Business

When two of Nairobi’s most iconic 5-star hotels—the InterContinental Nairobi (closed in 2020) and Hilton Nairobi (closed in 2022)—shut down operations, many expected a quick sale or new investors to jump in. Yet, years later, neither property has found a buyer.Why? Below is an in-depth look at the real reasons behind the prolonged stagnation. 1. Outdated Buildings Requiring Massive...

Shared office spaces with common reception, boardrooms, printers, kitchens, high-speed Wi-Fi, and flexible leasing are becoming the go-to solution for startups, freelancers, SMEs, and NGOs across Kenya. They solve the biggest pain point: professional workspaces without the cost burden of setting up an entire office. 1️⃣ Why Shared Offices Are Increasingly Viable in Kenya ✔ Rising cost of...

Land ownership holds emotional and cultural value in Kenya — “ardhi haipotei” (land never loses value) — but from a financial standpoint, there are times when money market funds outperform land speculation in both logic and returns. Here’s how to know when to choose one over the other. 🏦 1. When You Need Liquidity and Flexibility Money Market Fund advantage: You can...

In simple terms, “dead capital” refers to wealth that’s locked up in an asset that doesn’t generate income or appreciate significantly — money that could be working elsewhere but isn’t.In that sense, yes, many upcountry mansions can be classified as dead capital — but not always. The answer depends on the intent, design, and context of the investment. 💰 1. Why Many Consider It...

How to Find Distressed, Rundown, or Poorly Managed Properties Property flipping — buying real estate at a low price, renovating it, and selling it for profit — has gained traction in Kenya’s urban and peri-urban areas. With rising housing demand, especially in Nairobi, Kiambu, Nakuru, and Mombasa, flipping can be profitable when done strategically. However, it requires sharp market insight, proper...

When Landlords Should Outsource and What Services to Expect Imagine this: You're a busy Nairobi entrepreneur with a thriving tech startup, but your side hustle—a cozy two-bedroom apartment in Westlands—is turning into a nightmare. Late-night calls from tenants about leaking roofs, rent payments delayed by weeks, and a nagging worry about whether you're compliant with Kenya's tenancy laws. Sound...

Why written contracts are a must and how to safeguard yourself legally In Kenya, land ownership is one of the most prized investments. Yet, countless buyers fall into the trap of sealing land deals with nothing more than a handshake and verbal promises. While this may seem faster, cheaper, and even more “trustworthy” in some cases, it’s one of the riskiest mistakes you can make in real...

When most people budget for a home, they think about the cost of land, construction, or mortgage payments. Yet, one critical expense often overlooked is property insurance. In Kenya, where fire outbreaks, floods, theft, and even political unrest can cause sudden losses, property insurance is no longer a luxury—it’s a necessity. Let’s break down why every homeowner should include property insurance...

  For decades, the buzz in Kenyan real estate has been about urban development – skyscrapers, shopping malls, and residential estates. However, a significant shift is underway, and smart investors are turning their gaze away from the bustling cityscapes towards the fertile plains and rich soils of Kenya. Agricultural land is rapidly emerging as the new "goldmine" for investors, promising...

When purchasing land in Kenya, many buyers rush to focus on the title deed, location, or price. While those are absolutely critical, there’s another factor that can make or break your investment: access to water and electricity. Before signing any deal, this should be one of your top priorities. 1. Why Utilities Matter More Than You Think Imagine buying a piece of land at a bargain price,...

When a new road, expressway, or railway is announced, the first thing that comes to mind for many people is how it will cut travel time. But for real estate investors, there’s another question: how will this affect property prices? The truth is that infrastructure projects are some of the most powerful drivers of real estate value. They can transform quiet villages into bustling towns, turn “too...

Kenya’s real estate market has been buzzing in recent years, driven by urbanization, tourism, and a growing middle class. Investors, both local and foreign, are drawn to opportunities in Nairobi, Mombasa, Kisumu, Nakuru, and coastal towns like Diani and Malindi. The big question that often arises is whether short-term rentals through platforms like Airbnb or traditional long-term rental arrangements...

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, understanding the key factors that influence property prices will help you make smarter...

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 diaspora investors. Since the...

Nairobi’s upmarket neighborhoods like Runda, Muthaiga, and Lavington have long been prime real estate hubs, attracting high-income tenants, including expatriates working with NGOs and international aid organizations. However, a recent policy shift in the United States under President Donald Trump has sent ripples through Kenya’s property market, creating uncertainty for landlords. In this...

Wefunder is an equity crowdfunding platform that enables startups to raise capital from a broad base of investors, including non-accredited individuals. Here's how it works:   For Startups: Profile Creation: Startups begin by creating a detailed profile on Wefunder, providing information about their business, financials, and investment terms. This profile acts as a pitch to potential...

Mar-a-Lago in 1985:   A 126-room mansion that no one wanted. Donald Trump then acquired it for $7 million, an estate that initially drained finances for years. However, Trump's visionary approach transformed it into a lucrative venture, raking in $40 million annually.   The Legacy of Mar-a-Lago:   Originally constructed in the 1920s by Marjorie Merriweather Post, the cereal heiress,...

Treasury bonds are a secure, medium- to long-term investment that typically offer you interest payments every six months throughout the bond’s maturity. The Central Bank auctions Treasury bonds on a monthly basis, but offers a variety of bonds throughout the year, so prospective investors should regularly check for upcoming auctions. Most Treasury bonds in Kenya are fixed rate, meaning that the...

In Kenya, as in many parts of the world, the design and planning of commercial interiors go beyond aesthetics, focusing significantly on functionality, cultural relevance, and user experience. Here's a dissection into how different commercial spaces in Kenya are tailored to meet these needs:   Hospitals The interior design of hospitals in Kenya is driven by the need for efficiency, hygiene,...

Customers who fail to pay their Okoa Jahazis will have their Bonga Points deducted automatically by Safaricom.   Through this intervention, the company seeks to cut growing Bonga Point debts that add up to millions of shillings.   Its roll out will also allow the company to collect overdue airtimes.   For instance, some customers possess more than five mobile lines with...