Africa’s fastest man, Ferdinand Omanyala, is running a different kind of race off the track—one for financial freedom. Having just completed his KSh 50 million mansion in Ruiru, the sprint sensation has revealed his investment strategy: avoiding the Kenyan obsession with land in favor of the liquidity and security of government bonds.

Omanyala’s financial discipline is driven by a deep-seated fear of returning to the poverty he knew before his athletics fame. "My biggest fear is getting back to where I came from," he admitted. Unlike many Kenyan athletes who sink millions into idle land, Omanyala prioritizes cash flow and accessibility. He argues that land is illiquid and difficult to convert to cash during emergencies, a lesson learned from watching others struggle despite being "asset rich."

Liquidity Over Land

The Commonwealth champion’s portfolio is heavily weighted towards Treasury and Infrastructure bonds. This sophisticated approach allows him to earn passive income while keeping his capital accessible. "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."

His newly completed seven-bedroom home serves as his primary asset, freeing him from the rent trap. With that milestone achieved, his focus has shifted entirely to wealth preservation and growth through financial instruments. It is a refreshing perspective in a country where land ownership is often viewed as the ultimate sign of success.

• The Strategy: Omanyala invests heavily in Treasury and Infrastructure bonds for their guaranteed returns and liquidity.
• The Mansion: He recently moved into his KSh 50 million custom-built home in Ruiru, marking the end of his renting days.
• Future Plans: The sprinter is already planning for retirement, eyeing a future career as a police officer or athletics coach.

Running Towards a Secure Future

Omanyala’s openness about his finances serves as a crucial lesson for young athletes who often fall victim to mismanagement. By diversifying his income streams—from endorsement deals with firms like Odibets and Absa to government securities—he is building a fortress around his wealth.

"When I retire, I want options," he said. Whether he ends up in the police force or coaching the next generation of sprinters, Ferdinand Omanyala is ensuring that his legacy will be defined not just by his speed, but by his smarts.