Nairobi Securities Exchange (NSE) analyst Martin Abuya has won the Digital Innovator of the Year Award at the ISACA Kenya Chapter Awards 2026, recognising his contribution to technology-driven innovation in Kenya’s financial sector.

Abuya, a Senior Analyst in Market Access at the NSE, was honoured for his role in developing digital solutions aimed at expanding access to investment opportunities and strengthening participation in the capital markets.

NSE celebrates digital innovation

In a statement shared on its X account on Monday, July 20, 2026, the NSE congratulated Abuya, describing the award as recognition of his contribution to digital innovation within the Exchange and the wider financial landscape.

“We are incredibly proud to celebrate Martin Abuya, Senior Analyst, Market Access, for winning the prestigious ‘Digital Innovator of the Year’ Award at the ISACA Kenya Chapter Awards 2026,” the NSE said.

The exchange said Abuya’s work had helped push the boundaries of financial technology while contributing to efforts to make investment more accessible to Kenyans.

Ziidi Trader expands retail investing

Among the initiatives associated with Abuya is the Safaricom Ziidi Trader platform, which has enabled more Kenyans to access stock trading through their mobile phones.

The platform has recorded growing participation since its launch, with the NSE reporting in June that Ziidi Trader had surpassed Ksh1.08 billion in cumulative turnover after facilitating 351,440 trades.

“The platform has facilitated 351,440 trades, achieved a peak market share of 4.27 per cent and recorded an average trade size of KES 3,076.69, highlighting growing participation from retail investors,” the NSE stated.

The platform’s average trade size was significantly lower than the broader market average, highlighting the growing role of digital platforms in bringing smaller investors into the capital markets.

New platforms target wider participation

Abuya has also contributed to the development of the upcoming Fractional Trading Platform, which is expected to lower the cost barrier for investors seeking to buy portions of shares.

Another initiative, SokoPlay, provides a virtual trading environment where users can learn about the stock market and practise trading without risking real money.

The NSE said the initiatives were helping build a more inclusive and technologically advanced financial sector.

“Congratulations once again, Martin! Keep up the excellent work in building a more inclusive and technologically advanced financial sector in Kenya,” the Exchange said.