Kenya is not short of investment plans. From money market funds, bonds, equity funds, balanced funds, to fixed income plans, there are a whole lot of options. Besides these popular options, there are other formidable investment options, the investment-linked life insurance or in another name unit-linked life insurance. And that is where the Britam Imarika Investment Plan falls.
Britam Imarika investment plan is an investment-linked life insurance such that it combines built-in last expense and investment plan.
The plan has gained popularity with time because of its superior returns since inception in 2017 and the fact that the returns it generates are not subject to withholding tax since it is unit-linked life insurance.
In a few seconds, I will show you its return rates since Inception in 2017. Spoiler: It beats money market fund hand downs.
In this write-up, I will take you through every detail of Britam Imarika Investment Plan, what it is, its returns over the years, benefits of investing in it, fees, and whether it is worth it.
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What Is the Britam Imarika Investment Plan?
Once again, Britam Imarika investment plan is an investment-linked life insurance.
Why? It combines built-in last expense with an investment plan. There is also a possibility to add other life protection benefits such as death and permanent disability covers.
It is one of the unit-linked products of Britam Life insurance. Other Britam investment-linked life insurance policies are Nawiri Lite and Nawiri Premium for those who want to make regular contributions every month.
It was started in 2017 around the months of January and February.
The plan is designed for those:
- Who have lump sum amounts they want to invest in the short and long-term.
- Who want superior returns than the money market funds.
- Who want to be exempted from withholding tax.
- Who want a tax-relief
- Who want a shield of minimum guaranteed return rate.
- Who want a sizable, steady regular income from their investment e.g. retirees, business people, entrepreneurs, employees e.t.c.
How the Britam Imarika Investment Plan Works
If you are looking to invest in the Britam Imarika investment plan, the minimum capital required is KES 200,000. You can invest any lump sum so far it is equal or above KES 200,000.
From here on, you make top ups to grow your funds faster. The minimum top up is KES 100,000. Making top ups is not a requirement, but highly recommended to grow your investment fund faster.
The investment plan is designed in a way that you can just invest once or keep topping up your account regularly or irregularly with amounts not below KES 100,000.
Britam Imarika investment plan return rates are higher than money market funds. Your fund earns a return rate of up to 15%. The minimum rate this fund has yielded since inception is 12%.
The performance of this fund is determined by the performance of the assets in which your funds are invested.
However, the Imarika investment plan guarantees a minimum return rate of 5% p.a at maturity.
Again, this fund returns are not subjected to withholding tax. This means that the net amount you take home is the interest earned minus the management fee.
The Imarika investment plan attracts a management fee of 0.25% per month.
The investment period is between 5 years and 15 years.
If you opt in for a long investment period of 10 years or above, you will enjoy a tax relief of 15% of your contributions capped at KES 5,000 per month or KES 60,000 per year.
If a need comes and you want to withdraw your money, you will be charged:
- 5% of the amount withdrawn within the first year of the fund.
- 3% of the amount withdrawn within the 2nd year of the fund.
- 0% withdrawal charges. It is free to withdraw money after the second year (25 months).
The essence of charging the withdrawal fee is to discourage you from withdrawing the funds until the end of the second year so that you can realise significant fund returns.
To be eligible to invest in Britam Imarika investment plan, you must be between 18 to 85 years old and the maximum age on cover is 90 years.
This means, if you are 85 years old, you can only invest in the plan for 5 years (the minimum investment period of the plan).
Are you mathematical? To know how many years you can invest in the fund, use this formula.
x+i = 90 years
Where x = your age, and x must be equal or less than 85 i.e x ≤ 85 while i= investment period, and must be equal or greater than 5 i.e. i ≥ 5.
Companies are not eligible to invest in the Imarika investment plan. Only individuals are eligible because of the last expense feature of the plan.
Key Features of the Britam Imarika Investment Plan
- Low entry requirements: To invest in Imarika you just need a minimum of KES 200,000 lump sum and must be of between 18 and 85 years old.
- Flexible contributions: You can make top ups to your account equal or above KES 100,000, either regularly or on availability and it is not a must.
- Professional fund management: The fund is managed by Britam fund managers, therefore, enjoying their expertise in investments.
- Accessibility and convenience: Although the fund attracts withdrawal charges in the first 2 years, you are not prohibited from withdrawing your money when you need it.
- Long-term wealth creation: This fund can help you accumulate wealth since the interest compounded and the return rates are high.
Benefits of Investing in the Britam Imarika Investment Plan
- The investment helps you create wealth. It helps you build a savings and investment culture.
- It has potential for higher returns than the money market funds and traditional savings accounts.
- The plan is suitable for medium and long-term financial goals.
- It offers you an opportunity to diversify your investment portfolio.
- The plan is convenient for both beginners and seasoned investors.
Britam Imarika Investment Plan Returns
Below is a historical performance of Britam investment plan since inception in 2017.
| Year | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 | 12.40% | 13.40% | 14.00% | 13.40% | 14.10% | 13.40% | 13.30% | 12.30% | 13.30% | 13.20% | 13.20% | |
| 2018 | 13.60% | 13.00% | 13.00% | 13.00% | 12.80% | 12.80% | 13.20% | 13.30% | 13.40% | 13.90% | 13.80% | 13.70% |
| 2019 | 13.70% | 13.70% | 13.70% | 13.80% | 14.40% | 13.70% | 13.40% | 14.70% | 13.70% | 14.40% | 13.50% | 12.80% |
| 2020 | 12.30% | 12.00% | 13.40% | 13.40% | 13.30% | 13.70% | 13.40% | 13.50% | 13.40% | 13.20% | 13.20% | 13.30% |
| 2021 | 13.10% | 13.10% | 13.00% | 13.40% | 13.30% | 13.60% | 13.70% | 13.70% | 13.60% | 13.50% | 13.10% | 13.70% |
| 2022 | 13.70% | 13.90% | 13.70% | 13.60% | 13.70% | 13.60% | 13.70% | 13.60% | 13.60% | 13.60% | 13.70% | 13.80% |
| 2023 | 14.00% | 13.90% | 13.90% | 13.90% | 14.00% | 14.10% | 14.20% | 14.30% | 14.30% | 14.30% | 14.40% | 14.60% |
| 2024 | 14.70% | 14.80% | 14.90% | 14.90% | 15.00% | 14.70% | 14.40% | 14.10% | 14.20% | 14.30% | 14.40% | 14.40% |
| 2025 | 14.50% | 14.40% | 14.20% | 14.30% | 14.30% | 14.20% | 14.10% | 14.40% | 14.10% | 13.90% | 13.80% | 13.60% |
| 2026 | 13.70% | 13.70% |
The performance of this investment-linked fund is determined by the assets in which it is invested. Other factors that determine its performance are the market conditions i.e. the performance of the economy.
The past performance does not guarantee the future results, but the last instills hope and confidence.
The past performance shows it has been performing better than most money market funds and therefore, it is worthy considering it.
Fees and Charges
Once again, here are the fees and charges attached to Britam Imarika investment plan.
- Account management fees: Imarika attracts a management fee of 0.25% per month charged on the fund value for professional management of the fund.
- Withdrawal charges: The plan attracts early exit charges. Any withdrawals before the 2 year (25th month) will be subject to early exit charges as follows: 1st Year, 5% of the amount withdrawn, 2nd years, 3% of the amount withdrawn, Month 25 and beyond No charges (free of charge).
- Other administrative costs: No other administrative costs.
- It is Important to understand the fee structure before investing.
Britam Imarika Plus Versus Money Market Fund (MMF)
| Feature | Britam Imarika Investment Plan | Money Market Fund |
| Core Product Category | Investment-Linked Insurance Plan (ILIP) | Collective Investment Scheme (Unit Trust) |
| Primary Goal | Medium-to-long term disciplined wealth building | Short-term saving, wealth preservation, & emergency buffer |
| Current Yield/Returns | Currently at 13.7% July 2026 | Currently at 9.8% as at July 2026. |
| Safety Net/Guarantees | 5% p.a. minimum guaranteed return at maturity | No guaranteed returns (yield floats with the market) |
| Tax Advantages | 15% insurance tax relief on your PAYE (for policy terms of 10+ years)No Withholding Tax (WHT) on interest earned | No tax reliefInterest is subject to standard 15% Withholding Tax (WHT) |
| Minimum Entry Investment | KES 200,000 (Single lump sum) and optional top-ups | KES 1,000 to open, with KES 1,000 top-ups |
| Liquidity and Withdrawals | Locked in Year 1 and 2 (withdrawal fees apply: 5% in Yr 1, 3% in Yr 2). Free withdrawals after Year 2. | Highly Liquid. 1 free withdrawal per month. Money settles within 24 hours or instantly via M-Pesa or Bank |
| Built-in Insurance Cover | Free KES 100,000 Last Expense cover (if fund value stays above KES 200,000) | None |
| Annual Management Fee | 0.25% p.a. on the principal | Up to 2.5% p.a. fund management fee |
Pros and Cons of the Britam Imarika Investment Plan
Pros of Imarika Investment Plan
- Higher Returns: The plan offers higher returns than most money market funds. The higher returns are evidenced by the fund historical performance that I have highlighted above in a table.
- No Withholding Tax: Since this plan is a unit-linked life insurance, the returns your investment earns are not subject to withholding tax. Another big plus over money market fund.
- Peace of Mind: Imarika offers a minimum guaranteed return of 5% even in periods of poor market conditions. You can sleep tight knowing your investment will never return a loss, just profits.
- Affordable starting amount: A minimum lump sum of KES 200,000 is required. Subsequent top ups start from KES 100,000.
- Tax Relief: If you opt for a long-term investment of 10 years and above, you get to enjoy a tax relief of 15% of your contribution(s) subject to a maximum amount of KES 5,000 per month or KES 60,000 annually.
- Flexible contribution options: You can just drop a single lump sum and that is the end of it. Alternatively, you can keep topping up to grow your investment fund faster.
- Professionally managed fund: Your funds are managed by investment professionals investing them in assets that offer higher returns.
- Convenient way to invest regularly: You can choose to contribute regularly to your investment fund depending on your ability e.g. monthly, quarterly, semi-annually and annually or however you like.
- Last Expense and Option Riders: The fund comes with a built-in last expense of KES 100,000 if you maintain your funds above KES 200,000 and you increase the last expense up to KES 500,000. The plan also allows other riders/optional benefits such as death cover and permanent disability.
Cons of Imarika Investment Plan
- Returns are not guaranteed, just like any other investment, and depends on the asset the fund is invested in or the economic conditions.
- Market fluctuations can affect performance.
- The plan charges management fees and early exit charges on the funds withdrawn.
Who Should Invest in the Britam Imarika Investment Plan
The Britam Imarika plan is suitable for anyone who wants higher returns over the money market and a fund whose returns are not subjected to withholding tax.
The plan is most popular with:
- First-time investors.
- Business people and entrepreneurs
- Salaried employees.
- Parents saving for future goals.
- Individuals seeking disciplined, long-term investing.
Britam Imarika vs Other Investment Options in Kenya
The Imarika investment plan beats most investment and savings plans in Kenya including:
- Money Market Funds
- Sacco Savings
- Fixed Deposit Accounts
- Government Securities
How to Open a Britam Imarika Investment Plan Account
To open an Imarika Investment Plan account, you will need the following:
- A starting capital of above KES 200,000.
- Have a valid national identification card,Kenyan passport or Alien ID and KRA PIN.
- Be between 18 and 85 years of age at sign-up.
- Details of the beneficiary including their name, relationship, and date of birth.
- Investment in Imarika Now
Once your policy is ready, you will receive an SMS confirmation message from Britam. A policy document will be sent to you through your email to confirm your cover. You will be able to view your statement through the MyBritam portal (available at https://customerportal.britam.com) or MyBritam app (available on Google PlayStore or Apple App Store).
How To Deposit Funds To Imarika Investment Plan
To deposit funds to your account, you can do it in a number of convenient ways:
- MyBritam portal which you can easily access
- MyBritam app, simply downloadable on Google PlayStore or Apple App Store.
- RTGS Transfers.
- Bankers or Personal Cheques written to “Britam”.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- What is the minimum amount required to invest? A minimum of KES 200,000 is required when starting.
- Can I withdraw my money anytime? Yes. However, you will be subjected to early exit charges, 5% of the amount withdrawn within the 1st year, 3% of the amount withdrawn within the 2nd year, and free of charge after the 2nd year (after 25 months).
- Are returns guaranteed? Returns depend on the market conditions and the asset in which the funds are invested in.
- Is the plan regulated in Kenya? Yes. Britam is regulated by several bodies including the IRA, CMA, CBK, and RBA.
- How often are returns paid? Returns accumulate daily and you will be able to see the progress of your funds daily in “My Britam App”.
Should You Invest In Imarika? Is It Worth It?
Imarika Investment Plan is a good investment option for those who want to invest for 2 years or more.
It is suitable for medium and long-term investors to accumulate wealth.
It is for those who want higher returns than the normal money market funds with no withholding tax on returns.
It is also superior to Sacco saving, fixed deposit accounts, and most government securities.
If you want peace of mind and higher investment returns, Imarika is for you.
Britam Imarika Investment Plan is really worth it
