Sanlam Money Market Fund Explained [2026 Update!]

As an investor, you want your money to work for you, deliver strong returns, and maintain a low-risk profile. That’s exactly what the SanlamAllianz Money Market Fund promises—and has consistently delivered since its launch in November 2014.

Established over a decade ago, the SanlamAllianz Money Market Fund has grown to become Kenya’s largest money market fund by Assets Under Management (AUM), managing an impressive KES 114 billion as of January 2026. This makes it not just one of the fastest-growing MMFs in Kenya, but the undisputed market leader in terms of size and investor confidence.

As of January 30th, 2026, the fund reported an effective annual yield of 9.56%, with a solid 13.4% return for the full year 2025. While this represents a moderation from 2024’s 16.8%, it reflects broader market conditions including Central Bank rate cuts and demonstrates the fund’s disciplined approach to capital preservation and consistent income generation.

Overall, there’s so much to know about Sanlam and its Money Market Fund, which I’ll share here. But first, let me explain what a Money Market Fund is, how it works and why you should choose Sanlam as your next Money Market Fund partner. 

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Sanlam Money Market Fund

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In a rush? Check out the fact sheet below that outlines the basics of the Sanlam MMF.

Sanlam Money Market Fund Fact Sheet (2026 Update)

FeatureDetails
Launch DateNovember 18, 2014
Current Yield (Jan 30, 2026)9.56% p.a.
Portfolio Size (AUM)KES 114 Billion (largest in Kenya)
Market Position#1 by Assets Under Management
Fund ManagerSanlamAllianz Investments Limited
CustodianStanbic Bank Kenya (Tier-1 Bank)
Corporate TrusteeStanbic Bank Kenya
AuditorPricewaterhouseCoopers (PWC)
RegulatorCapital Markets Authority (CMA)
Minimum InvestmentKES 2,500
Minimum Top-UpKES 1,000
Initial FeeNIL
Annual Management Fee2.0%
Expense Ratio2.5%
Income DistributionMonthly
Risk ProfileConservative
Benchmark91-day Treasury Bill
Transaction Cut-off Time9:00 AM daily
Withdrawal Processing3 working days
Free Withdrawals1 per month
Additional Withdrawal FeeKES 500 per transaction
Interest CalculationDaily (excluding holidays & weekends)
CompoundingMonthly

What is the SanlamAllianz Money Market Fund?

The SanlamAllianz Money Market Fund is a low-risk collective investment scheme that pools funds from multiple investors and invests them in short-term debt instruments. It’s managed by SanlamAllianz Investments Limited, a joint venture between Sanlam (Africa’s largest non-banking financial services provider) and Allianz (a global financial powerhouse).

Understanding the Structure

Before diving deeper, let’s clarify key terms:

Collective Investment Scheme (CIS): An entity that allows a professional fund manager to invest and manage pooled funds on behalf of investors. CIS types include Unit Trusts, Mutual Funds, and Employee Share Ownership Plans (ESOP).

Unit Trust: A type of CIS where pooled funds are invested in equities and money market instruments. Investors buy “units” in the trust and earn returns based on fund performance.

Pooled Funds: Money that two or more people invest with the help of a professional money manager. By pooling resources, investors access institutional-grade investment opportunities and professional management they couldn’t afford individually.

Money Market Instruments: Short-term debt securities including:

  • Treasury Bills (government debt maturing in 91, 182, or 364 days)
  • Treasury Bonds (longer-term government debt)
  • Bank Deposits (fixed and call deposits with commercial banks)
  • Corporate Bonds (debt issued by corporations)
  • Commercial Papers (short-term corporate debt)

How Money Market Funds Work

The fund manager (SanlamAllianz) takes pooled investor funds and purchases a diversified basket of these money market instruments. The instruments generate interest income, which is calculated daily and distributed to investors monthly. When instruments mature, the fund manager reinvests the principal into new opportunities, creating a continuously managed portfolio.

Key Point: Your money never sits idle. It’s constantly working in a professionally managed, diversified portfolio designed to generate consistent income while preserving capital.

How Does the SanlamAllianz Money Market Fund Work?

Like every professionally managed MMF, the SanlamAllianz fund operates through a structured ecosystem designed to protect investors:

1. Fund Manager – SanlamAllianz Investments Limited

Role: Makes all investment decisions, manages the portfolio, and executes transactions

Expertise: Combines Sanlam’s African market knowledge with Allianz’s global investment expertise

Responsibility: Maximizing returns within the fund’s conservative risk profile

2. Custodian – Stanbic Bank Kenya

Role: Holds and safeguards all fund assets

Function: Ensures complete separation between fund management and asset custody

Security: As a Tier-1 bank, Stanbic provides institutional-grade asset protection

Important: Your money is never directly controlled by the fund manager. This structural separation is mandated by CMA regulations to protect investors.

3. Corporate Trustee – Stanbic Bank Kenya

Role: Oversees fund manager operations and ensures regulatory compliance

Function: Acts as an independent watchdog protecting unit holders’ interests

Authority: Can challenge fund manager decisions that aren’t in investors’ best interests

4. Auditor – PricewaterhouseCoopers (PWC)

Role: Conducts independent annual audits of fund operations

Function: Provides transparency through detailed financial reporting

Credibility: PWC is one of the “Big Four” accounting firms globally

5. Regulator – Capital Markets Authority (CMA)

Role: Licenses and regulates all participants

Function: Enforces strict rules to protect investors

Power: Can suspend or revoke licenses for non-compliance

The Investment Process:

Step 1: You invest a minimum of KES 2,500 through bank transfer, M-PESA, or check

Step 2: Your funds join the pooled investment of KES 114 billion managed professionally

Step 3: Fund managers allocate capital across:

  • Cash & bank deposits (57.4%) for liquidity
  • Treasury securities (38.6%) for safety and yield
  • Corporate debt (4.0%) for enhanced returns

Step 4: Interest is calculated daily on your investment (excluding weekends/holidays)

Step 5: Returns are compounded monthly and distributed to your account

Step 6: You can withdraw anytime with 3 working days’ notice (1 free withdrawal per month) 

But Is Sanlam a Good Investment?

Here are why you should choose Sanlam as your Money Market Fund investment option. 

  • Interest Compounding – Sanlam calculates the interests daily and distributes them monthly, but that’s not all. They also allow you to earn interest from previous months.
  • Fast withdrawal – Sanlam allows you to access your funds within three days upon an email notice or request through the online portal. 
  • Investible – The minimum investment amount is Ksh 2,500, there’s no initial fee, and you only incur 1.2% in the annual management fee. That makes the Sanlam MMF investible (cheap to invest).
  • Easy top-up – Not only is Sanlam MMF cheap to invest in, but the top-up also doesn’t take much. The minimum amount is Ksh 1,000.
  • Reasonable rates – As I mentioned, the effective annual yield as of 30th January 2026 was 9.56%, which is pretty decent.  
  • Investment security – Though there’s always the risk of losing your investment, Sanlam’s primary goal is capital preservation. They strive to protect your investment by making the right investment decision. 
Sanlam Money Market Fund Interest Rates

How to Join Sanlam Money Market Fund?

Let’s now talk about the sign-up process. Sanlam allows you to join their Money Market Fund online.

Open Account Here: https://shorturl.at/FKed0 

How to Withdraw Money from Sanlam Money Market Fund?

Sanlam allows you to withdraw your funds through their online portal or by sending them an email. It usually takes up to 3 days to process your funds. Remember to input your name, member number, and the amount you want to withdraw when requesting a Sanlam Money Market Fund withdrawal via email. 

Sanlam Money Market Fund Contacts

For more information, you can contact Salam using any of these ways:

  • Emailinfo@anlameastafrica.com
  • Tel – +254 (20) 4967000
  • Mobile +27 (20) 791 067 000
  • Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn – @sanlaminvestemntsEA 

Alternatively, you can download the Sanlam Unit Trust application to access your account on your mobile phone, check your balance, make withdrawal requests, and download statements. 

Closing Remarks 

Above are the basics of the Sanlam Money Market Fund. Undeniably, Sanlam offers some fantastic offers for someone looking for a low-risk investable Money Market Fund or Unit Trust. That includes a decent annual yield, low fees, and fast withdrawal.

So, while several Money Market Funds exist, such as the CIC Money Market Fund, Zimele Money Market Fund, and Britam Money Market Fund, and they promise different perks, Sanlam offers something different and attractive, and that’s what I have covered in this review.

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Written by Alex

I have passion in helping people Make, Manage, Multiply & Protect Wealth.Download my Free Guide to Financial Freedom >>[ GET IT HERE]<<