Vipingo Ridge estate in Kilifi County has been identified as one of the preferred hotspots for world billionaires.
According to a report by wealth intelligence firm New World Wealth, in collaboration with renowned eco-estate Zimbali Estate, it was revealed that billionaires with a net worth exceeding Ksh10 billion have shown a preference for eco-estates - residential areas that integrate nature into their design.
Vipingo Ridge was notably classified under the wildlife ecosystem category, offering homeowners picturesque views of bushlands that are home to wildlife and exotic birds.
"Wildlife estates offer the opportunity to own private homes within the untamed beauty of the bush. Notable examples include Royalston in South Africa, Finkenstein Estate in Namibia and Vipingo Ridge in Kenya."
"They advocate for sustainable practices such as renewable energy, composting, plastic recycling, and water conservation. They safeguard the habitats of nesting birds by preserving old trees with cavities crucial for their survival. Many of the world’s rarest birds including woodpeckers, parrots, toucans, barbets and kingfishers depend primarily on these cavities to nest," read the report in part.
Additionally, it was noted that the eco-states were offering billionaires an opportunity to incorporate environment-friendly technology in their luxury home designs.
"The estates advocate for sustainable practices such as renewable energy, composting, plastic recycling, and water conservation," read the report in part.
As projected in the report, over 50 per cent of billionaires will own homes in the eco-estates.
Notably, Vipigo Ridge has hosted notable billionaires in Kenya. World leaders including King Charles III have also opted to stay at the villas at the estate.
King Charles and Queen Camilla stayed at a villa that was bought by the late Chris Kirubi in 2016.
The ridge also hosts international gold tournaments and has tourism activities which attract wealthy people.
