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587 articles · page 9 of 49
Contractor or Fundi? Who You Hire Can Make or Break Your Project
If you’re about to start building, you’ve probably hit that tough question, who do you trust with your project? A professional contractor or a local fundi you’ve heard good things about? Of course, everyone wants to make the most of their budget. And honestly, getting someone cheaper who you believe will deliver sounds like a good deal. A contractor will definitely charge more than a fundi, but don’t get me wrong, that doesn’t mean fundis are bad at their job. Not at all. Some of them are really good at what they do, especially when it comes to the actual building work. The truth is, each one has their place. The fundi is the doer; the one who gets his hands dirty and brings your walls to life. The contractor, on the other hand, is the planner — the one who sees the bigger picture, coordinates everyone, and makes sure what’s built today still stands strong ten years f
KPDA Conference 2025: Reset, Reform, Rise in Kenya’s Real Estate Sector
The theme of this conference was “Reset, Reform, Rise: Creating the Real Estate Sector We Want . Developers and policymakers alike stressed the need to streamline approval processes, improve inter-agency coordination, and enforce planning standards prepared by qualified professionals. Panelists discussed the persistent challenges women face in accessing capital, networks, and leadership roles. As the conference came to a close, one message stood tall: Kenya’s real estate sector is ready to evolve, but evolution will demand discipline, collaboration, and consistency . About two weeks ago, different players in the real estate industry gathered at a hotel in Westlands with an aim to discuss and dissect issues related to sustainable design, decentralised infrastructure management, and the institutionalisat
Where Should You Live if You Work in Nairobi CBD?
Convenience is a top priority for anyone balancing work and home life. After a long day, no one wants to spend hours just getting back home. That’s why where you live, in relation to your workplace, matters more than ever. Nairobi’s rapid growth has completely changed how people choose where to live. Better roads, improved infrastructure, and an expanding real estate market have opened up new possibilities. Not long ago, limited housing and poor road connectivity meant long commutes and painfully early mornings. Today, that’s changing fast. With more residential developments cropping up closer to the CBD—and better access from nearby towns, professionals now have a wider range of options that suit both their lifestyle and budget. Let’s get into the different options one might have; Table of Contents
Buying Property in Kenya? How the Conveyancing Process Really Works
The thought of finally owning something in your name is a dream many share. Conveyancing is the legal process of transferring property ownership from a seller to a buyer. When carrying out due diligence, don’t stop at a title search. Go deeper. Buying property is an exciting milestone. The thought of finally owning something in your name is a dream many share. But as thrilling as it is, it comes with its fair share of risks. Delays, shady deals, and outright scams are all too common. That’s why doing proper due diligence isn’t just smart, it’s essential. This entire legal journey of transferring property ownership is called conveyancing, and in this article, we’ll break it down step by step. READ ALSO: Completion Documents in Conveyancing: Certific
Kenya’s Building Boom: Strong Demand, Credit Growth, and Rising Real Estate Markets
Kenya’s Construction Sector Surges 5.7% in Q2 2025, Driven by Strong Demand and Credit Growth Construction sector activities in Kenya displayed significant growth in the second quarter of 2025, expanding by 5.7 percent compared to a 3.7 percent contraction in the same period the previous year, according to the latest data from the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS). This resurgence is clearly evidenced by increased consumption and importation of key construction materials. Cement consumption surged by 23.9 percent to 2,424.4 thousand metric tonnes from 1,957.1 thousand metric tonnes in the corresponding period of 2024. Similarly, imports of bitumen rose to 22,659.3 metric tonnes from 15,566.2 metric tonnes, while iron and steel imports more than doubled to 526,606.4 metric tonnes compared to 222,112.3 metric tonnes in the seco
Buying Property in Mombasa: Is the Coast Really Worth It?
The phrase “Mombasa Raha” is one we’ve all uttered, or had uttered to us. Mostly known for its warm climate and sandy beaches, Mombasa , and the wider coastal region, is often associated with fun, relaxation, and vacationing. For years, however, the coast wasn’t top of mind for many Nairobi-based buyers. Limited transport links, patchy infrastructure, and distance made the idea of living or investing there feel out of reach. While Mombasa has always drawn tourists, diaspora families, and some high-net-worth investors, it wasn’t seen as a mainstream property market. That story is shifting. Better highways, the Standard Gauge Railway, and more affordable domestic flights have made the journey faster and easier. What once felt far now feels surprisingly close, and that accessibility has sparked fresh interest from investors and home seekers alike.
How to Create a Home Office That Actually Inspires Work
You spend half the time fighting distraction, not getting anything meaningful done. Look for natural light; it does wonders for your mood and focus. Colour isn’t just about style, it changes how you feel. Your home office doesn’t have to be perfect, expensive, or Pinterest-worthy. It just needs to be a space where your mind feels free and your energy flows. Your workspace does more than hold your laptop. It has the power to shape your mood, your focus, and even your energy. Think about it, have you ever tried working at a cluttered dining table or in a dark corner? You spend half the time fighting distraction, not getting anything meaningful done. But step into a space that feels clear, light, and intentional, and suddenly, work doesn’t feel like such a heavy lift. So, ho
Explained: Kenya’s Affordable Housing Model
In 2008, President Mwai Kibaki unveiled Kenya Vision 2030, a national blueprint for transforming the country into a middle-income economy. The Affordable Housing Program relies heavily on public–private partnerships. Affordable housing is a bold step in the right direction, but it’s not a silver bullet. In 2008, President Mwai Kibaki unveiled Kenya Vision 2030, a national blueprint for transforming the country into a middle-income economy. It was anchored on three pillars: Economic, Social, and Political. Under the Social pillar sat housing, with a clear ambition, raise Kenyans’ quality of life by expanding access to decent, affordable homes across the country. Kibaki’s team recognised a harsh truth: urban housing was deeply out of reach for low- and middle-income families, with annual demand toppin
When a Title Deed Isn’t Enough
Imagine saving for years, doing everything by the book, running a land search, consulting a bank, paying rates, only to be told your title deed is worthless. That’s the reality now facing hundreds of Kenyans who bought land in Ruiru, once part of the late spy chief James Kanyotu’s estate. A gazette notice issued on August 15th cancelled hundreds of titles, citing an old succession dispute dating back to 2008. Buyers who thought they had iron-clad ownership are suddenly staring at demolitions and financial ruin. READ ALSO : Common Real Estate Scams in Kenya and How to Avoid Them Table of Contents So what went wrong? A Familiar Pattern The Ripple Effect on Investment The Inve
Kenya’s Wealthy Get Smart Homes While the Poor Are Left Behind
7.7% of the highest-income households reported having smart security systems, a stark contrast to the mere 0.3% reported in the lowest-income households. Electricity access remains a foundational enabler for digital inclusion. The report suggests that future initiatives should focus on improving electricity infrastructure in rural areas. The latest Kenya Household Survey (KHS) data reveals a stark digital socioeconomic divide in the adoption of smart home technologies across the country. The findings highlight that income, housing tenure, dwelling type, and electricity access are major determinants of who can access and utilize these emerging technologies. The joint report by Kenya National Bureau of Statistics and Communications Authority of K
The Truth About Apartment Returns in Kenya’s Real Estate Market
About a week ago, renowned politician Ndindi Nyoro addressed a gathering of businesspeople in Nyeri. His remarks on real estate caused quite a stir, particularly among investors and those aspiring to join the property market. Nyoro’s central point was simple yet provocative: apartments, as an investment, deliver 8% or less of returns and may not be worth the hype. He cautioned first-time investors against jumping headfirst into real estate, insisting there are better ways to grow wealth with higher returns. He didn’t stop there. Mr. Nyoro also questioned the culture of land banking, buying multiple pieces of land “for the future.” His argument? Many people lock away capital in idle land that may take years, even decades, to yield meaningful returns. It was a bold statement, one that challenged deeply ingrained b
How to Buy Property in Kenya as a Foreigner or Diaspora Investor
With the economy expanding, infrastructure improving, and the population increasing, this growth was inevitable. In Kenya, land ownership is split into two main categories: freehold and leasehold. Buying property in Kenya as a foreigner or diaspora investor is not only possible, but also a smart way to tap into one of Africa’s fastest-growing marke ts. Kenya’s real estate market has not slowed down when it comes to growth. With the economy expanding, infrastructure improving, and the population increasing, this growth was inevitable. A growing economy is like honey to flies, very attractive. It’s no surprise that Kenya is often ranked among the top destinations for both foreigners and diaspora investors. And while there are many ways to invest, property stands out. From apartments to townhouses to ga