From Infrastructure to Real Estate: Why Chinese Firms Eye Kenya's Lucrative Homes Market
- Chinese developer Henbon Company Limited launched Diamond Bay Residence in Westlands, targeting Nairobi’s middle class and young professionals
- The project employs more than 220 Kenyans, with many gaining permanent jobs and new skills in the construction sector
- Diamond Bay Residence Site Manager Joseph Awiti shared with TUKO.co.ke how rental yields in Westlands are rising and improving mortgage uptake
Wycliffe Musalia has over six years of experience in financial, business, technology, climate, and health reporting, providing deep insights into Kenyan and global economic trends. He currently works as a business editor at TUKO.co.ke.
Nairobi, Kenya — From roads and railways to residential buildings, Chinese firms are fast expanding their footprint in Kenya’s booming real estate sector.
Source: UGC
Diamond Bay Residence in Westlands, Nairobi, signals a bold shift in focus from infrastructure to housing.
Why Chinese realtors are venturing into Nairobi market
According to Henbon Company Limited, the Chinese developer behind the new apartment complex, the focus is on the city’s growing middle class, rising mortgage uptake, and continued demand for quality housing in prime locations.
“Diamond Bay is not just a building; it is a chance to own part of Nairobi’s future. For investors, it gives great rental returns. For families, it offers safe, modern city living. For first-time buyers, it is an affordable entry into the property market," said Coco Fan, sales executive at Henbon, during the official launch of the project attended by TUKO.co.ke.
Fan explained that the ideal location of the residence - in Westlands, one of Nairobi’s most vibrant commercial and lifestyle hubs - targets professionals, expatriates, and young families with its modern designs, high-quality finishes, and secure premises.
Are Chinese home units in Nairobi affordable?
The sales manager revealed that the units are priced from KSh 8.8 million and include one- and two-bedroom apartments.
The units come with flexible payment plans and mortgage partnerships aimed at making homeownership more accessible.
Fan noted that the location was a key consideration, bearing in mind that Westlands has offices, shopping malls, restaurants, and entertainment joints.
"Because of this, there is always a strong demand for rental houses and apartments. The value of property here also keeps going up,” she noted.
Source: UGC
Changing landscape of Chinese investments in Kenya
Chinese firms have long been associated with large-scale infrastructure projects in Kenya — from the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) to Nairobi Expressways and bridges.
However, their recent pivot into housing is driven by what they see as a long-term opportunity in Kenya’s undersupplied real estate market.
“We have already completed five other projects in Kilimani. Diamond Bay is our sixth and the first in Westlands. The Kenyan economy is doing well, and housing demand is still growing. That’s why Chinese investors are choosing Kenya for real estate,” Fan added.
She emphasised that beyond housing demand, the trend is also strengthening economic ties between the two countries.
How Chinese real estate investment supports Kenya
Affirming this, Joseph Awiti, Diamond Bay site manager, said the projects have created employment opportunities for many Kenyans.
Awiti revealed that the Diamond Bay project has employed 220 Kenyans with different skills.
“I think this will connect Kenya and China even more. It will make the economy better and better. We have plumbers, masons, electricians, carpenters — and women too. They are learning new skills. Most of them have permanent jobs now,” said Awiti.
Renzo, the project’s sales manager, described the current market as ripe for investment.
“Experts believe the housing market in 2025 will remain strong. Rental yields in areas like Westlands will rise slightly. Mortgage activity is also improving, with more people taking up affordable financing options," he Renzo.
According to Henbon, the strategic advantage of Chinese developers lies in their ability to build “faster, cheaper, and on a large scale” — often through partnerships with local players.
For Henbon, the journey is just beginning. This is a long-term investment in Kenya. We are here to build homes — and a better future for our buyers and our workers,” said Fan.
Kenya's housing demand
The housing demand in Kenya has been on the rise, as the government pushes on its agenda to build affordable houses.
President William Ruto's administration pledged to build 250,000 units per year to offset the 2 million housing needs.
Ruto has been working in collaboration with the private sector, creating jobs for many Kenyan youth via the project.
Proofreading by Mercy Nyambura, copy editor at TUKO.co.ke.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
