Why More Kenyan Women Are Buying Land

Women, particularly younger investors, are becoming an increasingly important force in Kenya’s property market as they buy land to build financial security and long-term wealth.

For decades, land ownership in Kenya has largely favoured men, influenced by inheritance practices and patriarchal customs. More women are now choosing to purchase property themselves rather than relying on inheritance, expanding the customer base for property companies and changing how investors approach asset ownership.

Unique Investors Property (UIP) provides a clear example of this shift. Over the past decade, women have accounted for more than 80 percent of the company’s 8,000 land buyers.

UIP Chief Executive Officer Patrick Malika says, however, that significant barriers remain. He notes that customary practices in Kenya continue to limit women’s access to land ownership, with less than two per cent of land titles held by women. The lack of title deeds also makes it difficult for many women to use property as collateral when seeking loans or financing businesses.

Property companies and financial institutions are responding by exploring alternative financing models. UIP has established a Real Estate Investors Savings and Credit Cooperative Society (SACCO), which allows members to save small amounts each month and borrow against their contributions after six months. The model is intended to help smaller investors gradually build assets while gaining access to credit.

For women such as Eva Njeru, who recently bought a plot in Kajiado County, owning land is also a means of achieving greater financial independence. She says women are often excluded from family inheritance, as some parents and fathers traditionally favour sons when distributing property.

Despite the growing participation of women, challenges remain. Unemployment, low incomes and high borrowing costs continue to make property investment difficult for many potential buyers. Small parcels of land can also be difficult to value and may provide limited security when used as collateral.