Featured Speaker at PI Africa 2025
Q: How diversified is the KPPF investment portfolio and are you satisfied with yourcurrent allocations to alternative asset classes?
Amos Ndung’u: At KPPF, our investment portfolio reflects a thoughtful and balanced diversification within private equity and alternative assets. We have committed a total of $25 million to private equity, accounting for 9% of our overall Assets Under Management (AUM), which stands at $289 million. These commitments span various fund stages—ranging from early-stage investments to funds approaching exit—covering multiple sectors and geographies.
We are currently in the final stages of investing in two new private equity companies, which will add further depth and variety to our portfolio. Although these investments are still in their early phases, initial assessments suggest promising potential for strong returns. This ongoing diversification strategy ensures that we maintain a mix of risk profiles and investment horizons aligned with our long-term objectives.
Q: What challenges in allocating to alternative asset classes will you seek to highlight at PI Africa 2025 and what are your expectations from the event?
Amos Ndung’uke: One of the primary challenges we face is regulatory constraint. The Retirement Benefits Act in Kenya imposes limitations on pension funds, including restrictions on alternative assets like private equity or real estate. Navigating these regulatory frameworks often requires lengthy approval processes, which can delay allocation decisions.
Liquidity is another pressing issue. Unlike traditional assets, many alternative investments have long lock-in periods, limiting the Fund’s flexibility in times of financial stress. We also face a knowledge gap—there’s a scarcity of local expertise in evaluating and managing these complex asset classes.
In addition, challenges such as valuation transparency, higher transaction costs, and the need for robust risk management strategies all impact our ability to scale up allocations to alternatives.
At PI Africa 2025, I look forward to engaging with peers to explore new alternative investment opportunities and understand how global trends—like ESG and digital assets—can be tailored to the African pension fund landscape. The event will also provide valuable insights into regulatory developments and best practices for benchmarking performance, ensuring we stay aligned with sustainable, long-term investment goals.
Join us at PI Africa 2025 to hear more from Amos Ndung’u and other thought leaders on the forefront of investment innovation, risk management, and strategic asset allocation. Stay ahead of market shifts, discover new opportunities, and sharpen your competitive edge—only at PI Africa 2025, brought to you by AME Events.
