSA, CMA, BaFin, SCB
XM logo
$5 CFDs, Forex, Stocks, Commodities, Indices, Thematic Indices, Precious Metals, Energies MT4, MT5, TradingCentral 1:1000 ASIC, CySEC, DFSA, IFSC
Eightcap logo
$100 CFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, Crypto MT4, MT5, TradingView 1:500 ASIC, FCA, CySEC, SCB, CNMV
RoboForex logo
$10 CFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, ETFs, Futures R StocksTrader, MT4, MT5, TradingView 1:2000 IFSC
eToro logo
$100 CFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, ETFs, Smart Portfolios, Commodities, Futures, Crypto, NFTs eToro Web, CopyTrader, TradingCentral - FCA, ASIC, CySEC, FSA, FSRA, MFSA, CNMV, AMF
FOREX.com logo
$100 Forex, CFDs, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, Futures, Options, Crypto MT4, MT5, TradingView, eSignal, AutoChartist, TradingCentral 1:400 NFA, CFTC, CIRO, FCA, CYSEC, ASIC, SFC, FSA, MAS, CIMA

AvaTrade

"AvaTrade offers the full package for short-term traders. There is powerful charting software, reliable execution, transparent fees, and fast account opening with a low minimum deposit."

Jemma Grist, Reviewer

AvaTrade Quick Facts

Bonus Offer20% Welcome Bonus up to $10,000
Demo AccountYes
InstrumentsCFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, ETFs, Bonds, Crypto, Spread Betting, Futures
RegulatorASIC, CySEC, FSCA, ISA, CBI, FSA, FSRA, BVI, ADGM, CIRO, AFM
PlatformsWebTrader, AvaTradeGO, AvaOptions, AvaFutures, MT4, MT5, AlgoTrader, TradingCentral, DupliTrade
Minimum Deposit$100
Minimum Trade0.01 Lots
Leverage1:30 (Retail) 1:400 (Pro)
Account CurrenciesUSD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD

Pros

  • The broker’s unique risk management tool, AvaProtect, protects against losses up to $1 million and is easy to activate in the platform
  • AvaTrade is a heavily regulated and trustworthy broker with licenses from the ASIC, CySEC and more
  • WebTrader is well-suited to beginners and features a strong suite of technical analysis tools and market research for day traders

Cons

  • Traders from the US are not accepted
  • There is no ECN account with raw spreads
  • A high $2000 minimum investment is required to use DupliTrade, which will be out of reach for many beginners

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."

Christian Harris, Reviewer

IC Markets Quick Facts

Demo AccountYes
InstrumentsCFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, Bonds, Futures, Crypto
RegulatorASIC, CySEC, FSA, CMA
PlatformsMT4, MT5, cTrader, TradingView, TradingCentral, DupliTrade
Minimum Deposit$200
Minimum Trade0.01 Lots
Leverage1:30 (ASIC & CySEC), 1:500 (FSA), 1:1000 (Global)
Account CurrenciesUSD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, NZD, JPY, CHF, HKD, SGD

Pros

  • As a tightly regulated and widely respected broker, IC Markets prioritizes client security and transparency, helping to ensure a reliable trading experience globally.
  • IC Markets offers fast and dependable 24/5 support based on firsthand experience, particularly when it comes to accounts and funding issues.
  • 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.
  • While IC Markets offers a selection of metals and cryptos for trading via CFDs, the range is not as extensive as brokers like eToro, limiting opportunities for traders interested in these asset classes.
  • The breadth and depth of tutorials, webinars and educational resources still need work, trailing alternatives like CMC Markets and reducing its suitability for beginners.

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."

Christian Harris, Reviewer

Deriv Quick Facts

Demo AccountYes
InstrumentsCFDs, Multipliers, Accumulators, Synthetic Indices, Forex, Stocks, Options, Commodities, ETFs
RegulatorMFSA, LFSA, BVIFSC, VFSC, FSC, SVGFSA
PlatformsDeriv Trader, Deriv X, Deriv Go, MT5, cTrader, TradingView
Minimum Deposit$5
Minimum Trade0.01 Lots
Leverage1:1000
Account CurrenciesUSD, EUR, GBP

Pros

  • After integrating TradingView and adding MT5 web trader, Deriv now offers a first-class selection of charting tools across desktop, web and mobile devices.
  • 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.

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.
  • Leverage up to 1:1000 will appeal to traders with a large risk appetite but frustratingly there is no ability to flex the leverage in the account area.
  • 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.

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."

Christian Harris, Reviewer

Exness Quick Facts

Demo AccountYes
InstrumentsCFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, Crypto
RegulatorCySEC, FCA, FSCA, CMA, FSA, CBCS, BVIFSC, FSC
PlatformsExness Trade App, Exness Terminal, MT4, MT5, TradingCentral
Minimum Deposit$10
Minimum Trade0.01 Lots
Leverage1:2000
Account CurrenciesUSD, 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

  • Excellent range of account types for all experience levels, including Cent, Pro plus the introduction of Raw Spread, ideal for day traders.
  • Exness Terminal offers a streamlined experience for beginners with dynamic charts while setting up watchlists is a breeze.
  • Improved execution speeds, now averaging under 25ms, offer optimal conditions for short-term traders.

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.

Pepperstone

"Pepperstone stands out as a top choice for day trading, offering razor-sharp spreads, ultra-fast execution, and advanced charting platforms for experienced traders. New traders are also welcomed with no minimum deposit, extensive educational resources, and exceptional 24/7 support."

Christian Harris, Reviewer

Pepperstone Quick Facts

Demo AccountYes
InstrumentsCFDs, Forex, Currency Indices, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, ETFs, Crypto, Spread Betting
RegulatorFCA, ASIC, CySEC, DFSA, CMA, BaFin, SCB
PlatformsMT4, MT5, cTrader, TradingView, AutoChartist, DupliTrade
Minimum Deposit$0
Minimum Trade0.01 Lots
Leverage1:30 (Retail), 1:500 (Pro)
Account CurrenciesUSD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, NZD, JPY, CHF, HKD, SGD

Pros

  • Now offering spread betting through TradingView, Pepperstone provides a seamless, tax-efficient trading experience with advanced analysis tools.
  • Pepperstone emerges as a low-cost broker, especially for serious day traders with spreads from 0.0 in the Razor account and rebates of 25%+ through the Active Trader program.
  • Award-winning customer support is available via telephone, email or live chat with response times of <5 minutes during testing.

Cons

  • Despite enhancements to its range of markets, crypto offerings are relatively limited compared to other brokers such as eToro, with no option to invest in real coins.
  • Pepperstone’s demo accounts are active for only 30 days, which may not be not long enough to familiarize yourself with the different platforms and test trading strategies.
  • Pepperstone does not support cTrader Copy, a popular copy trading feature built into the excellent cTrader platform and available at alternatives like IC Markets, though it has introduced an intuitive copy trading app.

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 AccountYes
InstrumentsCFDs, Forex, Stocks, Commodities, Indices, Thematic Indices, Precious Metals, Energies
RegulatorASIC, CySEC, DFSA, IFSC
PlatformsMT4, MT5, TradingCentral
Minimum Deposit$5
Minimum Trade0.01 Lots
Leverage1:1000
Account CurrenciesUSD, EUR, GBP, JPY

Pros

  • 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.
  • XM’s Zero account is ideal for day trading with spreads from 0.0 pips, 99.35% of orders executed in <1 second, and no requotes or rejections.
  • 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.

Cons

  • 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.
  • Although trusted and generally well-regulated, the XM global entity is registered with the weak IFSC regulator and UK clients are no longer accepted, reducing its market reach.
  • 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.

Eightcap

"Eightcap delivers in every area for day traders with a growing selection of charting platforms, education via Labs, and AI-powered tools. Now sporting 120+ crypto CFDs, it's also become a stand-out choice for crypto trading, winning our 'Best Crypto Broker' award two years in a row."

Christian Harris, Reviewer

Eightcap Quick Facts

Demo AccountYes
InstrumentsCFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, Crypto
RegulatorASIC, FCA, CySEC, SCB, CNMV
PlatformsMT4, MT5, TradingView
Minimum Deposit$100
Minimum Trade0.01 Lots
Leverage1:500
Account CurrenciesUSD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, NZD, SGD

Pros

  • Having excelled across all key areas for day traders, Eightcap outperformed every competitor to win our 'Best Overall Broker' award for 2024, also securing our 'Best Crypto Broker' title.
  • With tight spreads from 0 pips, low commission fees, and high leverage up to 1:500 for certain clients, Eightcap provides cost-effective and flexible trading conditions that can accommodate an array of strategies, including day trading and scalping.
  • After bolstering its roster in 2021, Eightcap offers one of the most extensive selections of cryptocurrency CFDs in the market, with crypto/fiat pairs, crypto/crypto pairs, plus crypto indices for broader exposure to the market.

Cons

  • In spite of an increasing variety of tools, Eightcap doesn't offer industry favorites like Autochartist or Trading Central, which offer cutting-edge charting analytics, live news, and market insights for short-term traders.
  • Eightcap needs to continue bolstering its suite of instruments to match category leaders like Blackbull Markets with its 26,000+ assets, featuring a particularly weak selection of commodities.
  • Despite a useful library of educational guides and e-books in Labs, Eightcap still trails IG’s comprehensive toolkit for aspiring traders with its dedicated IG Academy app and 18 course categories.

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."

Christian Harris, Reviewer

RoboForex Quick Facts

Bonus Offer$30 No Deposit Bonus
Demo AccountYes
InstrumentsCFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, ETFs, Futures
RegulatorIFSC
PlatformsR StocksTrader, MT4, MT5, TradingView
Minimum Deposit$10
Minimum Trade0.01 Lots
Leverage1:2000
Account CurrenciesUSD, EUR

Pros

  • The broker offers two commission-free withdrawals each month in the Free Funds Withdrawal program, helping day traders to minimize transaction costs.
  • The broker offers leverage up to 1:2000 for certain account types, which is among the highest in the industry. This high leverage allows day traders to maximize their trading potential, albeit with a corresponding increase in risk.
  • 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

  • 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.
  • RoboForex now restricts base currency options to USD and EUR. This limitation may inconvenience day traders preferring to manage their accounts in other currencies, while potentially leading to conversion fees.

eToro

"eToro's social trading platform leads the pack with a terrific user experience and active community chat that can help beginners find opportunities. There are also competitive fees on thousands of CFDs and real stocks, plus excellent rewards for experienced strategy providers."

Christian Harris, Reviewer

eToro Quick Facts

Demo AccountYes
InstrumentsCFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, ETFs, Smart Portfolios, Commodities, Futures, Crypto, NFTs
RegulatorFCA, ASIC, CySEC, FSA, FSRA, MFSA, CNMV, AMF
PlatformseToro Web, CopyTrader, TradingCentral
Minimum Deposit$100
Minimum Trade$10
Account CurrenciesUSD, EUR, GBP

Pros

  • There's a comprehensive online training academy with accessible resources, from bitesize articles to comprehensive courses
  • eToro has finally introduced EUR and GBP accounts, cutting conversion fees and providing a trading experience more tailored to local needs
  • The copy trading app facilitates a best-in-class social environment, with an engaging social feed and community chat

Cons

  • There are limited contact methods aside from the in-platform live chat
  • There are no guaranteed stop loss orders which would be a useful risk management feature for beginners
  • Traders will face currency conversion fees for account denominations other than USD

FOREX.com

"FOREX.com remains a best-in-class brokerage for active forex traders of all experience levels, with over 80 currency pairs, tight spreads from 0.0 pips and low commissions. The powerful charting platforms collectively offer over 100 technical indicators, as well as extensive research tools."

Christian Harris, Reviewer

FOREX.com Quick Facts

Bonus Offer20% Welcome Bonus Up To $5000
Demo AccountYes
InstrumentsForex, CFDs, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, Futures, Options, Crypto
RegulatorNFA, CFTC, CIRO, FCA, CYSEC, ASIC, SFC, FSA, MAS, CIMA
PlatformsMT4, MT5, TradingView, eSignal, AutoChartist, TradingCentral
Minimum Deposit$100
Minimum Trade0.01 Lots
Leverage1:400
Account CurrenciesUSD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, JPY, CHF, PLN

Pros

  • FOREX.com offers industry-leading forex pricing starting from 0.0 pips, alongside competitive cashback rebates of up to 15% for serious day traders.
  • With over 20 years of experience, excellent regulatory oversight, and multiple accolades including runner-up in our 'Best Forex Broker' awards, FOREX.com boasts a global reputation as a trusted brokerage.
  • The in-house Web Trader continues to shine as one of the best-designed platforms for aspiring day traders with a slick design and over 80 technical indicators for market analysis.

Cons

  • Despite increasing its range of instruments, FOREX.com's product portfolio is still limited to forex and CFDs, so there are no options to invest in real stocks, real ETFs or real cryptocurrencies.
  • Funding options are limited compared to leading alternatives like IC Markets and don’t include many popular e-wallets, notably UnionPay and POLi.
  • FOREX.com's MT4 platform offers approximately 600 instruments, significantly fewer than the over 5,500 available on its non-MetaTrader platforms.

Methodology

To find the best day trading platforms in Kenya, we searched our directory of 265 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.

DayTrading.com broker testing methodology overview

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.

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Opting for a broker with ‘green tier’ regulation will give you the highest level of financial safeguarding, for example, negative balance protection and segregated accounts.
  • 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.

Infographic showing popular day trading markets in Kenya

  • 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.

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While spreads on highly liquid assets such as EUR/USD can reach as low as 0.0 pips at leading brokers, spreads on less liquid assets like USD/KES are likely to be much wider.
  • 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.

author image
Jemma Grist
Author
TradingView platform showing Kenya Airways chart with integrated stock data
TradingView – Kenya Airlines Stock
  • 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).

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Together, these can ensure you lock in optimal prices in fluctuating markets, for example, volatile Kenyan stocks like Crown Paints Kenya.
  • 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.

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Use strict risk management to help curb losses. A stop-loss order, for example, will automatically close your position when it reaches a predetermined level.
  • 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.

Article Sources

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