Centum Real Estate (Centum RE), a leading developer of master-planned communities in East Africa, enters 2025 with strong momentum after a year of impactful delivery, market confidence and global recognition. The company continues to shape the standard of modern living and investing in Kenya and Uganda with its robust housing pipeline and unwavering commitment to sustainable development.
“2024 was a milestone year for us,” says Centum RE Managing Director Kenneth Mbae. “We have enabled thousands of families to achieve their homeownership goals and enabled investors to earn passive income through stable, high-value assets.”
Jawad Jafar (left), Project Director of Superbrand Limited, presents the award to Kenneth Mbaye, Managing Director of Centum Real Estate Limited.
Photo credits: Centum RE
In 2024, Centum RE delivered 384 residential units across its award-winning portfolio, including The Loft Residences in Nairobi and Bellavista Apartments in Uganda, bringing the total number of homes delivered post-COVID-19 to over 1,000.
With a clear focus on integrated urban nodes, the company is redefining the live-work-play model in East Africa through developments such as Two Rivers Social City, Vipingo Development Park and Pearl Marina.
These cities are designed to offer more than just housing. These offer access to lifestyle, infrastructure, investment-grade amenities, and economic opportunities, all within a sustainable environment.
In particular, Two Rivers, home to Centum RE’s Riverbank Apartments and The Loft Residences, has emerged as a preferred residence for the diplomatic and expatriate community. This is due to its proximity to embassies, international organizations and major business districts.
Loft Residences in Two Rivers, Nairobi.
Photo credits: Centum RE
The recent announcement of expanded United Nations activities in Nairobi is expected to further increase demand for safe and premium housing options, particularly in Two Rivers, and strengthen its position as a center of diplomacy and investment. “This move is in line with our strategy,” Mbaye said.
“We are already seeing strong leasing interest from professionals in the UN and embassy ecosystems. As a result, rental yields in Two Rivers are reaching impressively high levels of 10-15 per cent, with dollar or euro denominated leases offering excellent returns.”
Drone shot of Two Rivers in Nairobi.
Photo credits: Centum RE
Centum RE has not only capitalized on market demand, but has also led responsible green development in the region. Its projects comply with IFC performance standards and are EDGE certified, featuring energy-efficient design, extensive green space, and water-saving technologies. These innovations have earned the company global recognition, including the EDGE Champion Award and more than 20 international recognitions across four continents in 2024 alone.
Centum RE’s elevation to superbrand status highlights its growing influence and credibility in the region’s real estate market. Centum RE is more than just a developer, we have a reputation for creating exceptional living environments that combine quality, convenience, and long-term value. This rating reflects not only the premium nature of the company’s homes, but also the trust and confidence the company continues to build among homeowners, investors and the broader real estate community.
With an asset base of Sh40 billion, Centum RE is the first East African developer to list real estate bonds on the Nairobi Stock Exchange. The 3 billion Kenyan shillings bond reflects investors’ confidence in the company’s transparent delivery model, strong governance and stable financial performance.
“Our philosophy is to build cities where people can live with dignity, invest with confidence and grow sustainably,” Mbe explains.
The company’s developments are aimed at addressing East Africa’s acute housing shortage, with over 70% of its portfolio targeting the affordable to mid-priced market segment. From move-in ready units to serviced land and customizable off-plan homes, Centum RE offers a flexible path to ownership for both end users and institutional buyers such as Saccos, Chama and real estate funds.
Construction underway in 2025 includes Cascadia Apartments, 26 Mzizi Court Residences, 265 Elmer One, Riviera Townhouses and Awari Estates Phase II. The company has delivered a total of more than 1,300 units currently under construction, while also preparing for upcoming launches such as Riverbank Apartments Phase II and Two Rivers Duplex.
The drone shot towards Awari Estate in Vipingo, Kilifi.
Photo credits: Centum RE
Beyond housing, Centum RE will invest in infrastructure across its 10,600-acre land bank to ensure that any development is supported by roads, power, ICT, water systems and the highest level of security. For example, the Vipingo Development Park attracted over $210 million in investment and transformed Kilifi into a booming hub for residential, commercial and industrial growth.
Centum RE’s long-term transformation efforts are consistent with our focus on people. The Future Leaders Graduate Trainee Program trains the next generation of real estate professionals and regularly provides thought leadership to international forums on green building, real estate investment and urban development.
Going forward, Centum RE plans to expand its footprint across Africa, deepening its presence in Kenya and Uganda. “We are optimistic about the future,” Mbaye said.
“East Africa’s real estate sector is rapidly maturing and we are well-positioned to continue to deliver value through places that are not only livable, but also investable and sustainable.”
With a vision rooted in impact, innovation and integrity, Centum RE continues to be a pioneer in building the future of African cities, one thriving city at a time.
