Blog onPersonal Financefor Kenya
Everything you need to start saving and investing in Kenya, explained simply — the NSSF pension, KDIC deposit insurance, SACCOs, the Affordable Housing Levy, banks and credit cards. Pick a topic below and you are away.
What is a savings account and how much does it pay?
A savings account keeps your money safe and pays interest that changes over time. How the interest, the 15% withholding tax and the Kenya Deposit Insurance Corporation work — and when a savings account is enough.
Read the full article →What is compound interest and how does it work?
Compound interest is return on your return — the engine behind long-term saving. Here is the formula, how big a role time plays, and how to use the rule of 72.
Read the article →Investing in Kenya: a guide for beginners
From a savings account to unit trusts, an approved pension scheme and shares on the NSE — a step-by-step guide for anyone who wants to start investing in Kenya from scratch.
Read the article →What are unit trusts and mutual funds, and how do you choose?
Equity funds, balanced funds, money-market funds and bond funds — how the different types work, what the management fee means over time, and how to avoid the expensive options.
Read the article →Savings accounts, fixed deposits and bond funds compared
For money that needs to stay safe there are several routes — savings accounts, fixed deposits and bond funds. How they differ in risk, return, access and tax.
Read the article →What is the Kenya Deposit Insurance Corporation and what does it protect?
The KDIC protects your money in a licensed bank if it fails — up to KSh 500,000 per depositor, per bank. How it works, how the limit changed, and what SACCO members should know.
Read the article →Bank, SACCO or microfinance bank: which should you choose?
Commercial banks have the widest product range and branch network, SACCOs often pay more on savings and lend cheaply to members, and microfinance banks sit in between. How to weigh the pros and cons.
Read the article →How to choose your first bank account in Kenya
Your everyday account is the hub of your money. How to compare fees, the debit card, the app, M-Pesa integration, minimum balances and online banking — and avoid the costs that slip past.
Read the article →What is a credit report and a credit score in Kenya?
When you apply for a loan, credit card, mobile loan or hire purchase, a credit check is done. How the credit reference bureaus work, what stays on your file, and how to check your own report for free.
Read the article →How credit cards work in Kenya
The grace period, the statement, the minimum payment and interest — how a credit card works step by step, and how to use it without it costing you a lot.
Read the article →The interest rate and the cost of credit: how to compare loans in Kenya
Kenya does not have a single mandated APR figure, but lenders must disclose the interest rate and all fees. How to add them up and compare loans, cards and hire purchase fairly.
Read the article →Credit card, debit card or M-Pesa: which should you use?
A debit card and M-Pesa take the money straight away; a credit card gives a grace period and stronger purchase protection. How to choose for everyday spending, online and travel.
Read the article →The NSSF pension: contributions, tiers and how much you get
Since 2024 the NSSF is a contributory pension with two tiers, not a flat provident fund. How the LEL and UEL work, what comes off your pay, and why you still need a scheme on top.
Read the article →Emergency fund: how much do you need?
An emergency fund of 3-6 months of expenses protects you from unexpected costs without expensive debt. Kenya has no unemployment benefit, so it matters even more. How to work out your figure and build it.
Read the article →Financial independence: how to calculate your number
Financial independence means your investment returns cover your spending. How to use the 4% rule, how much your savings rate matters, and how to account for tax, inflation and the NSSF pension.
Read the article →How income tax, PAYE and statutory deductions work in Kenya
The five PAYE bands, the KSh 2,400 personal relief, and the NSSF, SHIF and Affordable Housing Levy deductions — an overview of what comes out of your pay and what you can claim.
Read the article →The Affordable Housing Levy and buying a home in Kenya
You pay 1.5% of your salary to the Affordable Housing Levy. It is a tax, not a savings account — but it funds a programme you can apply to for a home. How the levy, Boma Yangu and KMRC mortgages work.
Read the article →What happens if you lose your job in Kenya
Kenya has no unemployment benefit. What severance pay you are entitled to on redundancy, what Inua Jamii is and isn't for, and why an emergency fund is the main safety net here.
Read the article →18 articles available · Informational content, not financial advice.