By Cyril James
Kenya continues to remain the preferred destination for local wealth creation and property investment among high net worth individuals, despite increasing access to international investment opportunities, according to the Knight Frank Kenya Wealth & Investment Trends Report 2026.
The report found that most affluent investors continue to hold the majority of their residential property assets in Kenya, while interest in second citizenships and alternative residency programmes remains relatively limited.
The findings indicate a continued preference for investing in familiar markets where investors have greater oversight of their assets, established professional networks and deeper understanding of local market dynamics.
Boniface Abudho, Research Analyst, Knight Frank Africa, said investors are increasingly making disciplined allocation decisions based on market familiarity, long-term asset performance and the ability to actively manage their investments.
“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 Abudho.
The report attributes the continued focus on domestic investments to several factors, including greater visibility over local assets, strong professional networks and familiarity with Kenya’s economic environment.
Kenya continues to provide opportunities across residential, commercial, industrial and alternative real estate sectors, allowing investors to diversify their portfolios while operating within a familiar market.
Mark Dunford, CEO, Knight Frank Kenya, said investment decisions are increasingly being shaped by wealth preservation, resilience and sustainable returns rather than short-term speculation.
“The report also notes that investment decisions are increasingly driven by wealth preservation, resilience and sustainable returns rather than speculation. 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,” said Dunford.
Abudho added that investment decisions are increasingly influenced by portfolio resilience, liquidity, accessibility and long-term return expectations.
“The findings reinforce that investment decisions are increasingly being driven by portfolio resilience, liquidity, accessibility and long-term return expectations. Domestic investments continue to satisfy many of these objectives for Kenyan high net worth individuals,” he said.
Knight Frank noted that while international diversification remains an important component of wealth management strategies, domestic assets continue to provide a strong foundation for long-term wealth preservation and growth.
The report highlights a market where investment decisions are increasingly guided by risk management, portfolio diversification and strategic asset allocation rather than geographic expansion alone.
