In the evolving financial landscape of 2026, the Sanlam Allianz Money Market Fund (MMF) has solidified its position as the largest and most trusted Unit Trust in Kenya. Following the historic merger between Sanlam and Allianz, the fund now commands a staggering market share, managing over KES 95 billion in assets—nearly a quarter of the entire Kenyan MMF industry.
For investors seeking a “safe haven” that doesn’t sacrifice growth, Sanlam provides a sophisticated blend of global institutional expertise and deep-rooted local market knowledge.
1. What is the Sanlam Allianz Money Market Fund?
The Sanlam Allianz Money Market Fund is a low-risk, open-ended investment vehicle regulated by the Capital Markets Authority (CMA). It pools money from thousands of investors to purchase high-quality, short-term debt securities.
Unlike a traditional savings account, where your money often loses value against inflation, Sanlam’s MMF is designed to offer capital preservation, high liquidity, and yields that consistently outperform bank deposit rates.
2. Why Sanlam is Dominating the 2026 Market
The recent transition to Sanlam Allianz Investments Limited has been a game-changer. Here is why the fund is currently ranked as a market leader:
A. The “Safety in Scale” Advantage
With nearly KES 100 billion under management, Sanlam possesses immense bargaining power. This allows fund managers to negotiate higher interest rates on Fixed Deposits and Corporate Papers than an individual or a smaller fund could ever achieve.
B. Daily Compounding Interest
One of the most attractive features of the Sanlam MMF is its interest calculation model.
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Daily Accrual: Interest is calculated every single day on your closing balance.
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Monthly Compounding: At the end of every month, your earned interest is “capitalized” (reinvested). This means in the following month, you earn interest on your original principal plus the interest from the previous month.
C. Enhanced Digital Integration
In 2026, the days of filling out paper forms at Upper Hill are over. Sanlam has launched a robust Digital Onboarding Platform that allows you to:
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Open an account in under 24 hours.
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Track your daily interest via a dedicated mobile app.
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Deposit via M-Pesa Global or direct bank transfers.
3. Risk Profile and Asset Allocation
Sanlam is classified as a Conservative (Low Risk) fund. This makes it ideal for:
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Emergency Funds: Keeping 3–6 months of living expenses accessible.
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Sinking Funds: Saving for specific goals like school fees, weddings, or a land deposit.
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Capital Parking: Holding cash while waiting for other investment opportunities (like a dip in the NSE).
Where is your money invested?
To ensure your money is safe, Sanlam diversifies across:
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Government Treasury Bills: The safest investment in Kenya.
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Fixed Deposits: Placed with Tier-1 commercial banks.
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Commercial Paper: Short-term debt from highly-rated, blue-chip corporations.
4. How to Invest: Step-by-Step Guide
Starting your journey with Sanlam is straightforward. You only need your KRA Pin, National ID, and a bank account/M-Pesa number.
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Visit the Portal: Go to the Sanlam Allianz digital onboarding site.
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Registration: Fill in your personal details and upload a photo of your ID.
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Initial Deposit: Pay the minimum KES 2,500 via the provided Paybill number or bank transfer.
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Confirmation: You will receive a member number and access to the portal within one business day.
Pro Tip: Set up a “Standing Order” from your bank to Sanlam. Automating a KES 5,000 monthly top-up can significantly accelerate your wealth through the power of compounding.
5. Withdrawals and Liquidity
The “Money Market” name implies that your cash is almost as liquid as money in a current account.
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Processing Time: Funds are typically availed within 3 working days of a request.
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Free Withdrawal: Sanlam offers one free withdrawal per month.
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Fees: Subsequent withdrawals within the same month attract a fee of KES 500. This structure is designed to encourage long-term saving habits while still providing an escape hatch for emergencies.
6. Comparing Sanlam to Other 2026 Options
While Sanlam is the largest, how does it stack up against peers like Old Mutual or Zimele?
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vs. Old Mutual: Both offer massive stability. Old Mutual often has a lower entry point (KES 1,000), but Sanlam’s yield has historically shown more resilience during interest rate fluctuations.
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vs. Zimele: Zimele is the “king of retail” with a KES 100 entry. However, Sanlam is often preferred by institutional and high-net-worth individuals due to its global Allianz backing.
7. The Verdict: Is Sanlam Right for You?
The Sanlam Allianz Money Market Fund is the “Gold Standard” for the disciplined Kenyan saver in 2026. If you value security, professional management, and transparency, this fund is hard to beat. While some newer, smaller MMFs might bait investors with slightly higher teaser rates, Sanlam’s track record of consistent performance and its massive asset base provide a level of “sleep-at-night” factor that is priceless.