Kenyans can now buy shares in Quickmart as the supermarket chain opens its Initial Public Offering (IPO), with investors able to apply through mobile phones, an online platform or physical application forms.
The offer, which opened on October 5, 2026, gives the public an opportunity to acquire a stake in one of Kenya’s largest supermarket chains ahead of its planned listing on the Nairobi Securities Exchange (NSE).
How to apply for Quickmart shares
Investors first need a valid Central Depository and Settlement Corporation (CDSC) account. The account is where shares traded on the NSE are held electronically, and any Quickmart shares allotted to an investor will be credited to it.
There are three ways to apply:
- Through USSD: Investors can dial *483*803# on their mobile phones and follow the prompts to submit an application.
The USSD option is available for applications worth up to Sh250,000. Investors will be required to provide details including their CDS account number, identification number, investor category and the number of shares they want to purchase.
The minimum application is 500 shares, costing Sh3,750 at the IPO price of Sh7.50 per share. Additional applications must be made in multiples of 100 shares, equivalent to Sh750.
Applicants using USSD can opt to have refunds and future dividends paid through M-Pesa. After confirming the application, investors can make payment immediately through an M-Pesa prompt or choose to pay later using the payment instructions sent by SMS.
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2. Online application: Investors can also submit their applications electronically through Quickmart’s designated IPO portal.
The process involves completing the application form, providing the required information, uploading supporting documents and making payment through the designated payment channel.
3. Physical application: Investors who prefer paper applications can obtain and complete the relevant forms and submit them to designated placing agents before the offer closes.
All applications must be completed and paid for by 5pm on October 30, 2026. Applications submitted after the deadline will not be accepted.
Once the offer closes, Quickmart expects to announce the results and notify investors of their allocations on November 6.
Shares are scheduled to be credited to successful applicants’ CDS accounts on November 11, alongside the processing of refunds where applicable. Trading on the NSE is expected to begin on November 12.
Quickmart offers 2 billion shares at Sh7.50
Quickmart is offering 2 billion existing ordinary shares at Sh7.50 each, giving the offer a total value of Sh15 billion. The shares represent 50 per cent of the retailer’s issued share capital.
At the offer price, Quickmart will have an implied market value of Sh30 billion once listed. The shares are being sold by existing shareholder Sokoni Retail Kenya Limited, making the transaction an offer for sale rather than an issue of new shares by Quickmart itself.
The IPO has no maximum application limit, meaning investors can apply for as many shares as they wish, subject to the applicable application and payment arrangements.
For a retail investor, the entry point is Sh3,750, which buys 500 shares at the offer price.
The IPO is, however, conditional on achieving a minimum subscription level of 75 per cent. This means at least 1.5 billion of the 2 billion shares must receive valid applications.
If the requirement is not met, the offer will not proceed and application funds will be returned without interest.
Quickmart currently operates 72 stores across 16 counties, following the opening of additional outlets in July and August.
The retailer reported Sh50.4 billion in revenue in 2025, while its adjusted profit after tax stood at about Sh1.7 billion.
The company is targeting further expansion, with its medium-term strategy aimed at taking its store network beyond 100 outlets.
The IPO will pave the way for Quickmart’s admission to the NSE’s Main Investment Market Segment. If the timetable remains unchanged, the shares will start trading on November 12, 2026.
