Best brokers for beginners in Kenya in 2024

Written by
Adam N.
Fact checked by
Updated
3d ago

Find below the strengths of the best brokerage accounts for beginners in Kenya, updated for 2024:

  1. Alpaca Trading - the best broker for beginners in Kenya in 2024. Great API trading service. Free stock & ETF trading. Fantastic charting tools.
  2. TradeZero - Low stock and ETF fees. Quick and easy account opening. Excellent education and customer support.
  3. EasyEquities - Low trading fees and non-trading fees. Excellent educational materials. Easy and fully digital account opening.
  4. XTB - Commission-free stocks and ETFs (for trades up to €100k per month). Free and fast deposit and withdrawal. Easy and fast account opening. Interest paid on cash.
  5. Trading 212 - Real stocks and ETFs are commission-free (other fees may apply). Quick and easy account opening. Great trading platforms. Pays interest on uninvested cash in an investment account.
  6. Lightyear - Commission-free ETF and low commission on stock trades. High interest on uninvested cash. Quick account opening. Easy-to-use mobile trading platform.
  7. Webull - Free stock/ETF trading and high 5% interest on uninvested cash. Fast and easy account opening. Great trading platforms.
  8. Freetrade - Free stock and ETF trading. Easy and fast account opening. Great mobile trading platform.
  9. Robinhood - Free US stock and ETF trading. Great mobile and web trading platforms. Fast and fully digital account opening. Interest paid on uninvested cash.
  10. Trade Republic - Commission-free ETF and low-commission stock trading. High interest on uninvested cash. Quick account opening. Has a banking license.
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Overview of the best brokers for beginners

While many online brokers suitable for beginners offer an excellent service, the ones in our toplist go the extra mile.

Broker
Minimum deposit
Time to open account
Alpaca Trading
$0
1 day
TradeZero
$250
1 day
EasyEquities
$0
>3 days
XTB
$0
1 day
Trading 212
$1
1 day
Lightyear
$0
1 day
Webull
$0
1 day
Freetrade
$0
1 day
Robinhood
$0
1 day
Trade Republic
$0
1 day
Best brokers for beginners data compiled for November 2024

Popularity of the best brokers for beginners in Kenya

Interested in what others think? Here's how many people chose these brokers at BrokerChooser in the last 6 months.

Fees at the best brokers for beginners

Broker
US stock
Alpaca Trading
$0.0
TradeZero
$1.0
EasyEquities
$5.0
XTB
$0.0
Trading 212
$0.0
Lightyear
$1.0
Webull
$0.0
Freetrade
$0.0
Robinhood
$0.0
Trade Republic
$1.1
Fees at the best brokers for beginners in 2024
All commissions are for opening a position, holding for a week, and closing.

Non-trading fees at the best brokers for beginners

Non-trading fees are charges that are not directly related to a trade and typically include the account maintenance fee, deposit/withdrawal fees and the inactivity fee.

Broker
Withdrawal fee
Inactivity fee
Alpaca Trading
$0
TradeZero
$15
EasyEquities
$0
XTB
$0
Trading 212
$0
Lightyear
$0
Webull
$0
Freetrade
$0
Robinhood
$0
Trade Republic
$0
Non-trading fees at the best brokers for beginners in 2024

Can I trust these brokers for beginners in Kenya?

Yes, BrokerChooser exclusively recommends legit brokers, overseen by at least one globally acknowledged regulator. We track more than 20,000 brokers and trading platforms that we don't recommend. To be sure that a broker is reputable and reliable, use our Scam Broker Shield tool.

Key criteria determining a broker's trustworthiness are: regulation, availability of investor protection, as well as a long and spotless track record. Explore the interactive table below, encompassing this array of vital data.

Broker
Top-tier regulators
Trusted broker
Alpaca Trading
SEC and FINRA in the US
TradeZero
SEC and FINRA in the US, CIRO in Canada
EasyEquities
FSCA in South Africa
XTB
FCA in the UK
Trading 212
FCA in the UK and ASIC in Australia
Lightyear
FCA in the UK
Webull
SEC and FINRA in the US
Freetrade
FCA in the UK
Robinhood
SEC and FINRA in the US, FCA in the UK
Trade Republic
BaFin in Germany
Trust metrics for the best brokers for beginners in Kenya in 2024
We label a broker as trusted if it has reliable regulation.

Online trading for beginners

Online trading refers to the process of buying and selling various financial instruments, such as stocks, commodities, and currencies through internet-based platforms provided by brokerage firms. It allows you to participate in the global financial markets from the comfort of your home or on the go using computers, laptops, tablets, or smartphones.

In online trading, you can access real-time market data, execute trades, manage your investment portfolio, and monitor market trends through user-friendly interfaces provided by online brokerage platforms.

As a beginner, you should follow these steps before delving into online trading:

  1. Broker selection: choosing a reputable online broker is crucial. Check factors such as fees, user interface, available assets, educational resources, the availability of a demo account and customer support when selecting a platform.
  2. Risk management: do not trade online without a risk management strategy, such as setting stop-loss orders, if you want to protect your investments and avoid substantial losses.
  3. Start small: beginning with a small amount of capital reduces the risk of significant losses. As you gain experience and confidence, you can gradually increase the amount of money.
  4. Demo account: this is a must have if you are just starting out as a forex trader. Demo accounts simulate real trading accounts but you use virtual money to trade. These are perfect for practicing and learning a few tricks without risking your money.
  5. Emotional discipline: avoid chasing quick profits and maintain a calm mindset during market fluctuations.
  6. Continuous learning: learn the basics of trading, understand market trends, and conduct thorough research on assets. Short of this you will not be able to make informed decisions.The trading landscape evolves, so stay updated with market trends, new strategies, and trading tools to remain successful in online trading.

And now, let's see the top brokers for beginners in detail, starting with the winner, Alpaca Trading.

Recommended for traders interested in algorithmic stock trading

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Alpaca Trading snapshot
Demo account Yes
Minimum deposit $0
Time to open account 1 day
US stock fee $0.0
Mobile platform score 4.3 stars
Inactivity fee No
Fractional shares Yes
Read review For a detailed analysis of Alpaca Trading services, check out our review for 2024.

Recommended for investors and traders interested in commission-free trading and a focus on US stocks and options

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TradeZero snapshot
Demo account Yes
Minimum deposit $250
Time to open account 1 day
US stock fee $1.0
Mobile platform score 4.5 stars
Inactivity fee No
Fractional shares No
Read review For a detailed analysis of TradeZero services, check out our review for 2024.

Recommended for long-term investors focusing on stocks and ETFs

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EasyEquities snapshot
Demo account Yes
Minimum deposit $0
Time to open account >3 days
US stock fee $5.0
Mobile platform score 4.8 stars
Inactivity fee No
Fractional shares Yes
Read review For a detailed analysis of EasyEquities services, check out our review for 2024.
XTB Logo

XTB

Recommended for forex and CFD traders looking for low fees and great deposit/withdrawal service

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76% of retail CFD accounts lose money

XTB snapshot
Demo account Yes
Minimum deposit $0
Time to open account 1 day
US stock fee $0.0
Mobile platform score 4.4 stars
Inactivity fee Yes
Fractional shares Yes
Read review For a detailed analysis of XTB services, check out our review for 2024.

Recommended for equity investors looking for easy-to-use trading platforms

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When investing, your capital is at risk

Trading 212 snapshot
Demo account Yes
Minimum deposit $1
Time to open account 1 day
US stock fee $0.0
Mobile platform score 4.9 stars
Inactivity fee No
Fractional shares Yes
Read review For a detailed analysis of Trading 212 services, check out our review for 2024.

Recommended for investors and beginners looking for high interest rates on cash, a simple but great mobile platform, and low fees

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Capital at risk

Lightyear snapshot
Demo account No
Minimum deposit $0
Time to open account 1 day
US stock fee $1.0
Mobile platform score 4.9 stars
Inactivity fee No
Fractional shares Yes
Read review For a detailed analysis of Lightyear services, check out our review for 2024.

Recommended for investors and traders looking for zero-commission trading and easy platforms

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Webull snapshot
Demo account Yes
Minimum deposit $0
Time to open account 1 day
US stock fee $0.0
Mobile platform score 5.0 stars
Inactivity fee No
Fractional shares Yes
Read review For a detailed analysis of Webull services, check out our review for 2024.

Recommended for long-term investors on the hunt for low fees and focusing on the UK and US markets

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Freetrade snapshot
Demo account No
Minimum deposit $0
Time to open account 1 day
US stock fee $0.0
Mobile platform score 4.7 stars
Inactivity fee No
Fractional shares Yes
Read review For a detailed analysis of Freetrade services, check out our review for 2024.

Recommended for beginners and buy-and-hold investors focusing on the US stock market

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Robinhood snapshot
Demo account No
Minimum deposit $0
Time to open account 1 day
US stock fee $0.0
Mobile platform score 5.0 stars
Inactivity fee No
Fractional shares Yes
Read review For a detailed analysis of Robinhood services, check out our review for 2024.

Recommended for investors and beginners looking for high interest rates on cash, a simple but great mobile platform, and low fees

Visit broker

Trade Republic snapshot
Demo account No
Minimum deposit $0
Time to open account 1 day
US stock fee $1.1
Mobile platform score 4.8 stars
Inactivity fee No
Fractional shares Yes
Read review For a detailed analysis of Trade Republic services, check out our review for 2024.

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How did BrokerChooser select the best online brokers for beginners in Kenya?

  • We conducted interviews with newcomers who had little to zero trading experience trading.
  • We opened an account and tested the trading platform with our own money.
  • We looked at how easy and user-friendly it is to open an account for beginners.
  • We checked whether brokers offers educational tools, like a demo account or learning material.
  • We checked how easy it is to understand fees for new users.
  • We also took into consideration if the brokers offer fractional shares and interest for uninvested cash
  • We checked and compared 103 brokers with a special focus on fees, their trading platform and customer service.

Save hours of research!

Our expert team has done all the work for you, and reviewed brokers based on BrokerChooser's unique methodology.

FAQ

Which broker should I use as a beginner?

Low fees and an excellent mobile platform make a broker great for beginners. Beginners can also benefit greatly if a broker has excellent educational material, and tools, such as a demo account. The best way to start your journey in the world of investing is by learning. We provide a great starting point on our education page, where you can find a lot of useful learning materials. Here we give you some tips on how to start investing. To find the best online broker for your level of expertise and risk-tolerance, use our find my broker tool.

Where should a beginner invest in stocks?

Before you make stock investments, you should draw up a plan, which involves several basic questions you ought to think about, such as what is your objective, how much time do you want to spend investing and what level of risk you want to take. For beginners, one of the best ways to to starting investing in stocks is choosing an index fund or stock mutual funds, which are an easy and low-cost way to tip your toe into the stock market. We put together a guide on how to start investing in stocks, and how to buy shares online. We explicitly guide you through investing in stocks. We also give you tips on how much you should invest when you are starting out. You can also browse through our top recommendations for best trading platforms for stocks.

Do you need a lot of money to use an online broker?

No, you don't necessarily need a lot of money to use an online brokerage. Online brokers have become more accessible, offering a range of options for individuals with varying levels of capital. In a lot of the cases, you can start with as little as $10. A lot of brokers do not require a minimum deposit to open your account, making it easy to start trading with little money. Some stocks can be quite pricey (i.e. a single Google share costs over $2,000) but many brokers allow you to buy fractional shares.

Can I withdraw my money from an online broker?

Yes, you can withdraw your money from a brokerage account. Reputable and regulated brokers provide various withdrawal options (e.g. bank transfers, credit/debit card withdrawals, electronic wallets) to allow you to access the funds in your trading account. Keep in my that withdrawals are rarely instant. The time it takes for your withdrawal to be processed usually depends on the withdrawal method and the brokerage's internal processing procedures. Some withdrawals can be processed within a few business days, while others may take longer.

Is my money safe in an online brokerage account?

Yes, in general, your money is safe in a reputable and regulated brokerage. Nevertheless, it doesn't hurt to remain vigilant and conduct your due diligence. Avoid brokerages that have negative reviews, unclear terms, or that operate from unregulated jurisdictions. By selecting a well-regulated, transparent, and reputable brokerage, you can significantly reduce the risks associated with online trading.

Is trading gambling?

Trading is not gambling, although some poeple might treat it like that, but they will learn quickly that gamblers lose their money. The goal of a trader is to make predictions that will be as accurate as possible to make money, while gamblers can't predict anything, they bet. People who trade for the thrill of it, or because they want to prove something, or can't accept losing on the market from time to time, and don't have a plan or consistency, are trading in a gambling style. New online trading apps have recently come under the spotlight for bringing a gambling aspect into trading. The gamification of trading, with easy-to-use online platforms, little education for retail traders and the social pressure of 'FOMO' also contribute to a gambling attitude on the market. Serious traders should consider their objectives, their attitudes to risk, and carefully devise an investment strategy when entering a market.

Is trading hard to learn?

Trading is not difficult to learn if you invest enough time and energy into it. But that is a big if. Plenty of people trade, but the more time you spend studying trading, the more you practice, - as with everything else -, the better results you can expect. Knowing yourself, your attitude to risk-taking, and being patient and disciplined are also crucial factors if you want to be successful. Keep a cool head, don't look for easy money, commit to studying trading and always have a trading plan. Our aim is to make personal investing as clear and accessible for you, as possible. Our educational page is a good starting point. You can also learn from our expert traders about the difference between investing and trading, and learn here about how to become a trader. You can also learn about different investment strategies from us.

Want to learn more?

Check out these articles written by our broker and trading experts:

Glossary

Here is a glossary to help you with some terms in our review:

Inactivity fee: a fee that is charged when a customer has not done any buying or selling on their brokerage account for a specific amount of time determined by the brokerage.

Withdrawal fee: an amount you need to pay when you withdraw money from your trading account to your bank account.

Deposit fee: this is charged when you send money to your trading account at an online broker. The fee may differ depending on the method of transfer (i.e. bank card, bank transfer, e-wallets, etc.).

Regulators: these are official bodies established by governments or other organizations to oversee the functioning and fairness of financial markets, including markets, exchanges and firms. They also oversee that investors are not fooled by scams, and in case of wrongdoing, they try to provide some level of financial and legal backing.

Investor protection: this means that up to a certain limit, you get your money back if the broker goes into bankruptcy or commits fraud.

Non-trading fees: charges not directly related to trading, such as deposit/withdrawal fees or inactivity fees.

Trading fees: these are charged when you trade; for instance, in the form of a commission, spreads, financing rates, margin rates or a conversion fee.

Still sounds confusing? You can dive into our broader glossary explaining all the exotic terms of the financial world. We also have a forex trading glossary dedicated to terms specifically related to forex trading.

Get a clear view of your entire portfolio
Track all your accounts in one place and get a full picture of your investments.
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Everything you find on BrokerChooser is based on reliable data and unbiased information. We combine our 10+ years finance experience with readers feedback. Read more about our methodology.

author
Adam Nasli
Author of this article
I bring extensive financial expertise as one of BrokerChooser's earliest team members. Personally, I tested nearly all 100+ brokers on our site, opening real-money accounts, executing trades, assessing customer services, and providing firsthand assessment. My professional background includes roles in the banking sector and a degree from Central European University, where I teach finance. My passions lies in in-depth research of the financial industry, building trading algorithms, and managing long-term investments.
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