Welcome to OMS Africa
Everything you need to open your account, trade online, understand markets, and get support – all on one page.
Section I
A Message from Management
Welcome to OMS Africa.
By opening an account with us, you are doing more than just buying shares; you are taking ownership of your financial future. Whether you are investing to build generational wealth, save for a specific goal, or participate in Kenya’s dynamic economic growth, we are honored to be your partner.
At OMS Africa, we believe that investment services shouldn't be complicated. We have built our business on three pillars: Integrity, Insight, and Innovation. Our goal is to give you the same tools, research, and execution speed that large institutional investors enjoy, packaged in a way that is accessible to you.
Thank you for choosing us. We look forward to growing with you.
Why Choose OMS Africa?
- Speed & Reliability: Our Active Trader platform connects you directly to the NSE, ensuring your orders are executed instantly.
- Actionable Research: We don't just send you data; we tell you what it means. Our research team provides deep insights and clear guidance.
- Holistic Partnership: From Equities and Bonds to Advisory services, we support your entire investment lifecycle.
How to Use This Guide
We designed this manual to be a practical tool, not a dusty rulebook.
- Jump to Section II if you need to set up your account or deposit funds.
- Jump to Section III for a step-by-step guide on using the Online Trading platform.
- Jump to Section V for quick answers to common questions (FAQs).
Section II
Starting Your Investment Journey
Welcome to OMS Africa. We have streamlined our onboarding to get you set up as a trusted investment partner securely and efficiently.
1. Opening Your Account
To trade on the Nairobi Securities Exchange (NSE), you need a registered CDS (Central Depository System) account. Whether you are new to the market or transferring from another broker, we handle the heavy lifting for you.
For New Investors
Please submit the following three items to clientservice@omsafrica.co.ke:
Completed Forms:
Identification:
- A clear copy of your National ID or Passport.
- A recent colored passport-sized photo.
Tax & Banking:
- Copy of your KRA PIN Certificate (or Tax ID for non-residents).
- Proof of banking details (e.g., a copy of your ATM card or a redacted bank or MPESA statement from the last 6 months).
For Existing Investors (Transferring to OMS)
If you already have shares with another broker and wish to switch to OMS Africa, simply provide the documents above plus:
CDS 4A/4B Transfer Form: This must be signed by your previous broker to authorize the move.
What happens next?
Once we receive your documents, our team performs a secure background and tax verification (iTax & IPRS). You will typically receive your unique CDSC Account Number and welcome via email within 24–48 hours, confirming your account is active.
2. Pre-Funding Your Account
To execute a trade, your account must be pre-funded. We offer two secure ways to top up your brokerage account.
| Method | Details |
|---|---|
| Option A: M-Pesa |
Paybill Number: 814355 Account Number: Your CDS Account Number (or ID Number if new) Best for: Immediate, smaller deposits. |
| Option B: Bank Transfer |
Bank: Stanbic Bank Account Name: OMNI MARCHE SECURITE Account No: 0100000451864 Swift Code: SBICKENX Best for: Larger sums and corporate transfers. |
3. How to Place a Trade
We believe trading should be simple. You can instruct us to buy or sell via email or our self-service platform.
To Buy Shares
Ensure your account is funded, then send an email to
clientservice@omsafrica.co.ke
with the subject "BUY ORDER".
Include: Company Name (Counter), Price Limit, and Quantity.
Example: "Buy 1,000 shares of Safaricom at KES 15.00."
To Sell Shares
Send an email to
clientservice@omsafrica.co.ke
with the subject "SELL ORDER".
Include: Company Name (Counter), Price Limit, and Quantity.
Example: "Sell 500 shares of KCB at Market Price."
Understanding Your Order Options
Limit Order (Recommended): You set a specific price. You will only buy if the price is at or below your limit, or sell if it is at or above your limit.
Market Order: The trade is executed immediately at the best available current price.
4. Understanding Transaction Costs
We believe in complete transparency. When you trade on the NSE, the cost structure is regulated. The table below breaks down exactly how the charges are applied to your trade.
| Charge Item | Rate | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Brokerage Commission |
1.76% (Orders/Lots ≤ KES 100,000) 1.36% (Orders/Lots > KES 100,000) |
The fee paid to OMS Africa for executing your trade and providing advisory services. |
| Statutory Levies | Pass-through fees paid to regulators: | |
| — CMA Transaction Levy | 0.12% | Paid to the Capital Markets Authority. |
| — NSE Transaction Levy | 0.12% | Paid to the Nairobi Securities Exchange. |
| — CDSC Transaction Levy | 0.08% | Paid to the Central Depository & Settlement Corp. |
| Investor Protection | Funds set aside for market security: | |
| — CMA Guarantee Fund | 0.01% | Investor Compensation Fund. |
| — CDSC Guarantee Fund | 0.01% | Settlement Guarantee Fund. |
| Other Charges | ||
| — Stamp Duty | KES 2 per 10,000 | Statutory duty on the transaction value. |
💡 Key Term: "Consideration"
You might see the term Consideration on your contract notes. This simply means the Transaction Value (Price × Quantity).
Transactions up to KES 100,000 are charged at 1.76% commission.
Transactions above KES 100,000 benefit from a lower rate of 1.36%.
Section III
Online Trading at OMS Africa
Markets move fast, and so should you. We offer multiple ways to access the market, ensuring you are always connected to your portfolio.
1. Platform Overview: Ways to Trade
We provide flexible trading channels to suit your lifestyle and urgency.
| Channel | Best For | Availability |
|---|---|---|
| OMS Active Trader (Web) | Real-time trading, portfolio analysis, and instant order placement. This is your primary command center. | 24/7 Access (Market hours apply for execution) |
| Email Instruction |
Specific, non-urgent instructions or complex portfolio queries. Email: clientservice@omsafrica.co.ke |
Processed during business hours |
| Mobile App | Trading on the go. | Coming Soon |
| Phone | Note: For security and compliance compliance, we do not accept trade instructions via phone calls. Please use the web platform or email to ensure a digital audit trail. | Support Only |
2. Active Trader: The Basics
Everything you need to get set up, secure your account, and place your first trade.
How to Sign Up & Login
Access the platform here: Online Trading Platform.
First-Time Registration:
- Click "Sign Up" on the login page.
- Enter your CDS Account Number, National ID/Passport Number, and registered Email Address.
- Click Submit. The system will validate your details against our records.
- Create your desired Login Name and check availability.
- Once confirmed, a Temporary Password will be sent to your email immediately.
First Login & Security:
- Log in using your new Username and the Temporary Password from your email.
- You will be prompted to create a new, permanent password.
- Security Note: Your password must be alphanumeric (letters and numbers) and at least 6 characters long.
Forgot Your Password?
If you are locked out, don't worry.
- Click "Forgot Password?" on the login screen.
- Enter your Username and Email. A new temporary password will be sent to your inbox.
- Note: If you enter the wrong password 3 times, your account will be locked for security. Use the "Unlock My Account" link on the login page to reset this.
Navigating Your Dashboard
Once logged in, your screen acts as a cockpit for the market.
- Market Watch: This is your main list of stocks. You can view live prices, bids, and offers here.
- Ticker: Running across the top, this shows the day's top Gainers and Losers at a glance.
- Portfolio Summary: Located in the reports section, this gives you a real-time valuation of your holdings.
How to Buy or Sell Shares (Retail Orders)
- Select the Stock: In your "Market Watch" widget, find the company you want to trade (e.g., SAFCOM).
- Click 'B' or 'S': Click the blue 'B' icon to Buy or the red 'S' icon to Sell.
- Enter Order Details:
- Quantity: Number of shares (e.g., 100).
- Price: The price you are willing to transact at.
- Trading Mode: Ensure "Delivery" is selected for standard equity trades.
Submit: Click Buy or Sell to execute.
Note: The system automatically checks your available funds (for buys) or available stock (for sells) before sending the order to the exchange.
3. Active Trader: Advanced Features (For Power Users)
For experienced traders requiring deeper analysis and precision execution.
Advanced Order Types
Beyond standard orders, Active Trader supports sophisticated instructions to manage your entry and exit strategies.
Stop Loss / Stop Limit:
Protect your profits. Set a "Trigger Price" so that your order is only activated if the market hits a specific level.
IOC (Immediate or Cancel):
Best for fast-moving markets. The order attempts to fill immediately; any portion that cannot be filled instantly is cancelled rather than sitting in the queue.
FOK (Fill or Kill):
The entire order must be filled immediately, or none of it is. This ensures you don't get stuck with partial fills.
Customizing Your Workspace
Make the platform work for you. You can create multiple Dashboards to monitor different sectors or strategies.
- Add Widgets: Click the "Add Widget" button to snap in new modules like Sector Statistics, Market Depth (top 5 buyers/sellers), or Live Charts.
- Custom Columns: In your Watchlist, click the Settings (Gear) icon to add data points like "Total Trades," "Turnover," or "Foreign Buy/Sell" quantities to your view.
Detailed Reporting & Audits
You have full access to your historical data without needing to contact support.
- Order Status Report: View the lifecycle of every order (Pending, Fully Traded, Rejected, or Modified) in real-time.
- Contract Notes: Access digital contract notes for "Equity" or "Debt" trades under the Reports > Contract tab.
- Audit Logs: For your own security audits, view the Session Log to see every login attempt on your account.
4. Troubleshooting Common Issues
Q: My order was "Rejected." Why?
A: This usually happens if you have insufficient funds (for a buy) or do not hold enough shares (for a sell). Please check your "Available Funds" or "Stock Holdings" widgets.
Q: I can't see the full menu.
A: Ensure you are using a recommended browser like Chrome (v45+) or Firefox (v55+). The platform is optimized for a screen resolution of 1920x1080.
Q: How do I withdraw funds?
A: Navigate to the "Fund Transfer" menu to initiate a payment request. The history of these requests is viewable under "Withdraw History".
Section IV
Account Management & Support
Your financial life evolves, and your investment account should keep up. Here is how to manage your portfolio, keep your data secure, and stay informed.
1. Updating Your Account Details
To protect your assets, we have strict verification protocols for changing sensitive information.
Sensitive Changes (Bank Details, Mobile Number, Email Address):
Process: Please send a signed instruction (scanned letter or filled Change of Details Form) and a copy of your ID to
clientservice@omsafrica.co.ke.
Verification: For your security, our team will perform a callback verification to confirm the request came from you before updating our system.
Note: For bank changes, please attach a copy of the new bank card or a header of the bank statement.
Standard Updates (Postal Address, Employment, Next of Kin):
Simply email us from your registered email address with the new details.
2. Statements & Reporting
We ensure you always have a clear view of your portfolio performance.
- Monthly Statements: Sent on request to your registered email.
- Transaction Notes: A Contract Note (digital receipt) is sent immediately after every trade execution.
- Historical Data: You can generate statements for any date range via the Online Trading Portal [Link] or request them via email at no extra cost.
- Tax Reporting: We provide an annual Transaction Summary on request to help you file your returns easily.
3. Corporate Actions (Dividends & Bonuses)
When the companies you invest in distribute profits, we ensure you get your share.
- Cash Dividends: These are credited directly to your registered Bank Account or M-Pesa by the registrar.
- Tip: Ensure your bank details are always current to avoid payment delays.
- Bonus Issues: New shares are automatically credited to your CDSC account.
- Rights Issues: If a company offers you the "right" to buy more shares, we will notify you via email with the offer terms, deadlines, and instructions on how to exercise your rights.
4. Security Best Practices
Your security is a partnership. While we protect the backend, here is how you can help:
- Phishing Awareness: OMS Africa will never ask for your password via email or phone.
- Verified Payments: Only deposit funds into the official OMS Africa bank accounts listed in this manual. We do not accept cash.
- Report Suspicious Activity: If you receive a trade confirmation for a transaction you did not authorize, contact us immediately at compliance@omsafrica.co.ke.
5. Important Limitations (What We Cannot Do)
To comply with Kenyan financial laws (AML/CFT) and ensure client safety:
- No Third-Party Payments: We cannot pay proceeds to a bank account that does not bear your name.
- No Cash Handling: We do not accept cash deposits at our offices. All funding must be digital (Bank Transfer or M-Pesa).
- No "Hot Tips": While we provide research and recommendations, we do not guarantee market movements. All investment decisions are final once executed.
Section V
Support & FAQs
We have grouped the most common questions to help you navigate your investment journey.
🟢 Getting Started & Account Management
Q: What is the difference between a CDSC Account and an OMS Trading Account?
A: Think of the CDSC Account as your "digital safe" where your shares are legally held by the Central Depository. Your OMS Trading Account is the gateway that allows you to access that safe to buy or sell. You need both, and we open them simultaneously for you.
Q: How long does it take to open an account?
A: If your documents are in order, we typically have your account ready within 24 to 48 hours.
Q: Is there a minimum amount required to start trading?
A: There is no account opening fee. To trade, you simply need enough funds to cover the intended share purchase) plus transaction fees. You can even start with as little as KES 1,000.
Q: What is "KYC" and why do I need to update it?
A: KYC stands for "Know Your Customer." It is a regulatory requirement to keep your ID, tax, and contact details up to date. If your account becomes "Dormant" or "Non-Compliant," simply email us your current ID and a recent utility bill/bank statement to reactivate it.
Q: How do I update my bank or contact details?
A: For security reasons, changes to sensitive details (Bank, Email, Phone) require a signed instruction and a callback verification. Please see Section IV: Account Management for the full procedure.
📈 The Trading Process
Q: Can I trade on my phone?
A: Yes. In addition to our email desk, we offer an online platform and mobile access. [Insert link/instruction to download app here].
Q: What are Trading Hours?
A: The Nairobi Securities Exchange (NSE) market is open Monday to Friday, from 9:30 AM to 3:00 PM. Orders sent outside these hours will be queued for the next trading session.
Q: What is an IPO?
A: An Initial Public Offering (IPO) is when a company lists on the stock exchange for the first time, allowing the public to buy a stake. These are special events, and we will notify you whenever a new opportunity arises.
Q: Can I have multiple brokers?
A: Yes. You can have accounts with different brokers, but each will have a separate CDSC account number. However, many clients prefer consolidating their portfolio with OMS Africa for a single view of their wealth.
💰 Money & Returns
Q: How do I earn money from shares?
A: There are two main ways:
1. Capital Gains: Selling shares for a higher price than you bought them.
2. Dividends: A share of profits paid out by the company directly to your bank account (usually annually or semi-annually).
Q: Are share investments guaranteed?
A: No. Like all market investments, share prices can go up or down based on company performance and economic conditions. We recommend diversifying your investments and consulting our research team for guidance.
Q: If I sell my shares, how soon do I get paid?
A: The NSE operates on a T+3 cycle. This means the trade settles 3 business days after the sale. Once settled, the funds are available for withdrawal to your bank or M-Pesa immediately.
Section VI
Using Research & Market Insights
At OMS Africa, we don't just execute trades; we empower you with intelligence. Successful investing isn't about guessing—it's about making informed decisions based on quality data.
1. What to Expect from Us
We filter out the noise so you can focus on the signal. As a client, you have exclusive access to our research desk.
- Daily Market Wrap: A quick afternoon snapshot of what happened in the day’s trading and what to look out for in the next session.
- Company Valuation Reports: Deep dives into specific listed companies. We analyze their financial health, management strategy, and future outlook to tell you if a stock is "cheap" or "expensive."
- Macro-Economic Analysis: Insights on how broader trends—like inflation, interest rates, or government policy—might affect your portfolio.
2. How to Read a Research Note
When you receive a report from us, you might see specific recommendations. Here is how to interpret them:
| Rating | What It Means |
|---|---|
| 🟢 BUY | Our analysts believe the share price has significant upside (it is expected to rise) relative to its current market price. It may be a good time to enter. |
| 🟡 HOLD | The company is solid, but the current price is fair. If you own it, keep it. If you don't, you might want to wait for a better entry price. |
| 🔴 SELL | We believe the share price is likely to fall or has reached its peak valuation. It might be a strategic time to take your profits. |
| Target Price | The price we predict the stock will reach within a specific timeframe (usually 12 months) based on our calculations. |
💡 Pro Tip: A "Sell" rating isn't always bad news. If you bought a share at KES 10 and we recommend selling at KES 20, that’s a celebration of profit, not a warning of failure!
3. Navigating Key Market Events
Markets react to news. Here are the two biggest events you should watch:
Earnings Announcements (Reporting Season)
Public companies typically report their performance twice a year (Half-Year and Full-Year results).
What to look for: Did they make a profit? Is the profit higher than last year?
The Reaction: If a company reports better-than-expected profits, the share price often jumps. If they miss expectations, the price may dip.
Your Move: Use these reports to assess if the company is still growing.
Corporate Actions
These are events initiated by a company that affect its shares.
Dividends: When a company shares its profits with you. We will alert you on the "Book Closure" date—you must hold the share before this date to qualify for the payment.
Rights Issues: A company might invite existing shareholders to buy more shares, usually at a discounted price. This is often an opportunity to lower your average cost of entry.
4. Smart Investing Principles
- Time in the Market > Timing the Market: Trying to buy at the exact bottom and sell at the exact top is nearly impossible. Consistency usually beats luck.
- Diversification: Do not put all your eggs in one basket. If you own banking stocks, consider balancing them with manufacturing or energy stocks.
- Ignore the Panic: Markets go up and down. If a stock drops 5% in a day but the company is fundamentally strong, it might be a buying opportunity, not a reason to panic sell.
Section VII
Contact & Support
1. Reach Out to Us
We are here to help. Whether you have a technical query or need investment guidance, our team is just a call or click away.
For general inquiries, account opening, or trading support:
📞 Call Us: 0724 226 600 / 0709 004 300
Available Monday – Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
📧 Email: clientservice@omsafrica.co.ke
We aim to respond to all emails within 24 hours.
📍 Visit Us:
4th Avenue Towers, 13th Floor
Off Bishops Road, Upperhill, Nairobi
2. Issue Resolution & Escalation
We take your satisfaction seriously. If you feel your issue has not been resolved to your satisfaction by our Client Service team, you may escalate the matter directly to our Compliance Department.
Escalation Email: compliance@omsafrica.co.ke
Please include your CDS Account Number and previous ticket number (if applicable) for a faster resolution.
Send us a message
Section VIII
Glossary & Resources
1. Key Terms Decoded
- Bid: The price a buyer is willing to pay. If you are selling, this is the price you look at.
- Offer (Ask): The price a seller is willing to accept. If you are buying, this is the price you look at.
- Spread: The gap between the Bid and the Offer. A smaller spread usually means the share is easier to trade.
- Liquidity: How easily you can buy or sell a share without moving the price. "Liquid" stocks (like Safaricom or Equity) are easy to trade quickly.
- Limit Order: An instruction to buy or sell at a specific price (or better). You control the price, but you might not get the shares if the market moves away from you.
- Market Order: An instruction to buy or sell immediately at the best available price. You get the shares instantly, but the price might fluctuate slightly.
- T+3 Settlement: The global standard used by the NSE. It means if you trade today (T), the shares and money will officially exchange hands 3 business days later.
- CDS Account: Your "digital wallet" held by the Central Depository (CDSC) where your shares are stored safely.
- Dividend: Your share of the company's profits, paid out as cash directly to your bank account.
2. Useful Links
- Market Data: Nairobi Securities Exchange (NSE)
- Regulator: Capital Markets Authority (CMA)
- Depository: CDSC Kenya
- Industry Association: Kenya Association of Stockbrokers & Investment Banks (KASIB)
- Professional Body: ICIFA