Despite growing access to global investment opportunities, Kenya’s wealthy individuals are keeping most of their money at home, with property remaining their preferred investment.
According to Knight Frank Kenya’s Wealth & Investment Trends Report 2026, affluent Kenyans continue to view the local real estate market as the best place to build and preserve wealth.
The report indicates that a significant proportion of high-net-worth individuals retain the majority of their residential property investments within Kenya. Furthermore, there seems to be a notable disinterest among affluent Kenyans in pursuing second citizenships or considering alternative residency programmes.
The findings come at a time when Kenya’s economy is showing signs of gradual recovery, supported by easing inflation, a more stable exchange rate and lower interest rates that have started to improve investor confidence.
While economic growth has moderated compared to previous years and businesses continue to face challenges such as high taxation and the rising cost of living, real estate remains one of the country’s most attractive long-term investment options.
Knight Frank says wealthy investors are prioritising markets they understand well and where they have greater control over their assets. Familiarity with the local market, established professional networks and better knowledge of market trends continue to make Kenya the preferred destination for capital allocation.
“Investors are making disciplined allocation decisions based on market familiarity, long-term asset performance and the ability to actively manage their investments. While international diversification remains important, domestic investments continue to play a central role in portfolio construction,” said Boniface Abudho, research analyst at Knight Frank Africa.
The report notes that Kenya continues to offer investment opportunities across residential, commercial, industrial and alternative real estate sectors, allowing investors to spread risk without venturing far from markets they know well.
According to Knight Frank Kenya CEO Mark Dunford, investment strategies have shifted from speculative buying to preserving wealth and generating stable returns.
“What we are seeing is a balanced investment approach. Investors are selectively diversifying internationally where it complements their portfolios, while continuing to allocate significant capital to opportunities within Kenya across multiple asset classes,” he said.
The report also highlights that wealthy investors are increasingly focusing on resilience, liquidity and long-term value when making investment decisions. Domestic investments continue to meet many of these objectives by offering easier access, better oversight and opportunities for steady capital appreciation.
Although international investments remain part of wealth management strategies, Knight Frank says they are being used to complement rather than replace local investments. The findings suggest Kenya’s wealthy are adopting a measured approach that balances global diversification with continued confidence in domestic assets, reinforcing property’s role as the cornerstone of long-term wealth preservation and growth.
– By Daniel Kamau
