Ferdinand Omanyala Explains Why He Does Not Invest His Millions in Land

Africa's fastest man, Ferdinand Omanyala, is applying a unique strategy to his finances, diverging from a common Kenyan investment trend.

‎Fresh off the completion of his Ksh50 million mansion in Ruiru, the sprint star has shared that he favours the liquidity of government bonds over the popular practice of purchasing land.

‎Omanyala's investment choices are shaped by a profound desire to avoid the financial hardship he experienced before his rise to athletic stardom.

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‎"My biggest fear is getting back to where I came from," he told Nation. This fear has led him to prioritise accessible cash flow, a stark contrast to many local athletes who invest heavily in land.

‎The sprinter observed that while land makes one "asset rich," it is an illiquid asset that cannot be easily converted to cash in an emergency. This insight has guided his decision-making process.

‎The Commonwealth champion has built a portfolio centered on Treasury and Infrastructure bonds. This approach provides him with a steady stream of passive income while ensuring his capital remains readily available.

‎"I believe in the liquidity of money," Omanyala explained. "I know it's a Kenyan thing to buy land, but if you have an emergency, you can't sell a plot in a day."

‎With his seven-bedroom home now complete, Omanyala has secured his primary residence and eliminated rent payments.

‎His financial focus has since shifted to preserving and growing his wealth through these financial instruments, offering a different perspective in a culture where land ownership is often seen as the ultimate measure of success.

‎Omanyala's transparency about his financial planning offers a valuable lesson for young athletes, who can be susceptible to poor financial management. By diversifying his income through endorsement deals with companies like Toyota, Visa, Absa among others alongside his investments in government securities, he is building a secure financial future.

‎"When I retire, I want options," added the police officer, who has not ruled out taking up a role as a sprints coach.

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