As Kenyans will be looking forward to an economic turnaround in 2026, many people will definitely be looking for practical ways to grow their wealth. Investing offers an opportunity to earn returns beyond simple savings. Here are some of the best ways to become rich in 2026.
1. Government Bonds and Treasury Bills
This works by enabling you to lend your money to the government by buying bonds or bills. Here, the government pays you interest over a fixed period, and at maturity, you get your initial money back. Treasury bills are short-term (91–364 days), while bonds can last several years.
Government bonds are usually ideal for conservative investors seeking low-risk, stable returns.
2. Unit Trusts (Mutual Funds)
These works by enabling you to pool your money with investors. After this, a professional fund manager invests it in a mix of assets such as stocks, bonds, or money market instruments. Your returns here typically depend on how the fund performs, and you can buy or sell units at any time.
Investment experts say that it is ideal for beginners who want to diversify their income without picking individual stocks.
3. Stocks / Equities
Another way to add to your investment portfolio as the year begins is through the buying of shares. In Kenya, this is usually done through the Nairobi Securities Exchange (NSE), which has a compilation of companies on public listing and offers their shares to the public to buy and invest in.
For instance, if the company whose shares you own performs well, the value of your shares can rise, and you might earn dividends. The advantage is that you can sell your shares at any time, though their prices can change daily.
Investment in stocks and equities is usually ideal for investors willing to take medium-to-high risks for higher potential returns.
4. Real Estate
Investment experts say that investment in non-movable assets, such as land are really ideal as they appreciate with time. As the year begins, you can, for instance, consider buying a unit from the affordable housing, especially in other major towns where the demand for houses by investors is lower compared to urban settings such as Nairobi.
You can then rent out the apartment, which generates steady income, while land in a growing town may rise in value. Profit depends on location and market demand.
This is usually ideal for investors with capital to buy property and have a long-term vision.
5. SACCOs (Savings and Credit Cooperative Societies)
This works through check-offs, where, after joining a SACCO, you can authorise your employer to automatically deduct a fixed amount from your salary and deposit it into your SACCO account.
SACCOs pool members’ funds to provide loans or make investments. Members earn dividends based on their contributions, typically ranging from 8 to 12 per cent per year, while loans are offered at affordable interest rates, usually between 12 and 14 per cent, lower than what commercial banks charge.
Even if you are self-employed, you can join a SACCO. Members benefit from consistent savings, annual dividends, and accessible loans with flexible repayment terms, making SACCOs a practical alternative to traditional banking.
6. Cryptocurrency / Digital Assets
Even though Kenya has passed the Virtual Asset Service Providers Act 2025, which provides a legal framework for cryptocurrency exchanges and related platforms, investing in digital currencies like Bitcoin or Ethereum remains high-risk.
You can buy crypto via licensed platforms, hold it hoping the price increases, or trade frequently to profit from market movements. Security, thorough research, and verifying that a platform is properly licensed are critical due to the high volatility and potential for loss.
7. Agribusiness Investments
As the year begins, you can invest in farming ventures such as poultry, dairy, horticulture, or value-added processing. Profits are earned by selling produce or through revenue-sharing in cooperative schemes, and returns usually depend on factors like efficiency, market access, and the quality of crops or livestock.
8. Retirement Savings Plans (Pension Funds, NSSF Top-Ups)
Instead of letting your pension funds lie idle, you can consider contributing to a Tier Two pension or NSSF account, which is managed by licensed fund managers approved by the Retirement Benefits Authority (RBA).
Your contributions are invested in approved assets such as government bonds, equities, and corporate bonds. Over time, your savings grow with the returns earned, providing a larger sum at retirement. This is ideal for anyone planning for long-term financial security and looking to grow their retirement savings through diversified investments.
9. Digital Micro-Investing Apps
Using a mobile app, you can invest small amounts of money in stocks, exchange-traded funds (ETFs), fractional shares, or money market funds (MMFs). The app automates saving and investing, allowing you to start with as little as a few hundred shillings.
MMFs offer lower-risk, short-term returns, while stocks and ETFs carry higher potential gains but more volatility. Returns vary depending on the assets you choose and market performance.
This is ideal for beginners or young investors looking to start small, diversify, and grow their savings through flexible digital platforms. However, it is not ideal for long-term investments.
