Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) are regulated investment vehicles that allow individuals to invest in real estate without the burden of property ownership. Instead, investors buy shares in REITs and earn returns through dividends derived from rental income or capital gains. In Kenya, the Capital Markets Authority (CMA) regulates all REIT activities to ensure transparency, compliance, and investor protection.
There are three key types of REITs in Kenya:
- Development REITs (D-REITs): Focus on raising capital for real estate development and construction.
- Income REITs (I-REITs): Specialize in acquiring income-generating properties such as malls, apartments, and office spaces.
- Islamic REITs: Operate under Shari’ah-compliant principles and investments.
Below is a verified list of authorized REITs in Kenya as of 2025:
List of Authorized Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) in Kenya
| REIT Name | Type | Location | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Acorn Development Real Estate Investment Trust (Acorn D-REIT) | Development REIT | Acorn House, 97 James Gichuru Road, Lavington, Nairobi | 020 259 2671 / 020 259 2672 |
| Acorn Income Real Estate Investment Trust (Acorn I-REIT) | Income REIT | Acorn House, 97 James Gichuru Road, Lavington, Nairobi | 020 259 2671 / 020 259 2672 |
| ILAM Fahari I-REIT | Income REIT | ICEA LION Centre, Riverside Park, Chiromo Road, Westlands | +254 20 2750 000 / 0719 071 000 / 0730 151 000 |
| LAPTRUST Imara Income REIT (IMARA I-REIT) | Income REIT | Delta Corner Annex, 5th Floor, Ring Road, Westlands | +254 0111 045 600 |
Capital Markets Authority (CMA) Contacts
- Head Office: Embankment Plaza, 3rd Floor, Longonot Road, off Kilimanjaro Avenue, Upper Hill, Nairobi
- Phone: +254 722 207767 / +254 20 2264000
- Email: [email protected]
This list provides investors with secure and transparent avenues for real estate participation in Kenya. If you’re considering investing in property-backed securities, these REITs offer professionally managed portfolios that balance growth, income, and compliance.
