The Great Kenyan Home Ownership Madness: Dreams vs. Reality

Owning a home is a big dream for many Kenyans, but somewhere along the way, practicality has been thrown out the window. Too many people, driven by childhood aspirations or societal expectations, are constructing massive houses only to end up living like misers within them. Let’s break down why this trend makes little sense and what smarter, more sustainable homeownership looks like.

The Harsh Reality of Owning a Big House in Kenya

Many Kenyans, especially those who grew up in humble backgrounds, grew up being told to “dream big.” Unfortunately, this has translated into building unnecessarily large houses, often with rooms that remain unused, multiple verandahs gathering dust, and massive balconies that no one actually sits on. These houses cost millions to build, yet within a few years, the owners are struggling to maintain them, regretting their choices as they pour more money into renovations.

If you need proof, just look at how many old houses in Nairobi remain unsold. No one wants to buy an outdated, oversized house only to tear it down and build something more modern.

The Cost of Living Large (Literally)

Owning a home isn’t just about building it. You need to furnish it, clean it, and maintain it. But here’s the kicker—many Kenyans end up living uncomfortably in their own homes, cutting corners to save money on upkeep. A few painfully Kenyan examples:

• The infamous “don’t flush until morning” rule – Because water is expensive, families agree to let pee sit in the toilet overnight, flushing only when everyone has used it. Instead of enduring the smell of ammonia, investing in a greywater system would make more sense.

• Stocking the house for visitors who never come – Huge sofas, extra beds, and cabinets full of utensils and hot pots, all for the occasional guest who visits once a year. Meanwhile, the home’s actual residents live in a cluttered, uncomfortable space.

• Buying appliances just for show – Ovens that never get used because cooking with gas is cheaper, washing machines that sit idle while house helps hand-wash clothes because “the machine wastes too much water,” and large fridges that remain empty most of the time.

• Building bathtubs and jacuzzies that remain dry – Because heating water for a full bath is too costly, these features become decorative pieces rather than functional amenities.

• Gypsum ceilings and nightclub-style LED lighting – These trendy designs look impressive at first but quickly start to feel outdated and tacky, not to mention the high maintenance costs.

A Smarter Way to Build a Home in Kenya

What if, instead of sinking millions into a house you will struggle to maintain, you built a sustainable, practical home? Here’s how:

1. Size Down and Prioritize Livability

• Build a house that suits your actual needs, not societal expectations.

• Design it in a way that allows you to modify or expand later when necessary.

• Skip the multiple living rooms and verandahs you’ll never use. Instead, invest in a green outdoor space that you can actually enjoy.

2. Invest in Sustainability Instead of Unnecessary Features

• Use the money you’d have spent on extra rooms to install solar power, rainwater harvesting, and biogas systems.

• Opt for modern mabati, brick, or timber homes—they are cost-effective, stylish, and much easier to maintain.

• If your kids move out, you can rent out extra space or convert a section into an Airbnb for passive income.

3. Lease-to-Own Instead of Buying Land Outright

• If you can’t afford land upfront, look into lease-to-own options where you pay slowly while reducing rent expenses.

• Instead of buying land “in the middle of nowhere” for speculation, buy land where you can actually live and use it.

4. Monetize Your Home

• If you have extra space, use it to grow food for personal consumption and sale.

• If the plot is sizable, consider keeping chickens or dairy cows to generate additional income.

• Rent out a portion of your house or build a small guesthouse for extra earnings.

Rethinking Home Ownership in Kenya

We need to shift our mindset from “build a mansion” to build a smart, sustainable home. A house should bring freedom, not financial stress. It should be functional, affordable, and adaptable to different life stages.

It’s time we stopped building homes for visitors, stockpiling unnecessary furniture, and wasting money on poor design choices. Instead, let’s focus on living well, maintaining easily, and securing a future that makes sense.