How to Invest in International Stocks from Kenya: The Rise of Multi-Asset Special Funds

In previous years, Kenyan investors looking for global exposure were limited to opening offshore accounts or using retail apps to buy fractional shares of Big Tech. However, in 2025, the smart money in Nairobi is moving toward Multi-Asset Special Funds.

What is a Multi-Asset Special Fund?

A Multi-Asset Special Fund is a sophisticated Collective Investment Scheme (CIS) licensed by the Capital Markets Authority (CMA). Unlike traditional unit trusts that focus only on local T-bills or NSE equities, these funds employ a global "long/short" strategy.   

Special funds trade assets like:   

• International Equities: Direct access to the NYSE, LSE, and NASDAQ.

• Global Currencies: Hedging against KES fluctuations.

• Commodities: Gold, Oil, and Precious Metals.   

• Fixed Income: US Treasuries and Eurobonds.   

  
  

Why HNWIs in Kenya are Choosing Special Funds

The "Special" designation allows fund managers greater flexibility than standard retail funds. For the Kenyan elite, this offers three distinct advantages:   

1. Professional Alpha: Instead of picking stocks yourself, you leverage institutional-grade algorithms and veteran traders (like those at Standard Investment Bank’s Mansa-X or NCBA’s Global Special Funds) to navigate volatility.

   
   

2. Currency Protection: Many special funds are available in USD denominations, providing a natural hedge against the depreciation of the Kenya Shilling.   

   
   

3. Strategic Diversification: By holding uncorrelated assets, these funds aim for high-yield returns that traditional Kenyan savings products cannot match.

Steps to Invest from Kenya

If you are looking to diversify your portfolio internationally from a Kenyan base, follow this roadmap:

• Step 1: Choose a CMA-Licensed Partner. Ensure the fund manager is regulated. .

• Step 2: Understand the "Lock-In." Special funds often require a minimum investment (starting from KES 250,000 or USD 2,500) and may have a lock-in period of 6 months.   

• Step 3: Complete KYC. You will need your KRA PIN, National ID/Passport, and proof of funds to comply with local AML (Anti-Money Laundering) regulations.

• Step 4: Monitor Global Macro Trends. While the fund is managed for you, staying informed on US Federal Reserve rates and global geopolitical shifts helps you time your top-ups.

The Bottom Line

Investing in international stocks from Kenya is no longer about "buying a few shares of Tesla." It is about adopting the multi-asset strategy used by global family offices. By shifting toward CMA-regulated Special Funds, Kenyan investors are securing their wealth in a borderless digital economy.

Disclosure:

 Ndovu is a regulated Robo-advisory platform operated by Ndovu Wealth Limited (‘NWL’). NWL is a fund manager licensed by the Capital Markets Authority (Kenya).

The information provided on this platform and the products and services offered are intended solely for persons in regions and jurisdictions where such distribution and utilization are in accordance with local laws and regulations. Ndovu does not promote its services in regions where it lacks the necessary licenses; It is exclusively available to persons residing in countries where it holds a valid license or has regulated partners. Ndovu does not extend its services to citizens of the United States, Canada, Japan, and other restricted territories.

Disclaimer:

All ETF products are subject to risk, including country/regional, liquidity, and currency risks. Market prices of securities within the ETF may rise and fall, sometimes rapidly and unpredictably.

While ETFs provide diversification through exposure to a basket of securities, they do not eliminate the risk of loss. Diversification does not ensure a profit or protect against a loss. These are non-cis products and are registered by the SEC.