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Simple Interest Calculator Kenya — See Your Exact Return

Enter your principal, annual interest rate, and time period to calculate your return on fixed deposits, Treasury Bills, savings accounts, and other simple-interest products in Kenya.

Simple interest in Kenya is calculated as Principal × Rate × Time. Most Kenyan fixed deposits, Treasury Bills, and short-term bank products use simple interest — meaning you earn interest only on your original deposit, not on accumulated interest. For example, KES 100,000 at 10% for 1 year earns KES 10,000. Interest income is subject to 15% withholding tax (WHT), making the net return KES 8,500 — except for Treasury Bills, which are tax-exempt for individuals. Use the calculator below to see your exact return.

How Your Money Grows

See exactly how flat-rate interest works — no jargon, just numbers.

Serrari provides educational tools — we are not financial advisors. Results are estimates based on the inputs you provide.

Calculator 01
How Your Money Grows
If I put money somewhere that pays a flat rate, how much interest will I earn?
Amt
Total interest earned
Your starting amount
Final value
In plain English

Simple Interest Formula — How It Works

I = P × R × T
P
Principal
R
Annual Rate
T
Time (years)

Example: You invest KES 100,000 in a Kenyan fixed deposit at 12% per annum for 2 years. Your simple interest is 100,000 × 0.12 × 2 = KES 24,000. After 15% withholding tax (KES 3,600), your net interest is KES 20,400 and your total value is KES 120,400.

Unlike compound interest, simple interest does not reinvest earnings. This makes it easier to predict but produces lower returns over long periods. Most Kenyan fixed deposits and Treasury Bills use simple interest.

Where to Earn Simple Interest in Kenya — 2026 Rates

Compare the products that use simple interest. Rates updated daily on Serrari.

Product Typical Rate Min. Investment Tax on Interest Tenure
Treasury Bills 9 – 12% KES 100,000 Tax-exempt 91 – 364 days
Fixed Deposits (KES) 8 – 13% KES 1,000+ 15% WHT 1 – 12 months
Treasury Bonds 12 – 16% YTM KES 50,000 10% WHT 2 – 25 years
Savings Accounts 6 – 14% KES 0 15% WHT Instant access
Fixed Deposits (USD) 3 – 5.5% USD 1,000+ 15% WHT 3 – 12 months

Simple Interest vs Compound Interest — Kenya Comparison

Understanding the difference helps you choose the right product for your goals.

Factor Simple Interest Compound Interest
Formula P × R × T P(1 + r/n)nt
Interest earned on Original principal only Principal + accumulated interest
KES 100K at 10% for 5 years KES 50,000 interest KES 61,051 interest
Kenya products FDs, T-Bills, Bonds MMFs, Unit Trusts, SACCOs
Best for Short-term, predictable returns Long-term wealth building

Want to see compound interest in action? Try the Compound Interest Calculator

Simple Interest Calculator Kenya — FAQ

What is simple interest?+
Simple interest is calculated as Principal × Rate × Time. Unlike compound interest, you only earn interest on the original amount deposited — the interest itself does not earn further interest. Most Kenyan fixed deposits, Treasury Bills, and short-term bank products use simple interest.
What is the simple interest formula?+
The formula is: Interest = Principal × Rate × Time. For example, KES 100,000 at 10% for 2 years = 100,000 × 0.10 × 2 = KES 20,000 in interest. Your total amount would be KES 120,000. Banks often quote annual rates, so convert partial years: 91 days = 91/365 of a year.
Which Kenyan products use simple interest?+
Treasury Bills, most fixed deposits, and some savings bonds use simple interest. Money market funds and unit trusts typically compound daily or monthly. Always check your product’s terms to confirm.
How is interest taxed in Kenya?+
Interest income is subject to 15% withholding tax (WHT). If your FD earns KES 10,000 in interest, KRA deducts KES 1,500 and you keep KES 8,500. The exception is Treasury Bills — interest is tax-exempt for individual investors. T-Bonds are taxed at 10% WHT. Infrastructure bonds are fully tax-exempt.
What is the difference between simple and compound interest?+
Simple interest is calculated only on the original principal. Compound interest is calculated on the principal plus any previously earned interest. Over time, compounding produces significantly higher returns. KES 100,000 at 10% for 5 years earns KES 50,000 simple interest vs KES 61,051 compound interest — a 22% difference. Try the compound interest calculator to compare.
How do I calculate simple interest on a Kenyan T-Bill?+
T-Bills use a discount method, but the effective yield follows simple interest. For a 91-day T-Bill at 10%: Interest = 100,000 × 0.10 × (91/365) = KES 2,493. You pay KES 97,507 and receive KES 100,000 at maturity. Since T-Bill interest is tax-exempt for individuals, this is your full return. Minimum investment is KES 100,000 via CBK’s DhowCSD portal.
Serrari Markets provides independent financial data and educational tools. We are not licensed by the Capital Markets Authority (CMA), are not financial advisors, and do not manage funds or hold deposits. Calculator results are estimates for educational purposes. Always consult a licensed advisor before making investment decisions.
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