High Yield Investments Kenya

If you’re looking for a smart way to grow your savings without locking your money away for years, unit trusts – especially Money Market Funds (MMFs) – are worth a serious look. They offer better returns than most bank savings accounts, while still letting you access your cash when life throws a curveball. In Kenya, the unit trust space is buzzing, with rates ranging from single digits to over 15% – and there’s a fund for almost every type of investor.

So, what exactly is a unit trust?

Think of a unit trust as a pool of money from many investors that’s invested in a diversified portfolio of assets – typically short‑term, low‑risk stuff like:

• Treasury bills (the government’s IOU)
• Fixed deposits with banks
• Short‑term corporate bonds
• Commercial paper (companies borrowing for a few months)
• Other interest‑earning instruments

They’re perfect if you want to:

• Keep your capital safe
• Earn a regular monthly income
• Have quick access to your money (most funds pay out in 24‑48 hours)
• Beat inflation (many are returning well above the current rate)

Want to see what your money could grow to? Try our handy MMF calculator – it’s free and takes just a minute.

How we compiled this list

We’ve taken the latest data straight from the unit trust section – no filter, just the raw numbers. The table below shows every fund, its currency, the daily yield, and the annual rate exactly as reported. We haven’t added any “features” or “best for” because we want you to see the numbers first and decide what matters most to you.

The complete list of unit trusts in Kenya (current rates)

Below is the full list – including Money Market Funds, Fixed Income, Equity, Balanced, and Specialised funds. Rates are as of the latest available data. Note: Some entries show values like 174.37 – these are likely unit prices (NAV) rather than yields, but we’ve kept them exactly as given.

What’s happening in the market right now

The unit trust space in Kenya is offering a wide spectrum of returns – from as low as 1.60% (Avocado Alimasi) all the way up to 15.09% (Lofty‑Corban Private Debt Special Fund) and even triple‑digit numbers for equity/balanced funds (which are likely unit prices, not yields). For money market funds, the annual rates are mostly between 7% and 11% for KES, with USD options typically lower (4‑6%).

• Top yielders: Lofty‑Corban Private Debt (15.09%), Etica Fixed Income (14.25%), ICEA LION Fixed Income (13.96%), and Lofty‑Corban Bond (13.44%).
• Digital platforms have become the norm – most funds now offer seamless mobile apps and instant deposits.
• Withdrawal times are generally quick – many pay out within 24 hours.
• Entry barriers are low: you can start with as little as KES 500 (ICEA LION Money Market) or KES 1,000 (Old Mutual, Britam).

The key is to match the fund to your own goals. If you’re saving for a short‑term goal, you might want a money market fund with quick access and low fees. If you’re chasing yield, the top‑rated fixed income or private debt funds are hard to beat – but remember, higher returns often come with higher risk.

Why these numbers actually matter

Getting started is easier than ever

• Low minimums mean almost anyone can jump in.
• Digital platforms make it a breeze to track your money and move it around.

Performance tells a story

• Consistent returns above the benchmark show good management.
• Long‑term data helps you spot which funds are steady and which are volatile.

Customer experience is a game‑changer

• Fast withdrawals mean your money isn’t locked up.
• Helpful support can save you headaches when you need to act fast.

Extra features add real value

• Some funds let you use your balance as loan collateral.
• Multi‑currency options, goal‑tracking, and automated savings are becoming common.

Who should pick which fund – our take

New to investing?

• Try Old Mutual Money Market or ICEA LION Money Market – they have low minimums and user‑friendly apps.
• Set up a monthly standing order – even KES 1,000 a month adds up.

Been around the block?

• Etica Fixed Income and Lofty‑Corban Private Debt are your go‑to for top‑tier returns – but they might have higher risk.
• Spread your money across two or three funds to manage risk.
• Check if any offer tax advantages (some bond funds do).

Running a business or managing institutional cash?

• Cytonn and Gulfcap have strong institutional backing and solid risk controls.
• Old Mutual also has corporate solutions that might fit your needs.

Curious about the new kid on the block? See our guide on Safaricom’s Ziidi Money Market Fund.

What to look out for before you invest

Track record & consistency

• How have returns behaved over the last 1‑3 years?
• Are they beating the average?
• Risk‑adjusted performance – though that’s a bit technical.

Ease of use

• Minimum deposit – can you afford to start?
• Can you top up whenever you want?
• How quick is withdrawal, and is the app/website smooth?

Fees and hidden costs

• Management fees (usually a small percentage).
• Entry or exit charges – some funds have none.
• Always read the fine print.

Who’s managing your money?

• Experience of the fund managers matters.
• Do they have solid risk management and compliance?

Smart tips for getting the most out of your investment

Perfect for short‑term goals

• Emergency funds – you want quick access.
• School fees or holiday savings.
• Business working capital that you might need at short notice.
• Home improvement projects – earn interest while you plan.

Managing risk like a pro

• Don’t put all your eggs in one basket – diversify across funds.
• Check your returns regularly – but don’t panic over daily moves.
• Keep an eye on economic news – interest rates affect yields.
• Always keep some cash outside the fund for absolute emergencies.