Syovata Ndambuki

For centuries, the laws of supply and demand have been the invisible hand guiding markets. The silently dictate everything from the price of spices in ancient trade routes to the cost of a modern smartphone. Consumers are the most powerful stakeholders in any industry. And history supplies us with countless examples of how shifts in consumer preference can reshape entire industries.

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Remember when plastic bags and bottled water were ubiquitous? As environmental consciousness spread, consumers began demanding alternatives. Governments introduced laws banning plastic use. And retailers responded by introducing reusable bags and encouraging long-term use water bottles. This small but persistent consumer demand had a massive global impact on waste reduction.

In Kenya’s dynamic real estate market, a similar, powerful shift is underway. As homeowners become increasingly aware of their environmental footprint and the long-term cost savings associated with eco-friendly living, the demand for sustainable homes is surging. This isn’t just a fleeting trend. It’s a fundamental change in buyer expectations that is now compelling developers to re-evaluate their sustainable housing solutions. If you’re looking to buy a home in Kenya, understanding this growing demand for greener properties means you hold a powerful tool: the ability to ask the right questions and ensure your new home aligns with a sustainable future.

1. Energy Efficiency: Does my home use alternative, renewable energy sources 

Kenya is a tropical country with the equator cutting through parts of it. And that means we are blessed with an ample supply of sunshine, making solar energy a no-brainer for sustainable homes. 

But why is solar energy important for your home? Energy-efficient solar features drastically reduce your utility bills and carbon footprint. And here are a few questions to ask regarding solar-energy as a sustainable feature in sustainable residential real estate developments in Kenya. 

• Solar Water Heating Systems: “Does this development include solar water heating systems? What’s the capacity, and how much of my hot water needs will it cover?”. This question is not just important in pushing for renewable energy. It increases compliance to already existing laws. In 2012, the Kenyan government introduced the Energy (Solar) Water Heating) Regulations, 2012. These regulations require developers and building owners to install solar water heating in buildings requiring over 100 litres of hot water. Despite the progressiveness of this provision, compliance remains low. 

• Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Panels: “Are there provisions for solar PV panels for electricity generation, or are homes equipped with them? How much can I expect to save on my electricity bill?”. PV panels convert sunlight directly into electricity and they are a good backup plan. In addition, solar companies are now able to install hybrid solutions, which enable homeowners to use both grid power and off-grid power either intermittently or simultaneously.  While many developers will not fit every home with these solar panels, creating room for buyers to install them at their convenience is a smart sustainability step. This gives home buyers more flexibility and power over their energy consumption. 

Key Electricity Consumption and Cost Statistics in Kenya

To understand why alternative energy is important, let us dive into important statistics on electricity consumption and cost, based on different reliable sources. 

Increasing cost of electricity

According to the Economic Survey, 2025 the cost of electricity from the national grid has increased gradually through the years. The cost of 50 kilowatts of electricty for instance nearly doubled between 2020 and 2024, from Shs 789.55 in 2020 to Shs 1,329.31 in 2024. Roughly, this represents a 40.6% increase within a span of just 5 years.

To further out this into perspective, the average household in urban Kenya uses about 200 kilowatts per months. This number however depends on the income range with low income households with few electronics spending less than 100 kilowatts. Below is a graph representation of how the cost of electricity has changed in Kenya, over a five year period for 50 kilowatt and 200 kilowatt consumers:

Data Source: Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (Economic Survey 2025)

• Passive Design Strategies: “How has the home been designed to maximize natural light and ventilation while minimizing direct sun exposure? Although the sales representatives and agents might not have a comprehensive answer to this question, look out for passive design features that maximize natural lighting and ventilation. In the case of an apartment block for instance, there should be enough space between blocks for day-lighting to peek through. The window placements and  sizing should also maximize natural ventilation.The building’s layout and orientation should also make it easy to harness solar energy. And the walling materials used should regulate heat naturally. Such sustainable design approaches reduce over-reliance on electricity lighting, heating and ventilation.

2. Water Conservation: How Will My Home Efficiently Manage This Precious Resource?

Water scarcity is a critical issue in many parts of Kenya, especially areas with dry climates and urban towns with growing populations. Sometimes a real estate development may start off with ample water supply but as the population grows in an area, water shortage becomes a consistent challenge. Rainwater harvesting is an urgent conversation in Kenya, considering that 75% of rainwater goes to waste or drains in the indian ocean.

In 2019, Nairobi county passed a county assembly motion to introduce water harvesting policies. However, implementation has remained a challenge. Sustainable homes prioritize efficient water use and responsible management and you can hold developers accountable with these questions: 

• Rainwater Harvesting Systems: “Does the development include a rainwater harvesting system? What’s the capacity of the storage tanks, how does the development protect the water’s safety, and how is the harvested water utilized (e.g., for flushing toilets, irrigation, or even potable use after treatment)?”
• Greywater Recycling Systems: “Can wastewater from sinks and showers be treated and reused for non-potable purposes like toilet flushing or garden irrigation?”. While most developers may not have the budget to incorporate greywater recycling systems, a sustainable home should have the flexibility to accommodate individual investments in this area. 
• Low-Flow Fixtures: “Has the development installed water-efficient taps, showerheads, and toilets throughout the home?”. This is a crucial question given that modern, sustainable fixtures are a low hanging fruit, for any developer. Manufacturers around the world have deployed creativity in developing smart fixtures that cut water-consumption in both residential and commercial buildings. Although these fixtures may cost more than the usual ones, they are a worthy investment in a sustainable home. 
• Drought-Resistant Landscaping: “What types of plants are used in communal areas and private gardens? Are they native, drought-tolerant species that require less water?” This is undeniably a neglected, low-priority area for many buyers. However, asking this question prompts developers to be more intentional in the seemingly small decisions. 

3. Sustainable Materials: What Materials Are You Using to Build a Better Tomorrow?

Material choice in construction is an important decision which significantly impacts a real estate project’s environmental footprint. Opting for eco-friendly materials reduces embodied energy (the energy consumed during production and transportation) and promotes healthier indoor environments.In addition, certain materials are considered more sustainable than others. There are a few areas to focus on – if you want to find out more about a development’s embodied energy. 

Construction materials made from bamboo are considered more sustainable than natural wood and engineered wood. Bamboo is the fastest growing plant in the world and suppliers can harvet raw materials from one bamboo plant multiple times.

• Locally Sourced Materials: Local supply chains in Kenya are a thorny issue, with a lot of developers preferring to important certain materials. An important question to ask is whether walling materials like stone, timber (from ethical suppliers), or compressed earth blocks have been sourced locally to reduce transportation emissions. 
• Low Volatile Organic Compound (VOC) Paints and Finishes: “Are low-VOC paints and finishes used to ensure better indoor air quality?”. The paint industry is shifting toward low VOC paints which are healthier and most sustainable and ever developer should move with the shift.

4. Waste Management and Recycling: Does the Development Include Initiative that Promote the Circular Economy?

Sustainability goes beyond the buildings. The kind of communities a developer creates has a direct impact on sustainability. And sustainable communities consider the entire lifecycle of a building, including waste generation.

• On-site Waste Segregation and Recycling Facilities: “Does the development have clearly designated areas for sorting and collecting recyclable materials?” Alternatively, “Are there partnerships with local circular economy startups and businesses to ensure proper waste management”. While a developer is not obligated to form partnerships with businesses that help collect and recycle waste, this question is a great conversation starter – which might ultimately influence developers to consider and normalize such partnerships. Fortunately, there is a growing list of startups in Kenya focusing on ethical waste recycling in different areas such as fashion, plastics and eWaste. 
• Composting Facilities: “Is there a communal composting system for organic waste?”. If the developer does not provide this option, inquire on the possibility of incorporating such, further down the line. 
• Minimizing Construction Waste: “What are your practices for reducing waste during the construction phase?”

5. Green Certifications and Standards: What Certifications Do You Have to Guarantee Sustainability?

Greenwashing is one of the biggest challenges globally, when it comes to sustainability. If all a sale person or a realtor had to say was “yes” to every sustainability question to encourage you to buy – very few would say “no”. After all real estate commissions are lucrative.  Reputable green building certifications provide assurance that a development meets specific environmental standards.

In the Kenyan context, there is a growing list of sustainable green buildings. As of March 2025, EDGE alone had certified over 1 million square metres of green buildings in Kenya. The residential sector of the real estate industry has, however, lagged behind, through the years possibly due to low consumer demand, compared to commercial real estate.

Related:

Green Buildings Milestone: Over One Million Square Metres EDGE Certified and Counting

Home buyers in Kenya will need to continually push for sustainable homes while demanding for certifications as proof of sustainability.Popular certifications to look out for include:  

• EDGE Certification
• LEED Certification
• Green Star ( byKenya Green Building Society)
• Safari Green Building Certification (by Architectural Association of Kenya)

Why These Features Matter

• Lower Utility Bills: Expect significant savings on electricity and water bills month after month. In the long-term your cost-saving on bills is worth it.
  • Graph Idea: A comparison of estimated monthly utility bills for a traditional home versus a sustainable home in Kenya.
• Increased Property Value: The demand for sustainable homes in Kenya is expected to increase in the future, as more buyers become aware of these sustainability features. If you ever decide to resell or rent out our property, a sustainable home will command better resale values.
• Healthier Living Environment: Improved indoor air quality, natural light, and comfortable temperatures, contribute to better health and well-being. Wellness is a growing priority for people around the world. 
• Reduced Environmental Impact: You’ll be contributing to a greener future for Kenya and the planet.
• Resilience: Green homes are often more resilient to climate change impacts, such as extreme weather events.

By asking these crucial questions, you are holding developers accountable and driving up the demand for sustainable homes in Kenya. You will also impact housing trends in Kenya positively, while changing the perception around residential real estate projects in Kenya.