Britam Asset Managers lowers its Money Market Fund, targets mass market.

Kenneth Kaniu, Britam Asset Managers Chief Executive Officer.

Britam Asset Managers has lowered its money market fund investment amount to Ksh1,000 in a bid to encourage Kenyans to save more.

The Britam Money Market Fund will allow investors to invest from as low as Ksh1,000 with subsequent top ups of Ksh1,000.  Previously, investors had to invest a minimum of Ksh10, 000 to get into the fund, with top ups of Ksh5,000. The fund targets Kenyans who seek to invest in low risk, but high interest earning instruments at a time when investors are looking for alternative investment platforms outside the stock market.

The fund invests in quality interest bearing securities and other short-term money market instruments and ensures risks are managed, while preserving the initial capital. The fund offers convenience and flexibility, and you can invest through mobile phone platforms by dialing short code *778#, enabling one to save from anywhere, any time.

The unveiling of this fund comes at a time when overall savings by Kenyans has been on the decline. According to the World Bank 2016 Kenya country report, Kenya is lagging behind in savings compared to other economies in the region which are economically less endowed.  

 “Many Kenyans have been locked out from saving and investing their money because of the big initial capital amounts needed in the money market. This fund has therefore been designed to address the needs of the small saver,” said Kenneth Kaniu, Britam Asset Managers Chief Executive Officer.

 Mr Kaniu said the fund offers savers alternatives to access credit specially to meet their short and long-term goals, while enjoying higher returns from their investment by outperforming bank deposit rates. 

He said the company has rolled out a marketing campaign dubbed “You Deserve Extra” to create awareness on the need for Kenyans to save more and earn extra returns to meet their financial goals.