Moving & diaspora
Investing in Kenya from abroad: a diaspora guide to MMFs, T-bills, SACCOs and land
How Kenyans abroad can invest back home in 2026: money market funds, T-bills on DhowCSD, diaspora SACCOs and land, with tax, risks and how to avoid scams.
Kenyans abroad sent home over US$5 billion in 2025. The simplest ways to make that money grow are a money market fund (around 9–11% a year before tax), T-bills on DhowCSD (from KES 50,000) and a SACCO with a diaspora product. Always invest through regulated institutions and verify land titles yourself.
Options compared
| Option | Minimum | Can you do it remotely? | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Money market fund | Often KES 1,000 or less | Yes, many funds open accounts online | Choose a CMA-licensed fund manager |
| T-bills and bonds | KES 50,000 (T-bills) | Yes, via DhowCSD with a Kenyan bank account | Money is locked until maturity |
| SACCO | Varies | Many SACCOs have diaspora products | Check SASRA licensing; deposits aren't insured |
| Land and property | Varies | Possible, but risky | Fake titles. Do an official search and use your own lawyer |
What your money could grow to
Sending KES 20,000 a month into a fund earning 9% after tax for 10 years builds about KES 3,870,286 before inflation. The financial future simulator adjusts for inflation and shows what it means as a monthly income.
Tax for diaspora investors
- Interest from money market funds, T-bills and bank deposits: 15% withholding tax for residents. Non-residents may face different rates.
- SACCO dividends: 5% withholding tax.
- Rent from a Kenyan property: residential rental income tax applies to resident landlords. Non-resident landlords pay withholding tax. Check KRA for the current rates.
Five rules to avoid losing money
- Never send money to an individual's account for an investment.
- Check the fund manager on the CMA list, and the SACCO on the SASRA list.
- For land, do your own search at the land registry and use a lawyer you choose.
- Be wary of "guaranteed" returns well above T-bill rates.
- Keep records for KRA, including your PIN, statements and receipts.
Sending money home: what it costs
Remittance fees and exchange-rate margins vary widely between banks, money transfer services and mobile wallets. Compare the amount that actually arrives in shillings, not just the advertised fee. Sending larger amounts less often usually costs less overall.
A simple plan for diaspora savers
- Build an emergency fund where you live first.
- Open a Kenyan money market fund account online and set up a monthly transfer.
- Once you have KES 50,000 or more you won't need for a few months, add T-bills through DhowCSD.
- Join a SACCO if you want access to loans for land or building later.
- Only consider property once you can verify titles and manage the project through people you trust.
Tracking your goals
Use the financial future simulator to see what regular saving builds up to, in today's shillings, and the rent vs buy calculator if you're weighing a home in Kenya.
Frequently asked questions
How can I invest in Kenya from abroad?
Common options are money market funds, T-bills and bonds through DhowCSD, diaspora SACCO products and property. Use regulated institutions.
Can diaspora Kenyans buy T-bills?
Yes, with a KRA PIN, ID or passport and an account at a CBK-licensed Kenyan bank.
How much did the diaspora send to Kenya in 2025?
About US$5.04 billion, a record, with roughly half from the United States.
How do I avoid land scams in Kenya?
Do an official land search, verify the seller, use your own lawyer and never pay cash to individuals.
Sources
- Central Bank of Kenya — Investing in government securities from abroad
- Central Bank of Kenya — Treasury bills
- Capital Markets Authority — regulator of money market funds
- SASRA — SACCO Societies Regulatory Authority
- Business Daily — CBK outlook for diaspora remittances in 2026
- Kenya Revenue Authority — Withholding tax rates
- Kenya Revenue Authority — Residential rental income tax
Links are for reference only. METRIKA is independent and not affiliated with or endorsed by these organisations.
Last reviewed 1 Oct 2026. METRIKA gives estimates and general information, not financial, tax, legal or immigration advice.