Free tool to compare unit trusts, MMFs, and equity funds side-by-side
Calculate your true returns after fees, 15% tax, and inflation. Compare unit trusts, MMFs, and equity funds from Cytonn, Britam, CIC, Old Mutual, Sanlam, and more.
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This calculator provides estimates for informational purposes only and is not financial advice. The results are based on the data you provide. Actual returns may vary. Tax calculations use simplified assumptions (15% withholding tax on investment returns as per Kenyan tax law). Investment values can go down as well as up. Please consult a qualified financial advisor or tax professional for personalized investment advice specific to your circumstances.
Most investment brochures in Kenya show gross returns - but what matters is what you actually take home. Our calculator factors in all the hidden costs:
Make informed decisions by comparing popular investment funds:
When comparing investments in Kenya, consider these factors:
Based on recent performance data, these funds are popular among Kenyan investors:
Don't put all your money in one fund. Spread across MMFs, equity funds, and balanced funds to reduce risk.
Short-term (1-3 years)? Choose MMFs. Long-term (5+ years)? Equity funds typically offer better returns.
Every quarter, fund managers publish fact sheets showing performance, fees, and asset allocation. Read them!
A 2% difference in annual fees can cost you thousands over 10 years. Compare total expense ratios.
Expert guides to help you make smarter investment decisions
Learn to calculate real returns after fees, 15% tax, and inflation. Compare Cytonn, Britam, CIC, Old Mutual and more. Step-by-step guide with real examples.
Read article →Complete comparison of returns, fees, minimums, and liquidity. See real calculations after 15% tax and inflation with pros/cons for each fund.
Read comparison →Comprehensive ranking of all major MMFs in Kenya with performance data, fees comparison, and our recommendations.
Coming Soon →2 articles live • New posts added weekly
Back to CalculatorThis investment calculator is specifically designed for Kenyan investors, accounting for local factors like 15% withholding tax, Kenya's inflation rates, and typical fee structures from Kenyan fund managers. Unlike generic calculators, it shows real returns after all costs - giving you accurate projections for unit trusts, MMFs, equity funds, and balanced funds available in Kenya.
To compare unit trusts in Kenya: (1) Get fund fact sheets from fund managers' websites, (2) Note the annual returns for past 3-5 years, (3) Check management fees and performance fees, (4) Input all data into this calculator, (5) Compare the "Annual Real Return" - this shows your actual growth after fees, taxes, and inflation. Popular unit trusts to compare include Cytonn, Britam, CIC, Old Mutual, Sanlam, and ICEA Lion funds.
Kenyan investment funds typically charge: Money Market Funds: 1.0%-2.0% management fee; Equity Funds: 2.0%-3.0% management fee plus 10%-20% performance fee; Balanced Funds: 1.5%-2.5% management fee plus 5%-15% performance fee. Additional costs include custody fees (0.2%-0.5%), trustee fees (0.1%-0.3%), and the mandatory 15% withholding tax on returns.
It depends on your investment timeline and risk tolerance. Cytonn MMF typically returns 9-11% annually with low risk, ideal for 1-3 year goals. Britam Equity Fund can return 12-18% but with higher volatility, better for 5+ year investments. Use this calculator to compare their real returns after fees and inflation. For short-term: MMFs win. For long-term: equity funds typically outperform despite higher fees.
Inflation erodes purchasing power. If your investment returns 10% but inflation is 7%, your real return is only about 3%. Kenya's inflation has averaged 5-8% in recent years. This calculator automatically adjusts for inflation to show your real returns - the actual increase in your wealth's purchasing power. Always focus on real returns, not nominal returns.
Kenya's tax law requires a 15% withholding tax on investment income (dividends, interest, capital gains from unit trusts). This tax is automatically deducted by fund managers before crediting your returns. For example, if your fund earns KES 10,000, you receive KES 8,500 after tax. This calculator factors in the 15% tax to show your actual take-home returns.
Choose MMF if: You need money within 1-3 years, want stable returns, or have low risk tolerance. Returns: 8-11% annually. Choose Equity Fund if: Your timeline is 5+ years, you can handle volatility, and want higher growth potential. Returns: 10-18% annually (but can vary widely). Best strategy: Split your money - keep emergency funds in MMF, long-term savings in equity funds.
This calculator uses industry-standard compound interest formulas and Kenya's official tax rates (15% withholding tax). Accuracy depends on the data you input - use realistic return expectations based on historical fund performance. The calculator shows projections, not guarantees. Actual returns vary due to market conditions, fund manager performance, and economic changes. Use it for comparison and planning, not as a guarantee.
Nominal return is the percentage your investment grows (e.g., 12% per year). Real return is growth after adjusting for inflation - your actual increase in purchasing power. Example: 12% nominal return - 7% inflation = approximately 5% real return. This calculator shows both, but focus on real returns to understand your true wealth growth in Kenya's economy.
Returns vary quarterly, but as of 2024: Top MMFs: Cytonn MMF (9-11%), Sanlam MMF (8-10%); Top Equity Funds: Britam Equity (12-18%), Old Mutual Equity (10-15%); Top Balanced Funds: CIC Balanced (10-14%), GenAfrica Balanced (9-13%). Use this calculator with current fund fact sheet data to compare. Past performance doesn't guarantee future results - always check recent quarterly reports.
Steps to start investing: (1) Use this calculator to compare different funds, (2) Choose a licensed fund manager (Cytonn, Britam, CIC, Old Mutual, etc.), (3) Visit their website or office with your ID, KRA PIN, and bank details, (4) Fill out the application form, (5) Make your minimum investment (usually KES 1,000-5,000), (6) Monitor quarterly via fund fact sheets. Most fund managers now allow online account opening and mobile money investments.
Money Market Funds: Highly liquid - withdraw within 1-3 business days with no penalties. Equity/Balanced Funds: Can withdraw anytime but may take 3-7 days. Early withdrawal (under 1 year) might incur additional fees at some fund managers. Always check the fund's terms. MMFs are best for money you might need soon; equity funds are for long-term savings.
Minimum investments vary by fund manager: Cytonn: KES 10,000 initial, KES 1,000 top-up; Britam: KES 5,000 initial; CIC: KES 5,000 initial; Old Mutual: KES 3,000 initial; Sanlam: KES 5,000 initial. Some fund managers offer lower minimums for monthly contributions (as low as KES 1,000/month). Check with your chosen fund manager for current minimums.
No. Unlike bank savings accounts, unit trust returns are not guaranteed. Returns depend on: market performance (stocks, bonds), fund manager expertise, economic conditions, and fees charged. Your capital can grow or shrink. However, historical data shows diversified funds tend to grow over 5+ years. MMFs are most stable (but not guaranteed), while equity funds have higher potential returns but also higher risk. Always invest money you won't need for emergencies.
Review quarterly when fund managers publish fact sheets showing: current NAV (Net Asset Value), quarterly returns, year-to-date performance, and asset allocation. Use this calculator quarterly to compare your fund against alternatives. If your fund consistently underperforms (2+ quarters) compared to similar funds, consider switching. However, avoid making decisions based on short-term (monthly) fluctuations - investment is a long-term game.
Money Market Funds (MMF): Invest in short-term securities like treasury bills and commercial paper. Lowest risk, steady returns of 8-11% annually. Perfect for emergency funds and short-term goals (1-3 years). Popular options: Cytonn MMF, Sanlam MMF, CIC MMF.
Equity Funds: Invest primarily in NSE-listed stocks. Higher risk, potential returns of 10-20% annually. Best for long-term wealth building (5+ years). Suitable for young investors who can weather market volatility. Examples: Britam Equity, Old Mutual Equity Fund.
Balanced Funds: Mix of stocks (30-60%) and bonds (40-70%). Moderate risk, returns of 9-15% annually. Good middle ground for investors seeking growth with less volatility. Popular: CIC Balanced, GenAfrica Balanced, Zimele Balanced Fund.
Bond Funds: Invest in government and corporate bonds. Low-to-moderate risk, returns of 9-13% annually. More stable than equity funds but higher potential than MMFs. Examples: Cytonn High Yield Fund, ICEA Bond Fund.
A 1% difference in annual fees can cost you tens of thousands of shillings over 10 years. Here's why fees are crucial:
Compound Effect: High fees compound negatively just like returns compound positively. A fund charging 3% vs 1.5% management fee will cost you significantly over time.
Performance Fees: Some funds charge 10-20% of profits above a benchmark. While this aligns manager interests with yours, it can eat substantial returns during good years. Always calculate total cost of ownership.
Hidden Charges: Beyond management fees, watch for custody fees (0.2-0.5%), trustee fees (0.1-0.3%), transfer fees, and exit fees. Request a complete fee schedule before investing.
Total Expense Ratio (TER): The best metric for comparing fund costs. It combines all annual fees. Look for funds with TER below 2.5% for MMFs, below 3.5% for equity funds.
| Scenario | Nominal Return | After Fees & Tax | After Inflation | Real Wealth |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Low-Fee MMF | 10% annual | KES 148,000 | 6% inflation | KES 110,500 |
| High-Fee Equity Fund | 15% annual | KES 165,000 | 6% inflation | KES 123,000 |
| Balanced Fund | 12% annual | KES 155,000 | 6% inflation | KES 116,000 |
Note: This is a simplified example. Use the calculator above with actual fund data for accurate comparisons.
Don't let hidden fees and inflation erode your wealth. Use this free calculator to compare real returns from Kenyan investment funds. Whether you're investing KES 5,000 or KES 5,000,000, every shilling counts.
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