A sharp expansion in assets under management and a rapid rise in investor participation defined the 7th Annual General Meeting of the Co-op Unit Trust Fund held in Nairobi, signaling accelerating retail investor appetite for pooled investment products in Kenya’s capital markets.
Co-opTrust Investment Services Limited (CISL), a wholly owned subsidiary of Co-operative Bank of Kenya (Co-op Bank), reported that the fund recorded 98% growth in FY 2025, placing it among the top 10 unit trust schemes by market share within five years of launch.
The performance was driven by sustained inflows from retail investors and institutional contributors, alongside expanding distribution through bank-linked investment channels and digital platforms that have improved access to unit trust products.
The number of unitholders increased by 87% during the year under review, reflecting rising investor confidence in managed investment vehicles as alternatives to traditional savings and fixed deposit structures.
Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of CISL, FA Nicholas Ithondeka, said the growth trajectory reflected strong market acceptance of the Co-op Unit Trust Fund and consistent investor engagement over the reporting period.
“Unitholders have continued to demonstrate trust and confidence in the fund, which has supported its expansion and positioning within the market,” said FA Nicholas Ithondeka, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Co-opTrust Investment Services Limited.
The AGM also reviewed governance, audit, and custody arrangements underpinning the fund, with oversight provided through independent trustees and external auditors to support transparency and regulatory compliance within the unit trust framework.
Participants included Ms Rose Limo, Chair – Corporate Trustee at KCB Bank Kenya Limited, Mr John Muhalia, Fund Auditor from Deloitte & Touche LLP, and Mr Kevin Mwalo, Fund Custodian from Co-operative Bank of Kenya (Co-op Bank).
The fund’s expansion reflects broader growth in Kenya’s asset management sector, where unit trusts have gained traction among retail investors seeking diversified exposure to money market, equity, and balanced fund structures.
CISL’s performance also aligns with increasing digitization of investment products, where simplified onboarding and mobile-enabled contributions have reduced entry barriers for retail investors.
The Co-op Unit Trust Fund remains one of the investment products under Co-opTrust Investment Services Limited, which operates within the broader Co-operative Bank Group’s wealth management and asset management division.
The latest results reinforce the role of bank-affiliated asset managers in expanding retail participation in capital markets through structured investment products backed by institutional governance frameworks.
