Kenya's Mansa-X Funds hit USD 1B as investors seek better returns

Mansa-X Special Funds have crossed the USD 1 billion mark in assets under management, buoyed by strong performance in 2025 and rising demand for professionally managed investment products amid volatile markets.

The milestone positions Mansa-X as Kenya’s largest special Collective Investment Scheme (CIS), with inflows recorded across its four fund variants targeting both conventional and Shariah-compliant investors.

The funds, managed under the Standard Investment Trust Funds platform, offer investment options in Kenya shillings and US dollars, a structure that has attracted local and international investors seeking portfolio and currency diversification.

Mansa says the growth comes on the back of solid returns during a turbulent year marked by global market uncertainty and shifting domestic monetary conditions.

In 2025, the Mansa-X Special Fund posted average net returns of 20.74 per cent in shillings, while the dollar-denominated fund returned 13.37 per cent. The Shariah-compliant fund delivered 17.25 per cent in shillings and 11.64 per cent in dollars — the strongest annual performance since the fund’s launch.

Commenting on the milestone, SIB Executive Director for Global Markets Nahashon Mungai said the achievement signalled strong investor confidence.

“Crossing the USD 1 billion AUM threshold is a strong vote of confidence from our investors,” Mr Mungai said. “Our focus remains on delivering consistent, risk-adjusted returns while maintaining the highest standards of governance, transparency and regulatory compliance.”

Market analysts say the trend reflects a growing preference for managed funds as investors look for risk-adjusted returns and capital preservation in an environment of easing interest rates and sustained currency pressures.

The bank says it will continue to strengthen its investment and operational capacity as it scales its asset management business, positioning the Mansa-X Funds as a core investment option for both institutional and individual investors in Kenya and the wider region.