KENYA’S dollar millionaires are increasingly keen on channelling their investments into agriculture and food production this year, according to new findings by Knight Frank.
The segment is emerging as an attractive investment option for Kenya’s wealthy individuals seeking to diversify their portfolios.
The findings show that farmland is ranking among the most sought-after investment sectors in 2026.
The growing interest in agricultural land reflects a shift in investment priorities among high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs), who are increasingly looking beyond traditional property holdings to assets that can preserve wealth, generate returns and offer long-term value.
Knight Frank’s 2026 Wealth and Investment Trends report shows that farmland attracted 29 per cent of responses when wealth managers were asked to identify sectors their clients were considering for investment this year, placing it among the leading investment choices.
“The survey reveals an overwhelming consensus among respondents that food production remains the primary motivation driving farmland investment decisions among HNWIs,” said Knight Frank chief executive officer Mark Dunford in the report.
The findings point to growing recognition of agriculture not only as a source of commercial returns but also as an investment linked to food security, rising demand for agricultural commodities and the country’s need to strengthen domestic food production.
With Kenya’s population continuing to grow, Knight Frank says demand for agricultural commodities is strengthening the investment case for farmland, which is increasingly being viewed as a strategic asset capable of addressing pressures on food supply.
Beyond its productive value, agricultural land is also attracting wealthy investors because of its potential to preserve wealth during periods of economic uncertainty.
Unlike some financial assets, farmland offers tangible value and limited supply, making it attractive to investors seeking to protect their wealth against inflation while benefiting from long-term appreciation in land prices.
The report notes that some investors are acquiring large tracts of agricultural land in satellite towns and emerging growth corridors, betting on future appreciation as infrastructure development, urban expansion and population growth increase demand for land.
Agricultural land is also viewed as a generational investment that can be passed down through families while providing collateral for future financing.
Knight Frank says the combination of wealth preservation; potential capital appreciation and financial flexibility is strengthening interest in the sector.
The growing preference for farmland comes against a backdrop of changing investment patterns among wealthy Kenyans, with allocations to traditional residential property gradually declining as investors seek alternative asset classes.
The report shows that 26 per cent of wealth managers said less than 10 per cent of their clients’ wealth was allocated to primary and secondary homes, reflecting a gradual shift towards investments offering stronger income potential and greater portfolio flexibility.
“Investors are increasingly considering alternatives such as Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs), fixed-income products, technology, agriculture and renewable energy,” the report shows.
Knight Frank found that 63 per cent of respondents identified tree planting and afforestation as another motivation for farmland investment, while 50 per cent cited potential income from carbon credits.
A further 44 percent pointed to environmental and sustainability benefits associated with land ownership.
The findings suggest that investors are increasingly looking at farmland beyond conventional agricultural production, with opportunities to combine food production with environmental conservation and emerging climate-related revenue streams.
This could make agricultural land attractive to investors seeking to participate in carbon markets while maintaining productive assets.
The report says unpredictable weather patterns and climate-related risks have further strengthened interest in land-based investments that offer both production value and sustainability-linked income opportunities.
Despite the growing interest in agriculture, farmland is competing with other emerging sectors for the attention of wealthy investors.
Data centres and the residential private rented sector each attracted 24 percent of responses, while hotels and leisure also accounted for 24 percent. Logistics and industrial real estate attracted 18 percent.
Data centres are benefiting from growing demand for digital infrastructure, cloud computing, artificial intelligence and data storage, while hotels and leisure are attracting investment as tourism and business travel expand.
Logistics and industrial property are also gaining attention amid the growth of e-commerce, regional trade and manufacturing.