CMA Approves New Unit Trust Schemes and Sub-Funds

Kenya, July 6, 2026 - The Capital Markets Authority has approved the registration of two new umbrella unit trust schemes and several additional sub-funds under four existing schemes.

 In a statement on  Monday, the authority said that the approvals were made in line with the provisions of the Capital Markets Act and the Capital Markets (Collective Investment Schemes) Regulations, 2023.

 The move aims to strengthen the country’s capital markets, enhance product innovation and expand the range of regulated savings and investment options available to Kenyan investors.

All the approvals are subject to continued compliance with the applicable Regulations and Guidelines. The Capital Markets Authority notes that these registrations will contribute to increased market depth, improved product diversity, enhanced investor choice, and strengthened confidence in Kenya's capital markets,” the authority stated.

“Investors are reminded to familiarize themselves with the Information Memorandum and Trust Deed of any scheme before investing, to consider their personal risk appetite and investment horizon and to deal only with licensed and approved capital markets intermediaries,” it added.

Among the newly approved schemes are the Cinemark Unit Trust Fund, which is promoted by Cinemark Investment Bank Limited.

 According to the authority, the umbrella fund has been registered with seven sub-funds comprising Kenya shilling and US dollar money market, fixed income, special fixed income and multi-asset investment products.

 Karsis Unit Trust Scheme, which is promoted by Karsis Asset Manager Limited, has been approved by the regulator. The scheme is set to offer 12 sub-funds across money market, fixed income, multi-asset special fund and private-debt special fund strategies in Kenya shillings, US dollars, euros and sterling pounds.

The authority has also approved Absa Asset Management Limited to register the Absa Global Multi-Asset Special Fund (USD) and the Absa Global Multi-Asset Special Fund (KES) as additional sub-funds under the existing Absa Unit Trust Funds.

Dry Associates Investment Bank Limited has also received a green light to register euro- and sterling-denominated special fixed income funds under the existing Dry Associates Unit Trust, expanding its multi-currency investment offering.

On the other hand, the authority has confirmed that Madison Investment Managers Limited has been cleared to introduce the Madison USD Fixed Income Special Fund under the Madison Unit Trust Scheme.

 Tradiam Investment Services Limited secured approval to register Kenya shilling and US dollar fixed income funds under the existing Tradiam Unit Trust Scheme.