Wealthy Kenyans are increasingly investing in passion-driven assets like art and classic cars, signalling a shift from traditional real estate and a growing confidence in the domestic economy. This trend aligns with a reduced interest in seeking foreign residency.

• According to the Wealth Report 2025 – Kenya Edition by Knight Frank, 72 percent of wealthy Kenyans are interested in art, and 50 percent in classic cars.
• Fewer than 10 percent of High-Net-Worth Individuals (HNWIs) are considering applying for second passports or alternative citizenship in 2025.
• 72 percent of wealthy Kenyans now factor community impact into their property investment decisions, driven by environmental, social, and governance (ESG) considerations.

The Nairobi Securities Exchange (NSE) has increased initial margin requirements for several single stock and index futures within its derivatives segment (NEXT), effective September 19, 2025, to enhance risk management.

• The new rates apply to all contracts from December 2025 through September 2026, requiring traders to adjust their accounts.
• Significant margin hikes include Kenya Power (up to KES 2,400), the NSE 25 Index (up to KES 1,500), and Safaricom (up to KES 1,100).
• NEXT, launched in July 2019, offers Equity Index Futures and Single Stock Futures, governed by the Capital Markets (Derivatives Markets) Regulations, 2015, with the NSE acting as the central counterparty.

Kenyan county governments operated 5,476 commercial bank accounts as of June 30, despite regulations requiring most funds to be held at the Central Bank, raising concerns about fiscal control and mismanagement. This fragmented approach exposes billions of shillings and complicates oversight.

• Homa Bay County led with 558 accounts, followed by Kitui with 350, and Nakuru with 311. In contrast, Nandi County had only 10 accounts.
• The Controller of Budget highlighted that counties should only maintain a few accounts outside the Central Bank for specific purposes, and many have not sought authorization from the Treasury as required.
• To address this, the Cabinet approved a Treasury Single Account (TSA) in January for both national and county governments, aimed at consolidating cash resources and preventing interest on public funds from accruing to private commercial banks.