Most Kenyan Millionaires Are Choosing to Stay Home, Says New Report
Kenya’s wealthiest citizens show little interest in obtaining foreign passports or residency rights, according to the Wealth & Investment Trends 2026 report by Knight Frank, released on 14 July.
The report found that High-Net-Worth Individuals (HNWIs) remain committed to living and investing in Kenya despite the growing popularity of global mobility programmes. A survey of wealth advisers showed that half said fewer than 10 percent of their clients were considering a second passport, while 38 percent reported that none of their clients were pursuing alternative citizenship.
The results are consistent with the findings from 2025. The report suggests that Kenya’s wealthy continue to have confidence in the country’s long-term economic prospects, even as global uncertainty persists. Many have invested heavily in sectors including real estate, agriculture, technology and private businesses, making relocation less appealing.
Kenya’s position as a regional financial and commercial hub has also strengthened the case for remaining in the country. Many wealthy individuals have built extensive business networks and long-standing commercial relationships that would be difficult to recreate elsewhere.
Family and community ties also play an important role in residency decisions. Close family connections and established social networks continue to influence where many of Kenya’s affluent citizens choose to live, reducing the appeal of foreign citizenship programmes.
The findings indicate that, while many wealthy people around the world are seeking greater mobility through second citizenship or residency schemes, Kenya’s affluent population is largely choosing to remain in the country. The report attributes this to continued confidence in the domestic economy, strong business interests and established social connections.
