FROM MMFs TO BIGGER LEAGUES: How to Grow Your Money Beyond the Basics

By Set Free Capital CBO - your partners in financial wisdom and real-life freedom

Most of us begin our investment journey with money market funds (MMFs). And honestly, that’s one of the best first steps anyone can take. They’re simple, safe, and more rewarding than letting your money sit idle in a bank account. MMFs teach you discipline, help you build a saving culture, and give you confidence that your money can actually grow.

But here’s the real question: after you’ve built a decent pot in your MMF, do you just sit back and let it crawl forward slowly? Or do you graduate into the bigger leagues where the returns can truly transform your financial life?

Think of MMFs as the nursery class of investing. You start there to learn the ropes, but eventually, you’ve got to move on to primary, secondary, and eventually campus-level opportunities if you want to thrive. The exciting news is that in Kenya today, there are powerful investment options that can deliver double or even triple what you’d get in an MMF - if you’re ready to step up.

Let’s break it down.

The Power of Mansa X – Playing in the Global Arena

One of the most talked-about funds in Kenya today is Mansa X, run by Standard Investment Bank. This isn’t your ordinary unit trust or fixed-return product. It’s a multi-asset strategy fund that taps into opportunities not only in Kenya but across the globe.

Mansa X invests in stocks, commodities, currencies, bonds, and other financial instruments. But here’s where it gets interesting: unlike most funds that only make money when prices rise, Mansa X uses both long and short positions. That means they can profit whether markets are going up or down. This strategy has made them stand out as one of the most dynamic funds in the region.

Returns have averaged around 18% to 20% per year, with some quarters delivering even more. Compare that to the 10–12% typical of MMFs, and you immediately see the difference.

The entry point is KES 250,000, and you need to commit for at least six months before accessing your money. That might sound like a big ask, but if you’ve been diligently saving 200 shillings a day in an MMF, you could reach this level in just a few years. Once inside, your money is no longer crawling - it’s running.

For many Kenyans, Mansa X has been the bridge between “basic saving” and “serious wealth creation.” It exposes you to the kind of global strategies that were once the preserve of the ultra-wealthy, but now they’re accessible to disciplined savers who are ready to level up.

OAK Special Fund – For Those Who Want More Firepower

If Mansa X feels like a leap, then the OAK Special Fund by Faida Investment Bank is like diving into the deep end with confidence.

This fund has built a reputation for performance that has outpaced even the boldest expectations. In 2024 alone, it delivered over 29% in returns - beating its own targets and putting it ahead of many other investment products in the market.

The catch? The entry point is higher, at KES 500,000, and like Mansa X, you have to leave your money untouched for at least six months. But when you consider the returns, it’s easy to see why investors are lining up. The fund has already attracted billions from individuals and institutions who understand that money should not just be stored - it should multiply aggressively.

If Mansa X is about consistency and global strategies, OAK feels like the growth accelerator. It’s not for everyone immediately, but for those who’ve grown their savings to this level, it’s one of the most exciting doors you can walk through.

Infrastructure Bonds – The Safety Net with Guaranteed Income

Now, let’s balance things a little. Not everyone is ready to risk money in special funds right away. That’s where Kenya’s infrastructure bonds come in.

These are government-backed, meaning your capital is safe, and the returns are guaranteed. What makes them even sweeter is that they’re tax-free - so every shilling of interest you earn is yours to keep.

Recent issues have been paying around 14–15%, which is already higher than most MMFs. With as little as KES 50,000, you can participate and start receiving steady interest payments every six months.

Many smart investors use bonds to build passive income streams that can cover everyday bills without touching their initial investment. Over time, the steady cash flow creates financial peace of mind, especially for families or individuals planning for retirement.

REITs – Real Estate Made Simple (and Affordable)

Real estate has always been a favorite for Kenyans, but let’s be honest - buying land or putting up rental apartments requires millions of shillings, which puts it out of reach for most people. That’s where REITs (Real Estate Investment Trusts) come in, making property investing more accessible.

Take Kuza REIT, for example. With a relatively small investment compared to buying land outright, you get exposure to real estate projects like student housing, commercial properties, and other developments. Instead of managing tenants or dealing with brokers, you simply buy units in the REIT, and your returns come in the form of rental income distributions or capital gains as property values rise.

The beauty of REITs is diversification. While funds like Mansa X and OAK give you exposure to financial markets, REITs add a completely different asset class - real estate - into your portfolio. That spreads your risk and ensures that if one market struggles, another might be thriving.

For an investor who wants to grow steadily while reducing exposure to just one asset type, REITs like Kuza are a smart addition.

The NSE - Shares that Build Generational Wealth

We can’t talk about wealth creation in Kenya without mentioning the Nairobi Securities Exchange (NSE). Shares may feel intimidating at first, but history has proven their ability to create millionaires over time.

Companies like Safaricom are classic examples. Ordinary Kenyans who invested early and held onto their shares, reinvesting dividends along the way, have seen their wealth multiply significantly. The trick with shares is patience, research, and consistency. It’s not about quick wins but about buying into strong, well-run companies and letting them grow with the economy.

Combining It All - Building a Ladder of Growth

Here’s where the magic happens: you don’t have to choose just one. The smartest investors combine these opportunities.

• Keep some money in an MMF for liquidity and emergencies.
• Put part into infrastructure bonds for guaranteed income.
• Add shares for long-term growth.
• As your pot grows, step into Mansa X or OAK for higher returns.
• Balance it further with a REIT like Kuza for real estate exposure.

This combination builds a portfolio that is not only resilient but also dynamic. It protects you during tough times while maximizing your growth potential during good times.

Final Word – Don’t Get Stuck at the Basics

The biggest mistake you can make as a growing investor is to get comfortable at the entry level. MMFs are fantastic for starting out, but they should be your launchpad, not your destination.

With patience, discipline, and the courage to graduate into bigger opportunities, even an ordinary Kenyan saving a modest amount each day can build serious wealth.

Your money deserves to work harder. Don’t just let it sit at the beginner’s table - send it out to the bigger leagues where it can multiply.

💡 Ready to Take the Next Step?

If this sounds exciting but you’re not sure where to begin, don’t worry - we’re here for you. Reach out to us for personal guidance, and let’s walk with you as you expand your financial journey. You can also visit our website to download free tools like budgeting templates, money trackers, and goal-setting worksheets that will help you stay on track.

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