Freehold vs Leasehold Land in Kenya: What Every Buyer Must Know

When it comes to buying land in Kenya, one of the most confusing — yet crucial — topics is land tenure. Many first-time buyers jump into deals without understanding whether the land is freehold or leasehold, only to face legal headaches later. This guide explains the difference, the pros and cons of each, and how…

The Hidden Costs of Buying Property in Kenya (That Most People Forget)

Many Kenyans save for years to buy land or a house — but often, the excitement of closing a deal overshadows the fine print. Beyond the purchase price, there are several hidden costs of buying property in Kenya that can catch buyers off guard. Knowing them upfront helps you budget wisely and avoid surprises. 1….

Renting vs Buying in Kenya: Which Makes More Financial Sense?

For many Kenyans, the question of whether to rent or buy a home is one of the biggest financial decisions of their lives. With rising property prices, fluctuating rent rates, and expanding mortgage options, the dilemma has only grown more pressing. Should you keep renting and enjoy flexibility, or should you commit to buying and…

Top 10 Factors That Influence Property Prices in Kenya (and How to Spot a Good Investment)

Buying property in Kenya can feel like navigating a maze — why is an acre in Karen going for over KSh 60 million, while the same size in Kitengela might fetch less than KSh 10 million? What drives these huge price gaps? Whether you’re a first-time homebuyer, seasoned investor, or simply curious about real estate,…

How to Register step by step as a Member of the Social Health Authority (SHA) Fund

The Social Health Authority (SHA) has made it easier for Kenyans to register for the new health insurance scheme. There are three main ways you can sign up: Through the SHA Website Using the USSD Code At Huduma Centres or via Authorised SHA Agents Below is a step-by-step guide for each registration option. 1. Registering…

What to Check Before Buying Land in Kenya

  Acquiring land in Kenya remains one of the most popular and rewarding long-term investments—so long as you proceed with caution. Unfortunately, fraud, boundary disputes, and legal complications have turned land transactions into potential minefields. Here’s a detailed, expert-backed guide to ensure your journey is secure, smart, and seamless. 1. Confirm Genuine Ownership (Title Deed…

How to Leverage Mixed-Use Developments for High Returns 

Kenya’s urban centers are buzzing with opportunity, thanks to mixed-use developments like Tatu City and Two Rivers, blending homes, offices, and retail into vibrant communities. With real estate contributing 10.5% to Kenya’s GDP in 2022 and Nairobi property prices growing 5.2% in 2024, these projects offer 8–15% annual returns, outpacing traditional assets. Urbanization at 4.3%…

Why Buying Land in Kenya’s Satellite Towns Is the Smartest Investment

Kenya’s satellite towns—Ngong, Ruiru, Kitengela—are transforming into investment goldmines, offering affordable land with returns up to 20% annually. With real estate contributing 10.5% to Kenya’s GDP in 2022 and land prices in these towns growing 8–12% yearly, they outshine Nairobi’s saturated market . Rapid urbanization (4.3% annually) and infrastructure like the Nairobi Expressway drive demand,…

How to Invest in Kenya’s Real Estate for Long-Term Wealth: A Global Guide

Kenya’s real estate market is a goldmine for investors seeking long-term wealth. With a 10.5% contribution to GDP in 2022 and 5.2% property price growth in 2024, Kenya outshines many global markets. From Nairobi’s bustling apartments to Ngong’s affordable plots, the country offers high yields (8–10%) and stable returns, drawing 30% of MakaoBora.com inquiries from…

Proptech Revolution: How Technology Is Transforming Kenya’s Real Estate Market

Gone are the days of endless property hunts and paperwork piles. In 2025, proptech—property technology—is revolutionizing Kenya’s real estate, making buying, renting, and investing faster and smarter. From virtual tours of Nairobi apartments to blockchain-secured land titles in Kitengela, technology is reshaping how Kenyans find their dream homes. With urbanization at 4.3% annually, a booming…

Fractional Ownership: The Game-Changing Trend Democratizing Kenya’s Real Estate in 2025

Owning a piece of Nairobi’s skyline or a coastal villa in Diani no longer requires millions. In 2025, fractional ownership is transforming Kenya’s real estate, letting everyday investors co-own high-value properties for as little as KSh 50,000. With property prices soaring—Nairobi plots up 15% since 2024—and a growing middle class craving accessible investments, this trend…

Micro-Cities: Kenya’s New Urban Frontier for Affordable, Tech-Driven Living in 2025

Imagine a city where your home, workplace, and favorite café are steps away, powered by smart tech and nestled in green spaces. In 2025, Kenya’s micro-cities—like Konza Technopolis and Tatu City—are turning this vision into reality, offering affordable, tech-driven living. With urbanization at 4.3% annually, infrastructure like the Nairobi Expressway, and a tech-savvy middle class,…

The Rise of Affordable Luxury Estates: Redefining Suburban Living in Kenya 2025

Kenya’s property market is undergoing a transformation in 2025, with affordable luxury estates redefining suburban living. As urbanization surges at 4.3% annually and infrastructure like the Nairobi–Nakuru Expressway opens up satellite towns, these estates offer high-end living at mid-range prices. From Ngong’s gated communities to Syokimau’s modern apartments, buyers are flocking to properties blending style,…

The Birth of Tusker: A Tale of Beer, Ambition, and an Elephant’s Charge

The first beer to be brewed in a factory in Kenya was produced in 1922 in small copper vessels heated by firewood.   It was bottled by hand and the first order of ten cases personally delivered to the General Manager of the Stanley Hotel, now Sarova Stanley, in Nairobi.   Although the hotel had…

Green Living in Kenya 2025: How Eco-Friendly Homes Are Shaping the Future of Real Estate

Kenya’s real estate market is buzzing with a new trend: eco-friendly homes that promise sustainable living and long-term savings. As urbanization surges at 4.4% annually and energy costs climb, Kenyans are embracing green homes equipped with solar panels, rainwater harvesting, and smart technology. From Nairobi’s upscale estates to satellite towns like Kitengela, these properties are…

The Rise of Mixed-Use Developments: Why Kenyans Are Embracing Live-Work-Play Communities

Kenya’s real estate landscape is undergoing a transformative shift, with mixed-use developments emerging as a game-changer in urban living. These integrated communities, blending residential, commercial, and recreational spaces, are redefining how Kenyans live, work, and play. From Nairobi’s bustling suburbs to satellite towns along major highways, the live-work-play model is gaining traction, driven by urbanization,…

How Kenya’s Affordable Housing Program is Shaping 2025: Progress, Challenges, and Opportunities

Kenya’s Affordable Housing Program (AHP), a cornerstone of the government’s Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda, continues to reshape the nation’s real estate landscape in 2025. Launched to address the chronic housing deficit—estimated at 2 million units, with an annual demand of 250,000 homes—the program aims to deliver 200,000 units yearly, targeting 1 million homes over five…

The Prestigious Senior Counsel Title in Kenya: Honour, Rigour, and Current Controversies

The Senior Counsel (SC) title in Kenya is the pinnacle of professional achievement for advocates, a prestigious honour reserved for the nation’s most exceptional legal minds. Comparable to the Queen’s Counsel (QC) in Commonwealth countries, it signifies profound expertise, ethical integrity, and significant contributions to the legal profession. However, the path to earning this coveted…

Sagrada Familia: An Architectural Marvel That Redefines Majesty By Pauline Njoroge

A Journey to Sagrada Familia: An Architectural Marvel That Redefines Majesty By Pauline Njoroge for Makao Bora Blog Having visited some of the world’s most renowned cathedrals, including the awe-inspiring St. Peter’s Basilica and the Sistine Chapel in Rome, I thought I’d seen the pinnacle of architectural and artistic brilliance. I genuinely believed no other…

Kenya’s Affordable Housing Drive Under President Ruto: Public vs. Private Sector – Who Can Deliver More Efficiently?

Kenya’s Affordable Housing Drive Under President Ruto: Public vs. Private Sector – Who Can Deliver More Efficiently Kenya’s affordable housing initiative, a flagship program under President William Ruto’s administration, aims to deliver 500,000 affordable homes by 2027 to tackle the country’s housing deficit of approximately 2 million units. Originally launched in 2018 by former President…