Nairobi Metropolis' Land Bubble Has Paid Off

Kenya's #1 newsletter among business leaders & policy makers

Author

Kenyan Wall Street
October 29, 2025

Newsletter Sponsor

Happy Wednesday evening 👋🏽 from The Kenyan Wall Street.

In today’s issue, land in the Nairobi metropolis has beaten all other asset classes in value gain, but that could be slowing down. Saudi Arabia has ended its exploitative kafala system, which saw thousands of Kenyans among those indentured to contracts they couldn’t wiggle out of. And the pilot episode of the Just Money podcast, our latest deep dive into how markets really work, hosted by Just Ivy, is now live.

Nairobi’s Satellite Towns Have Delivered a 13-Fold Gain in Land Value in 18 Years

By Fred Obura

If you had invested KSh 1 million in land in Nairobi’s satellite towns at the end of 2007, it would today be worth Ksh13.23 million, making land the most rewarding asset over the last 18 years, according to the latest Hass Land Index Q3 2025 report. By contrast, the same investment would have grown to KSh 7.4 million in Nairobi’s traditional suburbs, KSh 4.75 million in bonds and KSh 1.7 million in savings accounts.

But the bubble might be bursting, as land prices have slowed down in 2025 due to wht HassConsult says is “tightening finances.”

Read More »»»»»

In the Markets Today

For up-to-date market insights and data from the NSE, join our Whatsapp channel here »»»»»

Highlights:

  • Equity Bank Holding $EQTY shares are trading at their highest close price since listing on the NSE by Introduction in 2006. The lender is set to announce its Q3 2025 earnings tomorrow, Thursday October 30th.

  • Today, KCB Group $KCB shares traded above KSh 60 for the first time since 2015.

“Whether Kenya sustains its reform momentum and macroeconomic stability will determine if 2026 becomes a year of sustained recovery or a pre-election gamble for investors."

-Declan Galvin, Managing Director of Exigent Risk Advisory, says in this article.

Bold Energy Targets, Thin Wallets

By Chelsy Maina

Kenya has sketched a bold vision to have 100% clean power, universal electricity access, and an economy fuelled by sustainable energy. The government thinks this will need about US $18.7 billion over the next five years, from both private and public sources. That’s ambitious by itself, but achieving a 100% clean grid by 2030 will require more than just dreams drawn on paper, Chelsy Maina writes.

Opinion

Disorganised Data Is the Silent Revenue Killer

By Veerakumar Natarajan, Country Head, Zoho Kenya

For Kenya’s business leaders, data organisation isn’t just about internal efficiency. It’s about competitive survival and regional expansion capability. As the country solidifies its position as East Africa’s technology hub, companies that master data integration can serve broader African markets more effectively, while those trapped in fragmented systems struggle to expand beyond their initial market boundaries.

Read the article here »»»»» 

On Your Watchlist

In the pilot episode of the Just Money Podcast, our host, Just Ivy Africa challenges experts Bernard Nyaga (Head of Country, HFM) and Leah Wakarima (COO, HISA) on how the markets really work, who they truly benefit, and the biggest mistakes people make with their money.

Kajiado is Set to Take Over Management of Amboseli Park | The Kenyan Wallstreet

“This model safeguards jobs, protects wildlife, and gives local communities a direct stake in conservation,” said CS Rebecca Miano.

kenyanwallstreet.com/kajiado-to-fully-run-amboseli-park-by-2029-as-state-retains-5pc

Bold Targets, Thin Pockets- Kenya’s Clean Energy Funding Gap | The Kenyan Wallstreet

Kenya already sources 83% of its electricity from renewables, one of the highest ratios globally, and the push toward 100% clean energy reinforces that.

kenyanwallstreet.com/bold-targets-thin-pockets-kenyas-clean-energy-funding-gap

Saudi Arabia Ends Kafala System, Freeing Migrant Workers | The Kenyan Wallstreet

Saudi Arabia has abolished its decades-old Kafala sponsorship system, freeing millions of migrant workers from exploitative employer control.

kenyanwallstreet.com/saudi-arabia-ends-kafala-system-freeing-kenyan-migrant-workers

Keep up with the latest financial news on our website The Kenyan Wall Street. For up-to-date market insights, join our Whatsapp channel here »»»»».