Kenyan Tenants Shift Focus to Quality Housing as Demand for Modern Apartments Rises
By Shadrack Mutai, Nairobi
Kenya’s housing market is undergoing a notable shift, with tenants increasingly prioritising quality, functionality and long-term living standards over rent alone.
Recent data from the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics shows the real estate sector expanded by 33.7% between 2019 and 2023, driven by rapid urbanisation and a growing demand for housing across the country.
This growth is reshaping tenant expectations. Today’s renters are paying closer attention to construction quality, security, reliable utilities and well-finished interiors—factors that are now influencing how developers design and deliver residential units.
Apartments dominate Kenya’s rental market, accounting for more than 77% of available housing. As urban living becomes more compact, developers are embracing space-efficient designs and integrated layouts that maximise usability.
One of the most notable trends is the rise of built-in kitchens. Features such as hobs, ovens, extractor hoods and microwaves are increasingly being installed during construction rather than after tenants move in. Developers say this approach ensures consistency, reduces post-construction modification costs and enhances the overall appeal of units.
“There is a growing preference for housing delivered as a complete product rather than unfinished space,” said Eric Otieno, Regional Product Manager at LG Electronics East Africa.
“Built-in kitchens help optimise space while ensuring uniform quality across units, in line with evolving tenant expectations.”
Cost efficiency remains a key consideration in Kenya’s price-sensitive market. Entry-level built-in kitchen packages from LG typically range between KES 90,000 and KES 120,000, making them increasingly viable even for mid-market and affordable housing projects when integrated into overall construction budgets.
With Kenya facing an annual housing demand of approximately 200,000 units, developers are turning to standardised fittings as a strategy to balance quality improvements with cost control—especially as competition intensifies in urban apartment developments.
Beyond kitchens, developers are also investing in shared amenities to stand out in the market. Facilities such as commercial laundromats are gaining traction, particularly in high-density developments where convenience plays a key role in tenant satisfaction.
LG reports it has supported the installation of more than 200 laundromat facilities across the country, with expansion expected in cities such as Mombasa, Kisumu, Nakuru and Eldoret.
While these amenities are still largely concentrated in Nairobi, industry players say they are becoming essential features that can boost occupancy rates and improve tenant retention.
