Wealthy Kenyans are increasingly moving beyond conventional investments such as land and stocks, opting instead for high-value collectibles that offer both long-term returns and personal enjoyment.
A new Knight Frank Wealth and Investment Trends 2026 Report shows that affluent investors are diversifying their portfolios by putting more money into art, luxury watches, classic cars, jewellery and fine wine—assets that are steadily gaining popularity as alternative investments.
The report suggests that high-net-worth individuals are becoming more selective about where they invest their wealth, favouring tangible assets that can preserve value while reflecting their lifestyles and personal interests.
Art remains the leading choice among these alternative investments, with 75 per cent of wealth managers saying their clients are buying artwork, up from 72 per cent last year.
Knight Frank attributes the trend to the growing recognition of Kenyan artists on both the local and international stage, making art an attractive investment while also supporting the country’s creative industry.
Luxury watches ranked second, with wealthy investors increasingly acquiring premium timepieces because of their portability, exclusivity and ability to retain or grow in value over time.
The report notes that watches are becoming a preferred wealth preservation asset, particularly for investors seeking alternatives to traditional financial markets.
Classic cars came in third, driven by strong collector demand and the limited supply of rare models. According to Knight Frank, vintage vehicles continue to attract affluent buyers because they combine prestige with long-term investment potential.
Jewellery ranked fourth, with investors favouring high-quality branded pieces that can act as portable stores of wealth, especially during periods of inflation and economic uncertainty.
Fine wine completed the top five list, reflecting growing interest among wealthy Kenyans in collectible wines as part of a diversified investment portfolio.
Knight Frank says improved access to international wine markets and increasing demand for tangible assets have contributed to the rise of wine as a legitimate alternative investment.
The findings highlight a changing investment culture among Kenya’s wealthy, with more investors looking beyond traditional asset classes and embracing luxury collectibles that blend financial value with personal passion.
