Reports and Rule Changes Highlight Kenyan Investment Trends and Financial Oversight - September 2025

A report indicates that wealthy Kenyans are increasingly investing in passion-driven assets like art and classic cars, signalling a shift from traditional real estate. In the formal market, the Nairobi Securities Exchange (NSE) has increased initial margin requirements for several single stock and index futures to enhance risk management, effective September 19, 2025. On the public finance side, it was revealed that Kenyan county governments operated 5,476 commercial bank accounts as of June 30. This is despite regulations requiring most funds to be held at the Central Bank. The practice raises concerns about fiscal control and complicates oversight, with Homa Bay, Kitui, and Nakuru counties owning the highest number of accounts.