For much of 2025, Kenyan investors have been on a rollercoaster ride with money market funds (MMFs). After months of falling interest rates, August brought a small but welcome rebound.
Investors are now watching September closely, with hopes of further stability before the market heads into the fourth and final quarter of 2025.
While the numbers are still lower compared to the highs of 2024, several MMF’s in the country continue to offer competitive double-digit returns, keeping them attractive to modern savers who are looking for stable income.
If you are still new to Investing in Money Market Funds, financial literacy plays a huge role in understanding how they work. Consider checking our comprehensive beginner guide to money market funds. This guide details all the basics of MMF; How they work, the different types of MMFs, pros and cons, best ways of investing in MMF and so much more.
If you’ve been tracking MMF returns, there are high chances you’ve noticed the downward trend. According to economist Daniel Kathali, the drop is as a result of broader economic shifts.
According to Mr. Kathali, the downward trend is mainly because:
Since MMFs mainly invest in short-term government instruments, their returns naturally dip when T-bill rates fall as it has been the case lately.
For context, in July 2024, Treasury bills were paying as high as 16%. By mid-August 2025, those numbers had almost halved:
This sharp decline explains why most funds are no longer posting the eye-popping rates seen just a year ago.
The good news is that after hitting their lowest points earlier this year, MMFs are showing signs of stabilizing. The August 2025 figures suggest that while investors may not get 16% again soon, the market is at least finding balance.
For risk-averse Kenyans who prefer safety and liquidity, MMFs remain one of the best alternatives to savings accounts and even fixed deposits.
Related article:Between MMFs and Bonds, Which One is A Better Investment
Despite the lower Treasury yields, reports indicate that some funds are still managing to deliver above 10% returns, which is impressive compared to most traditional savings options. Below are the top MMF performers as of August 19, 2025:
Cytonn continues to lead the pack, consistently offering the highest declared returns. It appeals to investors willing to take slightly higher risk for better yields.
Close behind is GulfCap, popular with retail investors looking for competitive returns and strong portfolio management.
Nabo Africa has built a reputation for reliability and is a favorite among corporate investors.
Known for its innovative approach, Lofty-Corban remains a solid choice for investors seeking consistency.
With its steady growth, Orient Kasha has positioned itself as a mid-tier performer that balances returns and security.
Etica has quietly maintained competitive yields, appealing to investors who value stability.
Kuza’s slight edge above 12% keeps it in the race among the top players.
Not as aggressive as the top three, but Arvocap offers investors dependable returns above the 10% mark.
GenAfrica’s strong reputation in asset management continues to attract investors despite slightly lower yields.
Rounding out the list, Enwealth still beats the majority of bank savings accounts, making it an attractive option for everyday savers.
If you would like to look at MMF’s that have been performing well this year, read this article on 32 best performing money market funds in 2025. Comparing these two articles will help you understand the rate drops in Kenyan MMFs this year.
If you’re considering where to invest your money in the remaining quarters of 2025 and next year, here’s what you need to know:
While it’s difficult to predict with certainty, analysts believe that unless inflation spikes again, MMF interest rates are likely to remain modest for the rest of 2025 Q3 and Q4.
That means, investors considering investing in MMF should manage their expectations and focus on consistency rather than chasing the highest yield.
It is worth noting that, money market funds still beat the returns of most savings accounts, making them a good tool for building sinking funds, emergency funds or short-term savings goals.
The golden days of 16%-18% MMF returns may be behind us, at least for now. But August 2025 shows that funds are still delivering strong double-digit rates, this is better compared to traditional savings products.
If you are a Kenyan at home or abroad looking to grow your money without taking on too much risk, money market funds remain one of the most practical and reliable options in Kenya’s shifting economy.
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I’m Clinton Wamalwa Wanjala, a financial writer and certified financial consultant passionate about empowering the youth with practical financial knowledge. As the founder of Fineducke.com, I provide accessible guidance on personal finance, entrepreneurship, and investment opportunities.
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