Cytonn Asset Managers Limited (CAML), the regulated affiliate of Cytonn Investments, has today launched the first specialized and regulated Collective Investment Scheme in Kenya.
The investment scheme focuses on financing mid to low income housing, known as the Cytonn High Yield Fund (CHYF). CHYF will target assets under management of Kshs 30 bn, which shall be used for the development of 6,000 mid to low-income houses.
Speaking at the launch, Cytonn Group CEO, Edwin H Dande noted that the company is constantly striving to provide creative solutions that will ensure the affordable housing agenda is attained. Dande said that the Cyton High Yield Fund is one of the solutions the company is providing to help the country achieve the Affordable Housing agenda.
“It allows another avenue for the private sector to bring regulated capital towards the development of low to mid-income housing. Therefore, we believe the fund is in line with the government’s agenda of attaining affordable housing by 2020. Driven by such factors we asked ourselves, ‘How can we bridge these challenges and provide affordable mixed-use developments?’ CHYF is our solution,” the Cytonn Group CEO said.
The principal officer at CAML, Victor Odendo further supported Dande’s comments saying that CHYF has a high allocation towards investments in real estate assets. Odendo further noted that real estate investments have consistently demonstrated the ability to deliver higher returns than those from traditionally available assets.
“The investment objective of CHYF is to obtain a high level of current income while protecting investors’ capital,” Odendo commented.
The Chairman, East Africa Forum for Alternative Investments, and a board member at Cytonn Group Dr. Edward Odundo said that housing plays a key socio-economic role and represents one of the main sources of wealth in Kenya.
“Against the backdrop of rapid urbanization putting pressure on housing delivery systems, many first-time home buyers will not be able to afford formal housing without proper housing finance solutions. This puts the issue of housing finance at the forefront of the country’s development agenda and am glad that Cytonn is taking the necessary steps to provide a solution,” Odundo noted.
Also in attendance was the Principal Secretary in the State Department for Housing and Urban Development, Charles Hinga. The Housing PS recognized Cytonn’s efforts towards crafting solutions that contribute to making housing affordable to all.
“Congrats Cytonn for launching what I would call the best housing fund in the market today. The delivery of affordable housing is a major priority for the government. Working together with private sector players such as Cytonn is the only way we can achieve our targets for affordable housing, and I pledge my support. Let us continue to work together to fill the housing gap and create value for Kenyans,” he said.
It is interesting how it’d change the prices.