How to Buy US Stocks in Kenya: A Step-by-Step Guide

Imagine owning a piece of Apple, Tesla, or Amazon from right here in Kenya. Thanks to modern technology, investing in US stocks is no longer limited to Wall Street traders—it’s now possible for you to buy and hold shares in some of the world’s biggest companies from your phone or laptop.

Why should you care? The US stock market offers opportunities for high growth, diversification, and long-term wealth creation. Instead of relying solely on local investments, you can spread your money across global markets and benefit from the success of leading companies.

But how exactly do you buy US stocks as a Kenyan investor? What platforms can you use? What risks should you be aware of? This guide covers everything you need to know.

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Why Invest in US Markets?

The Nairobi Securities Exchange (NSE) offers investment opportunities, but it’s small compared to the US markets. The US stock exchanges—New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) and Nasdaq—are home to the world’s most valuable companies, many of which are global leaders in technology, manufacturing, healthcare, and finance.

Here’s why investing in US stocks makes sense:

• Higher Growth Potential: Companies like Apple, Google, and Amazon dominate global markets and are some of the most profitable. For instance, Apple's market capitalization grew from around $1.35 trillion in 2020 to over $3.4 trillion in 2025. 

This means, if you invested $1,000 (about Ksh105,000) in Apple stocks in 2020, your investment would now be worth approximately $3,600 (Ksh465,000) in 2025. 

• Diversification: A diverse portfolio minimizes financial shocks from local market downturns. For instance, if the Kenyan economy faces challenges and the value of your Kenyan stocks depreciate, having investments in US stocks can balance out potential losses.  

• Hedge Against Inflation: US stocks, particularly in tech and healthcare, have shown long-term upward trends. For instance, The S&P 500 index has delivered an average annual return of about 10% over the last 50 years. 

Long-term investments in high-return stocks can significantly increase your income over time, giving you more financial freedom and security, while protecting you from the effects of inflation. 

• Access to Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs): ETFs allow you to invest in entire industries and sectors, like the S&P 500 or Dow Jones, without picking individual stocks. They provide instant diversification, lower risk, and require less active management, making them a great option for beginners.

Read Also: With a Ksh3 Million Retirement Package, Where Do I Invest? I Don’t Want Anything Stressful 

Understanding Key Investment Terms

Before diving in, familiarize yourself with these terms:

• Stock Exchange: A marketplace where stocks are bought and sold (e.g., NYSE, Nasdaq).
• Brokerage Account: A digital account where you hold and trade stocks.
• ETF (Exchange-Traded Fund): A fund that tracks an index, sector, or commodity and trades like a stock.
• Capital Gains & Dividends: Profits from selling stocks vs. earnings paid to shareholders.

Options for Buying US Stocks in Kenya

There are three main ways you can access US stocks from Kenya:

1. Online Brokers

Online brokers allow you to buy and sell US stocks directly from Kenya. These platforms give you access to global stock exchanges, often with user-friendly interfaces and mobile apps. 

While there are many online brokers, not all serve the Kenyan market. Before creating and funding your online account to buy stock, make sure the broker accepts Kenyan investors. 

Examples of Online Brokers Available in Kenya

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• Interactive Brokers (IBKR): One of the best known platforms for international investors. It offers access to thousands of US stocks, ETFs, and other assets with competitive fees. IBKR is an established global platform, founded in 1978 and listed on the NYSE (IBKR ticker symbol).

• HF Markets: A broker that lets you buy and hold actual US stocks or trade them as Contracts for Difference (CFDs). 

HF Markets has a Kenyan subsidiary regulated by the Capital Markets Authority (CMA), offering local investors more confidence and security.

2. Local Brokers with US Partnerships

Some Kenyan brokerage firms have partnered with US brokers to offer access to NYSE and Nasdaq. These platforms provide a local alternative to international brokers, often with easier funding options.

Examples of Local Brokers Offering US Stocks

• HISA: A Kenyan investment app that allows you to buy fractional shares of US stocks and ETFs, meaning you can invest in Apple or Tesla with as little as $5 (Ksh650). 
• NDOVU Wealth: A wealth management platform licensed by the CMA. It partners with Interactive Brokers LLC to offer Kenyans access to US stocks through ETFs and direct shares.
• Scope Markets: Offers trading in US stocks and global indices, making it another viable option to buy shares. 

Read Also: With a Ksh70K Net Salary, How Do I Invest Well Enough to be a Homeowner at 33? 

Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs)

If you're not comfortable picking individual stocks, ETFs are a great alternative.

ETFs are funds that hold multiple stocks, providing built-in diversification. Instead of buying individual shares of Tesla, Amazon, and Apple, you can invest in an ETF that includes all three.

Some Popular US ETFs to Consider include:

• S&P 500 ETFs (SPY, VOO, IVV): These indexes track the performance of the top 500 US companies.
  
  
• Technology ETFs (QQQ, ARKK):
  
  
• QQQ includes giants like Microsoft, Nvidia, and Meta.
  
  
• ARKK invests in high-growth companies focused on innovation like Tesla.
  
  
• Dividend ETFs (VYM, SCHD): These ETFs focus on companies that pay regular dividends, making them great for investors who want passive income.

Why Choose ETFs?

• Lower risk than individual stocks
• Require less research and monitoring
• Often have lower fees than actively managed funds

Read Also: All You Need to Know About ETF Investments in Kenya 

Step-by-Step Guide to Buying US Stocks

Once you've chosen your preferred investment platform, follow these steps:

Step 1: Choose a Platform

Compare online brokers and local brokerage firms based on fees, stock selection, ease of use, and security. 

Step 2: Open an Account

Sign up with your chosen broker, providing your details, ID verification, and proof of address.

Step 3: Fund Your Account

• Bank Transfers: Some brokers allow direct deposits from Kenyan banks.
• Mobile Money (M-Pesa): Some local brokers accept M-Pesa for deposits.
• Credit/Debit Cards: International brokers may allow card deposits.

Step 4: Search for Stocks

Use the broker’s search tool to find US stocks or ETFs by ticker symbol (e.g., AAPL for Apple, TSLA for Tesla).

The stocks you choose will typically depend on your investment goals. For example, if you want to generate passive income, you will need to buy dividend paying stocks. 

Step 5: Place a Buy Order

Decide between:

• Market Order: Buys at the current price.
• Limit Order: Buys only if the stock hits your preferred price.

Using limit orders can help you avoid overpaying during volatile market movements.  

Step 6: Monitor Your Investment

Keep track of your stocks and ETFs, checking for price changes, company news, and performance trends. 

Tracking your portfolio ensures you stay informed on stock performance, economic trends, and potential risks. 

4 Things to Consider Before Investing

1. Costs and Fees

Different platforms have varying charges, including:

• Transaction Fees: Some brokers charge per trade, while others offer commission-free trades.
• Currency Conversion Fees: Since you’re buying in USD, converting KES to USD may incur extra costs.
• Account Maintenance Fees: Some brokers charge for inactive accounts.

2. Tax Implications

• Dividend Tax: US dividends are taxed at 30% for foreign investors. Some brokers may withhold this tax automatically.
• Capital Gains Tax: The US does not tax capital gains for foreign investors, but you may have to declare your earnings locally when filing tax returns. 

3. Regulatory Compliance

Ensure your chosen broker is regulated by:

• The US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) for US brokers.
• The Capital Markets Authority (CMA) for Kenyan brokers offering international trading.

4. Risk Awareness

• Stock prices fluctuate, and you can lose money.
• Diversification (investing in multiple stocks or ETFs) helps manage risk.
• Market trends, economic conditions, and interest rates affect stock performance.

Read Also: 5 Investing Risk Factors and How to Avoid Them

Wrapping Up

Investing in US stocks is a great way to grow your wealth. With the right approach, you can build a profitable portfolio that benefits from global market trends.

Before you start investing, take the time to do your homework. This includes researching the brokers you choose and learning about the companies you’re investing in.

Next, consider using demo accounts—many brokers offer demo trading to help you practice and understand how buying and selling stocks work.

Finally, consult experts, start small, and only invest what you can afford to lose.