Kenyan businesses are shifting their risk focus for 2026, with political instability and civil unrest now topping the list of major concerns, according to a new report from security giants Allied Universal and G4S. The findings, from the World Security Report 2025, underscore how months of Gen Z-led demonstrations and a turbulent political climate have reshaped the corporate risk landscape.
Security Fears Trump Economic Worries
Political instability is ranked as the biggest concern by 45% of Kenyan chief security officers (CSOs), closely followed by civil unrest at 43%. These figures significantly exceed the regional averages for Sub-Saharan Africa. The heightened tension is palpable: more than one in five companies (21%) anticipate being directly affected by protests or demonstrations over the next year—the highest rate in the region.
“Political and civil unrest can have an immediate and costly impact on businesses and investor confidence,” noted Laurence Okelo, Managing Director of G4S Kenya, indicating that security leaders are already preparing to bolster their physical security measures.
Economic Outlook Eases, Fraud Persists
In a slight reprieve, fears over economic instability are projected to ease, falling to 41% from 52% in the previous year’s survey. This softening of the economic outlook provides a “glimmer of optimism,” as the report suggests.
However, the threat landscape remains complex. Fraud is cited as the leading external threat by 41% of firms, a problem experts tie to lingering financial pressures and economic strain. Furthermore, the fallout from security incidents remains costly. Nearly half of Kenyan CSOs (45%) reported revenue losses due to such incidents, and more companies in the country experienced increased insurance costs than anywhere else in Sub-Saharan Africa. Institutional investors surveyed echoed this gravity, warning that a major security event could slash a listed company’s value by up to 32%.
Security Budgets Surge on Tech and Risk
In response to the elevated threat level, Kenyan firms are significantly increasing their security spend. A strong majority (79%) plan to boost their physical security budgets, one of the highest rates in the region. The primary areas of investment such as new technology and infrastructure, risk assessments and regulatory compliance — reflect a pivot toward sophistication and preparation.
“It is encouraging to see the planned investment in smart security infrastructure and AI-powered video surveillance,” said Christo Terblanche, regional president of G4S in Africa, suggesting companies are adopting advanced resilience strategies to navigate the shifting risks.
