Two retirement schemes sponsored by Equity Life Assurance delivered double-digit returns above the industry average in 2025, with their combined assets under management surpassing Kshs. 900 million. This underscores the growing demand for structured retirement savings and income solutions.
Speaking during the Annual General Meeting of the Equity income drawdown fund and the Equity individual savings and retirement plan, Equity Life Assurance Managing Director and principal officer Angela Okinda said the strong performance reflected disciplined investment management and increasing confidence among members. “The continued growth in assets and membership is a clear signal of growing confidence in this plan as a serious, credible vehicle for individual retirement planning in Kenya,” Okinda said.
Strong growth
The Equity individual savings and retirement plan recorded the strongest growth, with assets under management rising from Kshs. 313 million at the end of 2024 to Kshs. 518 million by December 2025 before reaching Kshs. 796 million by June 30, 2026. This represents a growth of more than 154 per cent within eighteen months. The plan, which had 408 members by the end of 2025, posted a net return of 13.6 per cent for the year ended December 2025, outperforming the industry’s average return of 10.2 per cent.
The Equity income drawdown fund also maintained strong momentum, with assets under management increasing from Kshs. 44 million at the end of 2024 to Kshs. 104 million by December 2025 before rising to Sh109 million by June 2026. This represented a growth of more than 148 per cent over the same period. The fund delivered a net return of 13.8 per cent in 2025, also outperforming the industry average of 10.2 per cent.
Financial inclusion
Ms Okinda said the drawdown fund reflects Equity Group’s broader mission of extending financial inclusion beyond working life by providing retirees with sustainable income solutions. “Our purpose remains to transform lives by increasing access to affordable financial services and wealth creation opportunities. The income drawdown fund and individual savings and retirement plan are natural extension of that promise, ensuring members continue to enjoy financial security after formal employment,” she said.
The Retirement Benefits Authority (RBA) representative Peter Mugambi said the two schemes have consistently demonstrated strong performance since their inception, earning top ratings from the regulator. “At the RBA, we use a rating scale of one to five, where five represents the poorest-performing schemes while two and below are considered among the best performers. I am pleased to note that both schemes have consistently maintained ratings below 1.5, which is an indication of strong governance and performance,” Mugambi said.
Resilience
Equity income drawdown fund corporate trustee Anthony Odhiambo attributed the fund’s resilience to collaboration among the sponsor, service providers and members despite economic and geopolitical uncertainties experienced during the year. “Despite the economic and geopolitical challenges experienced both locally and globally, the fund has remained resilient through the commitment and collaboration of all stakeholders,” he said.
For the individual savings and retirement plan, corporate trustee Anthony Kilavi lauded the performance saying the signs were clear that the positive results will continue. “The return credited to members’ accounts was 13.6 per cent, well above the industry average of 10.2 per cent. Economic conditions in 2025 were favourable, and 2026 is also looking positive, giving us confidence that the scheme will continue delivering strong double-digit returns,” he said.
The strong performance of the two schemes comes at a time when more Kenyans are being encouraged to strengthen their retirement savings amid rising life expectancy, inflation and economic uncertainty. By delivering returns above the industry average while growing their asset base and membership, the schemes signal increasing confidence in professionally managed retirement solutions as individuals seek greater financial security beyond their working years.
