The Jubilee Money Market Fund USD has quickly become a refuge for investors tired of watching their savings lose value in shillings. Every dip of the Kenyan shilling against the U.S. dollar makes overseas education, imports, and medical expenses more expensive, leaving many households and businesses exposed.
This isn’t just about exchange rates—it’s about shrinking purchasing power, strained family budgets, and businesses struggling to protect margins. In a dollar-driven world, keeping all your money in shillings is no longer safe.
That’s why more investors are moving into USD-denominated funds, with Jubilee leading the way. It’s not speculation—it’s protection, stability, and the assurance that your wealth is preserved in the world’s strongest currency.
Understanding Money Market Funds in Kenya
Money Market Funds (MMFs) are the undisputed champions of collective investment schemes (CIS) in Kenya. They pool investors’ money and channel it into short-term, low-risk instruments such as treasury bills, fixed deposits, and high-quality commercial paper.
Why are they so popular? Because they tick three key boxes:
- Safety: Low-risk assets, regulated by the Capital Markets Authority (CMA).
- Liquidity: Withdrawals processed within days, not months.
- Returns: Better yields than savings or current accounts.
As of June 2025, MMFs hold a commanding 62.5% share of the CIS market, with an AUM of Ksh 372.8 billion.
But here’s the twist: it’s not just shilling MMFs on the rise. Foreign-currency-denominated funds—especially dollar funds—have exploded, now controlling 10% of the total CIS market (USD 62.1B). Investors are voting with their wallets, and they’re voting for dollar safety.
Safeguarding Your Wealth in a Dollar-Dominated World
The U.S. dollar isn’t just another currency—it’s the anchor of global finance. Whether you’re buying imports, paying school fees in London, settling medical bills in India, or traveling to Dubai, the dollar runs the show.
This is why holding your entire portfolio in Kenyan shillings is risky. Every time the shilling dips, your wealth takes a hit.
The Jubilee Dollar Money Market Fund offers more than just returns; it offers alignment with the financial realities of today:
- Protection from uncertainty – A shield against shilling depreciation and inflation.
- Relevance to modern life – From education to healthcare, more of our expenses are dollar-based.
- A smarter way to hold dollars – Instead of keeping them idle in a bank account earning zero, put them to work safely.
Think of it as a financial shield—a way to safeguard not just your money, but your peace of mind.
Spotlight on Jubilee Money Market Fund USD
About Jubilee
Jubilee is more than just an insurance giant; it’s a brand synonymous with trust in East Africa. Through Jubilee Asset Management, it offers unit trust products regulated by the CMA.
As of June 2025, the Jubilee Unit Trust Scheme managed Ksh 15.2 billion across multiple funds, with the USD MMF among its fastest-growing.
Key Features
- Currency: U.S. Dollar.
- Minimum Investment: $1,000 (with flexible top-ups).
- Withdrawals: Paid out within T+2 days.
- Fund Manager: Jubilee Asset Management.
- Trustee: Standard Chartered Bank Kenya.
- Custodian: Stanbic Bank Kenya.
- Auditor: Deloitte & Touche.
Investment Objective
The fund is designed to:
- Preserve your capital in USD.
- Generate steady, competitive returns.
- Maintain liquidity for quick access to funds.
Performance Snapshot: A Testament to Rapid Growth
When measuring an investment, numbers tell the story. And Jubilee’s story is remarkable.
- Assets Under Management (AUM):
- 2023: $55M
- 2024: $762M
- June 2025: $2.61B (≈ Ksh 2.6B)
- 2023: $55M
That’s nearly 50x growth in just two years.
- Annualized Yield: Investors currently earn around 4–5% in USD, significantly higher than keeping dollars in a bank account.
- Momentum: Jubilee’s fund is one of the fastest-growing dollar MMFs, showing strong investor trust.
If you had invested $10,000 in mid-2023, your balance today would not only be higher from compounded interest, but also safer from shilling depreciation.
Who Should Invest in Jubilee USD MMF?
The Jubilee Money Market Fund USD is not a one-size-fits-all solution—it’s designed for people and institutions with specific financial realities and goals. If you fit into one of these groups, the fund could be a perfect match:
1. Diaspora Kenyans
- Why it matters: Many Kenyans abroad send remittances home in dollars. Converting immediately into shillings often means losing value due to unfavorable exchange rates.
- How the fund helps: You can remit directly into the Jubilee USD MMF and allow your dollars to grow while waiting to use them later.
2. Parents Planning Overseas Education
- Why it matters: International school fees are pegged in USD, GBP, or EUR. Saving in KES exposes you to exchange rate shocks.
- How the fund helps: Build a tuition kitty in USD so that when payment time comes, you’re prepared without scrambling for more shillings.
3. Corporates and NGOs
- Why it matters: Many donor agencies and global contracts are funded in dollars. Parking these inflows in KES can reduce their real value.
- How the fund helps: Park funds in USD safely, earn returns, and withdraw whenever operational needs arise.
4. Frequent Travelers
- Why it matters: Whether for business, holidays, or medical travel, you often need dollars on hand. Converting last-minute can be expensive.
- How the fund helps: Maintain a dedicated USD travel fund that grows quietly until you need it.
5. High-Net-Worth Individuals
- Why it matters: Wealth preservation requires diversification across currencies. Holding all assets in KES is risky.
- How the fund helps: Adding a USD leg balances your portfolio with exposure to a global reserve currency.
Benefits of Investing in Jubilee USD MMF
Investors are drawn to the Jubilee USD MMF not just for returns, but for the all-around financial advantages it offers:
1. Capital Preservation
Your dollars are invested in short-term, low-risk instruments like treasury bills and fixed deposits. Unlike speculative assets, your principal is protected.
2. Daily Compounding Returns
Interest is calculated daily and added to your units. Over time, this compounding effect boosts your effective annual return.
3. Professional Management
Your funds are managed by experienced portfolio managers under CMA oversight, ensuring compliance and prudent investment decisions.
4. Trusted Brand
Jubilee is East Africa’s largest insurer with a strong governance track record. The name alone inspires confidence.
5. Liquidity on Demand
Withdrawals processed within T+2 business days. Flexible top-ups allow you to add funds whenever you want.
6. Global Relevance
Dollars are the world’s reserve currency. Aligning part of your wealth with USD means you’re better positioned for international opportunities and obligations.
Risks and Considerations
No investment is perfect. Here’s what to keep in mind with the Jubilee USD MMF:
1. Currency Conversion Risk
If your expenses are in shillings, converting dollars back may erode returns.
Example: If the dollar weakens against KES, you might withdraw fewer shillings than expected.
2. Interest Rate Fluctuations
Returns depend on USD short-term interest rates. A global decline in dollar rates could reduce yields.
3. Competitive Landscape
Other USD MMFs (like CIC or Dry Associates) sometimes post slightly higher returns. However, Jubilee’s strength lies in trust, scale, and brand reputation.
4. Liquidity Timelines
Unlike mobile money or instant bank withdrawals, MMFs have a T+2 settlement cycle. This isn’t long, but it requires planning for urgent needs.
Note: These risks don’t make the fund unsafe. They are manageable factors to be aware of when planning your finances.
How to Invest in Jubilee USD Money Market Fund
Investing in the Jubilee USD MMF is a straightforward journey. Here’s how you can get started:
Step 1: Application
Obtain and fill in the Unit Trust application form (online or at Jubilee offices).
Step 2: Provide Documentation
- ID or Passport
- KRA PIN
- Proof of address (utility bill, lease, or official document)
- Bank account details (USD account preferred)
- Diaspora investors can submit notarized documents.
Step 3: Fund Your Account
Transfer funds in USD via bank transfer or authorized remittance channels.
Minimum initial investment: $1,000.
Step 4: Account Setup
Once funds are received, Jubilee allocates units to your account. From day one, your dollars begin earning interest.
Step 5: Monitor Growth
You’ll receive regular statements showing unit values and growth. Jubilee also offers client support for investment inquiries.
Step 6: Withdraw When Needed
Submit a redemption request. Funds are credited back to your USD account within T+2 business days.
With just these six steps, you can turn idle dollars into a growing, liquid reserve under the care of one of Kenya’s most trusted financial institutions.
Comparing Jubilee USD MMF with Other USD Funds
| Fund Manager | Fund Size (USD) | Annual Yield | Liquidity | Min. Investment | Unique Strength |
| Jubilee USD MMF | $2.61B | 4–5% | T+2 | $1,000 | Fastest growth, Jubilee brand |
| CIC USD MMF | $4.29B | 4–5.2% | T+2 | $1,000 | Market leader in size |
| Absa USD MMF | $2.30B | 4–5% | T+2 | $500 | Lower entry barrier |
| Dry Associates USD MMF | $2.34B | 4.5–5% | T+1 | $500 | Quicker withdrawals |
| Old Mutual USD MMF | $1.44B | 3.8–4.5% | T+2 | $1,000 | Legacy institution |
While CIC leads in size, Jubilee’s explosive growth shows it’s catching up quickly, winning investor confidence.
Practical Uses of Jubilee USD MMF
Think beyond just “investment.” This fund can serve multiple life purposes:
- Emergency Dollar Fund – Quick access for urgent overseas expenses.
- Education Abroad – Build a stable dollar kitty for tuition.
- Business Reserves – Park corporate inflows without losing to forex.
- Travel Planning – Secure holiday funds in the right currency.
- Retirement Portfolio – Diversify with a global reserve currency.
FAQs
What is the minimum investment for Jubilee USD MMF?
You need at least $1,000 to start. Top-ups are flexible thereafter.
How do I withdraw my money?
Withdrawals take T+2 business days, credited to your USD bank account.
How safe is my investment?
The fund is CMA-regulated, with Jubilee Asset Management as manager, Stanbic Bank as custodian, and Deloitte as auditor.
Can Kenyans in the diaspora invest?
Yes. In fact, diaspora clients are a key target group. You can remit directly in USD without converting to shillings.
What are the returns compared to holding USD in a bank account?
Bank accounts pay 0% on USD balances. Jubilee USD MMF yields 4–5% annually, compounded daily.
Is interest paid daily or monthly?
Interest is accrued daily and reflected in your unit value, making compounding seamless.
What are the risks involved?
The main risks are currency conversion (if you switch back to KES) and global interest rate fluctuations.
How do I monitor my investment?
You receive periodic statements, with digital access improving for easier tracking.
Build Your Dollar Fortress with Jubilee
Money has a language, and in today’s world, that language is the U.S. dollar. From international education to global trade, the dollar touches more aspects of your life than you may realize.
The Jubilee Money Market Fund USD gives you more than just returns. It gives you peace of mind—your dollars are safe, earning, and always accessible. Backed by Jubilee’s legacy and CMA regulation, this fund is your reliable partner in an unpredictable world.
This is your chance to build a dollar fortress around your wealth. Don’t wait for another currency shock to wake you up.
Open your Jubilee USD MMF account today, and let your dollars work as hard as you do.
