Kenya's CMA clears eight new funds as industry assets hit KSh 851.7B
What's the deal? The Capital Markets AuthorityDealroom has a profile for this one. Try Dealroom → has approved seven new Collective Investment Scheme sub-funds and one Alternative Investment Fund from Britam Asset ManagersDealroom has a profile for this one. Try Dealroom → and Zimele Asset Management. Announced on August 12, the products span money market, fixed income, multi-asset, global equities, and goal-based savings strategies.
The details: Britam won approval for two sub-funds under its existing unit trust umbrella — the Britam Multi Asset Special Fund (KES) and the Britam Enhanced Global Equities Special Fund — plus the Britam Green Investment Fund LLP, an Alternative Investment Fund targeting green businesses across Kenya and the East African Community.
Zimele received approval for five sub-funds: the Zimele USD Money Market Fund, Zimele USD Fixed Income Fund, Zimele Fixed Income Fund, Zimele Education Plan, and Zimele Savings Plan.
Why now? Kenya's fund management industry is expanding fast. Collective Investment Scheme assets under management reached KSh 851.7 billion in March 2026, up from KSh 756.3 billion at the end of December 2025.
What's the endgame? The approvals push a market historically concentrated in money market funds toward diversification. The new dollar-denominated products give investors access to foreign-currency assets, while global equities expose portfolios beyond domestic equities, government securities, and property.
What could go wrong? International investments carry risks including global market volatility and currency swings. Investors need to weigh whether such exposure fits their objectives and risk tolerance.
The signal: The batch approval reflects intensifying competition among Kenyan asset managers as they build products for different goals, risk profiles, and horizons — broadening regulated options for a maturing investor base.
Read more: Serrari Group
Image credit: Generated with Gemini
