Wealthy Kenyans are now shifting from traditional investments such as land and stocks to spending millions on luxury investments for both financial returns and personal satisfaction.

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According to Knight Frank's Wealth and Investment Trends 2026 report, art, luxury watches, classic cars, jewellery and fine wine have emerged as the most sought-after "investments of passion" among Kenya's wealthy.

The report revealed that while the wealthy Kenyans remain cautious, they are increasingly allocating part of their riches to tangible assets that can preserve value while also being enjoyed.

"High-net-worth individuals (HNWIs) are increasingly allocating capital towards tangible, collectable assets that combine personal enjoyment with long-term investment potential," the report stated.

📌 What You Need to Know

Art remains the most sought-after passion investment, with 75 per cent of wealth managers saying their clients are buying artworks, up from 72 per cent in 2025.

Knight Frank said the growing demand is driven by the rising recognition of Kenyan artists locally and internationally, making art an attractive investment while supporting local talent.

Luxury watches came second, with the report saying that the rich are increasingly attracted to premium timepieces because they are portable, discreet and capable of retaining or appreciating over time.

"Watches emerged as the second-most-popular passion investment in 2026, reflecting growing interest in portable luxury assets," the report disclosed.

Classic cars ranked third among the preferred investments of passion, with many wealthy Kenyans drawn by their rarity, prestige and growing collector demand.

At the same time, the report noted that limited supply and increasing international interest continue to support values for select models, making them attractive additions to diversified investment portfolios.

📰 Source: Kenyans.co.ke