How to Open a CDS Account 

Investing in shares is one of the most common ways individuals build wealth and earn passive income over time.

When you buy shares in a listed company, you become a part-owner of that business and may benefit through capital gains when share prices rise or through dividends when the company distributes profits to shareholders.

Investors who choose to go through stockbrokers need a Central Depository System (CDS) account. One of the platforms that allows investors to open and manage a CDS account is Dosikaa, a mobile application managed by the Central Depository and Settlement Corporation (CDSC).

However, investors also have the option to buy and sell shares on platforms such as Ziidi Trader, where they may not need to have a CDS account.

Also Read: CSD vs CDS: Two Accounts You Need to Invest in Shares and Bonds

How to Open a CDS Account on Dosikaa

Opening a CDS account through the Dosikaa app is a straightforward process that can be completed in a few minutes.

Step 1: Download the Dosikaa App from either the Google Play Store for Android users or the Apple App Store for iPhone users.

Step 2: Once the application is installed, sign up by creating an account and providing the required details.

‍Step 3: Choose a stockbroker. The app allows users to select a preferred stockbroker from a list of six participating stockbrokers available on the platform. Your chosen stockbroker will facilitate your trading activities on the NSE.

‍Step 4: Start investing. After completing the registration process and selecting a stockbroker, you can begin buying and selling shares through the platform.

Read more: How to Start Investing in the Kenyan Stock Market: A Beginner’s Guide

Can You Open a CDS Account Elsewhere?

While Dosikaa provides a convenient way to open and manage a CDS account, it is not the only option available to investors.

Several licensed stockbrokers in Kenya offer CDS account opening services directly. The requirements and registration process may vary slightly depending on the stockbroker you choose.

As a result, investors are encouraged to compare available options before deciding which platform best suits their needs.

Also Read: Top 10 Most Profitable NSE Stocks in the First Half of 2026

Is a CDS Account Always Required to Buy Shares?

Although a CDS account remains the traditional way of holding and trading shares listed on the NSE, some investment platforms now allow investors to gain exposure to shares through alternative structures that do not require one to have a CDS account, like Ziidi Trader.