About Us - KNEST

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Kenya National Entrepreneurs Savings Trust (KNEST) is a unique national informal sector pension scheme established by the Government to meet the unique needs of the more than 15 million marginalized informal sector workers. The scheme has deployed low-cost modern technologies to catalyze a sustainable business model that manages intermittent micro contributions to meet both long-term (pensions demands) and pressing short-term needs that are unique to this sector. The scheme is duly registered by RBA with certificate Reg. No. 01742.

KNEST is designed to meet both long-term (pensions demands) and short-term needs while inculcating a saving culture in the informal sector

Who is eligible to become a member of KNEST

Any natural person who is resident in Kenya and has reached at least eighteen (18) years of age.

How much savings should one make on a daily basis?

Each Member shall in each Contribution Year contribute a minimum sum of Kenya Shillings 50/- per day.
Contributions by, or for the benefit of a Member shall be remitted electronically (except in special circumstances to be determined by the Trustee on a case basis) using the electronic scheme administration platform or any such other mode as shall be determined by the Trustee from time to time.

When and how can I check my KNEST balance?

Any time. You can check your KNEST balance through the USSD provided by your Mobile Network Provider or through the KNEST USSD code. Access to this information can also be done through the KNEST APP, USSD code and web portal.

When can I access my long-term savings?

At Early Withdrawal Date. Early Withdrawal Date” means the fiftieth (50th) birthday of a member where the exact date of birth is known and where it is not known the first day of the month in the year in which his birthday is deemed by the Sponsor to occur.

When can l access my short-term savings?

Short term savings may be accessed any time after a specified period of time and as may be guided by the attainment of a certain amount of savings.

How can I access my balance?

Access to funds is subject to terms and conditions attached to the type of funds i.e short term or long term. Once funds are cleared for withdrawal, a member or beneficiary use any of the following platforms: the KNEST USSD Code or KNEST Mobile App.

How is KNEST related to Financial Inclusion Fund?

KNEST PLC which a body corporate established in the Republic of Kenya under the Companies Act Cap 486 of the Laws of the Republic is the Sponsor of the KNEST Scheme. KNEST PLC provides trusteeship to KNEST pension scheme. KNEST PLC has signed a memorandum of service level with the Financial Inclusion Fund which is a Fund created under section 24 of the Public Finance Management Act 2012 for KNEST to manage the long-term savings component of the Financial Inclusion Fund.

You get the opportunity to save for a comfortable retirement in an easy, affordable and convenient way.
You will not pay any penalties in case you fail to make your contributions.
Your savings will grow as they will be invested carefully to ensure they earn the best possible return while still remaining secure.
You benefit from tax relief as long as you are a member.
If you choose to withdraw from the plan, you get back your accumulated contributions plus interest.
When you retire, you get back the accumulated contributions plus interest paid to yourself or your nominee beneficiaries.
You get the chance to learn a lot about savings and retirement planning from regular education and training offered to all members in collaboration with service providers.
You get to track your savings as you can access a member statement once indicating how much contributions you have made.