Kenya’s real estate sector is gearing up for a major shift as Rocksand Homes, a residential property developer, launches a targeted strategy to attract investments from the Kenyan diaspora. With modern, affordable housing units in Kitengela, the firm is setting its sights on the millions of Kenyans living and working abroad, especially in the United States and Middle East.
Rocksand Homes is responding to a growing demand from Kenyans overseas who are seeking well-designed properties for re-investment, short-term rentals, or Airbnb-style ventures. The firm says it is now tailoring its offerings to meet this need, offering flexibility and customization to match modern lifestyle trends—particularly among younger, mobile populations.
“Every day, we receive inquiries from Kenyans in the diaspora expressing serious interest in modern, affordable properties. Many are looking to invest for resale or rental purposes,” said Ms. Raisa Wamai, General Manager of Rocksand Homes.
According to her, most of these requests come with specific preferences, including setups for young professionals embracing digital nomad lifestyles. As such, Rocksand Homes is incorporating personalized packages that include flexible layouts, stylish finishes, and short-term leasing capabilities.
Why the Diaspora Market Matters
The move to target diaspora clients comes as new data reveals significant consumer spending power among Africa’s Generation Z. A recent report by the World Data Lab projects that this demographic—born between 1997 and 2012—will be responsible for spending worth KES 103 trillion (US$801 billion) across the continent by the end of 2025. This figure is expected to hit KES 129 trillion (US$1 trillion) by 2032.
In Kenya alone, Generation Z will account for KES 4.4 trillion (US$34 billion) in spending by 2025. Nairobi, the capital, will contribute nearly one-third of that amount, while cities like Mombasa and Kisumu will also see significant shares.
With 3 million Kenyans currently living abroad—according to estimates from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs—the diaspora’s impact on Kenya’s economy cannot be overstated. In 2024 alone, Kenyans overseas sent home KES 640 billion (US$4.94 billion) in remittances, with 51% of that amount originating from the United States. These remittances now surpass foreign exchange earnings from agriculture, tourism, and other traditional sectors.
“We are mapping a strategy for meaningful engagement with diaspora investors,” said Ms. Wamai. “Our goal is not just to sell houses, but to create opportunities for Kenyans abroad to reinvest at home, build equity, and strengthen their ties to Kenya.”
New Housing Projects in Kitengela
The developer is also preparing to break ground on Phase 2 of the Plains View Estate in Kitengela. Scheduled for May 31, 2025, this next phase will feature 32 three-bedroom bungalows, each with a contemporary flat-roof design and priced at KES 6.5 million.
Phase 1 of the project was fully sold out, underscoring the growing demand for affordable, stylish homes in the Nairobi metropolitan area. The new construction is expected to take 12 to 15 months, according to Rocksand Homes.
Ms. Wamai added that the firm’s future projects will likely expand beyond Nairobi into other urban centers and towns, depending on interest from diaspora clients.
Looking Ahead
The increased focus on diaspora investors comes at a time when Kenya is experiencing an urban housing crisis, with demand outpacing supply. Developers like Rocksand Homes are betting that well-structured, affordable housing units—marketed to financially empowered Kenyans abroad—could help bridge this gap while boosting the economy through consistent inflows of foreign currency.
The company’s strategy not only aims to provide homes but also plays into the broader national agenda of making diaspora remittances a pillar of economic development.
“Housing is more than a structure. It’s a symbol of belonging, security, and the future,” Ms. Wamai noted.
As diaspora engagement grows, Rocksand Homes positions itself as one of the few developers actively designing real estate products with overseas investors in mind—a move that could redefine how Kenyans abroad contribute to the country’s real estate landscape.
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