WHY 2026 WILL BE A RESET YEAR FOR REAL ESTATE IN KENYA

From where I sit, 2026 is shaping up as a recalibration year for real estate in Africa, not a pause, not a boom.
Even this early, the direction is becoming clearer, especially in Kenya:
• Investor appetite is returning, but far more selectively
• Residential demand remains resilient, particularly in the affordable and mid-market segments
• Nairobi’s satellite towns; Ruiru, Kitengela, Athi River continue to see strong absorption, driven by affordability and infrastructure
• Office and mixed-use assets are stabilizing as occupiers prioritize quality, efficiency, and location

Challenges around financing costs and construction inputs remain, but the shift is evident.

My takeaway:
2026 is less about rapid expansion and more about demand-led, resilient development. The market is resetting and those aligned to fundamentals are likely to be best positioned.