In an era of economic fluctuation, Kenyans are increasingly looking for investment vehicles that offer a perfect blend of security, liquidity, and competitive returns. The Old Mutual Money Market Fund (MMF) has emerged as a cornerstone for both novice and seasoned investors in the Nairobi Securities Exchange (NSE) ecosystem.
Managed by the Old Mutual Investment Group—a titan with over 170 years of global experience—this fund is designed for those who want their money to work harder than it does in a traditional savings account, without the volatility of the stock market.
Why Choose Old Mutual Money Market Fund?
The Old Mutual MMF is a “low-risk” collective investment scheme. It pools money from various investors to buy high-quality, short-term interest-bearing assets like Treasury Bills, Government Bonds, and high-quality commercial paper.
1. Competitive Annual Yields
While bank savings accounts often offer interest rates that struggle to keep pace with inflation, Old Mutual consistently delivers competitive annual yields. These returns are credited to your account daily and compounded monthly.
2. Capital Preservation
The primary objective of the fund is to protect your initial investment. Because the fund invests in low-risk government and corporate debt, the likelihood of losing your “principal” amount is extremely low.
3. High Liquidity (Easy Withdrawals)
Unlike Fixed Deposit accounts that lock your money for months, Old Mutual provides high flexibility. You can access your funds within 48 to 72 hours of a withdrawal request, making it an ideal “Emergency Fund” vehicle.
4. Professional Management
You don’t need to be a financial expert. The fund is managed by a team of seasoned fund managers who analyze market trends to ensure your capital is allocated to the highest-yielding, safest instruments available.
Key Features at a Glance
Feature Details
Minimum Initial Investment KES 1,000 – 5,000 (Varies by product tier)
Minimum Top-up KES 1,000
Risk Level Low
Interest Distribution Daily earned, Monthly compounded
Management Fee Competitive (Approx. 2% annually)
Regulation Capital Markets Authority (CMA)
Who Should Invest in the Old Mutual MMF?
The Emergency Saver: Those looking to park 3-6 months of living expenses in a place that is accessible but grows faster than a standard bank account.
The Goal-Oriented Investor: Individuals saving for a specific short-term goal, such as a wedding, car down payment, or school fees.
Small Businesses: SMEs looking to earn interest on their surplus cash reserves while maintaining the ability to meet operational costs.
Conservative Investors: Those who are risk-averse and prefer steady, predictable growth over the “boom and bust” cycles of crypto or individual stocks.
How to Join the Old Mutual Money Market Fund
Getting started is streamlined and digital-friendly. You can typically join through:
Old Mutual Portals: Sign up via their official website or the Old Mutual App.
USSD Codes: Many investors utilize the convenient USSD strings (e.g., *480#) to check balances and top up via M-Pesa.
Financial Advisors: You can visit any Old Mutual branch across Kenya to speak with a certified advisor.
Required Documents:
A copy of your National ID or Passport.
Your KRA Pin certificate.
Bank account details (for withdrawals).
The Verdict: Is it Worth It?
The Old Mutual Money Market Fund remains one of the most reliable investment options in Kenya. While it won’t make you a millionaire overnight, it provides the financial stability and compound interest necessary to build long-term wealth. Its backing by a legacy brand gives investors peace of mind that their hard-earned money is in safe hands