Where Savvy Investors Build Wealth.
Published Sep 18, 2025
7-minute read

REITs in Kenya: How Vuka Investments Helps You Invest in Profitable Real Estate 

Vuka is Kenya’s first CMA-authorised  real estate investment platform, built to give you access to professionally managed real estate, located in prime areas and is regulated, secure, profitable and rewarding to you as investor. 

If you are looking for reliable income and long-term growth tomorrow, Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) are one of the smartest ways to get there without the struggles of buying and managing property yourself. And with Vuka, you can start from as little as KES 5,000, access professionally managed real estate, and benefit from rental income plus capital appreciation in a realistic way—all on a Capital Markets Authority (CMA) authorised platform with NCBA Bank as custodian.  

What is a REIT (and why it works in Kenya)? 

A REIT pools investors’ money to buy, own, and professionally manage income-generating properties. In Kenya, Income REITs (I-REITs) are legally required to distribute at least 80% of their net after-tax profits to unit holders every year, meaning investors typically receive consistent dividends from rental income. 

Those dividends are tax-efficient, too: for Kenyan residents, withholding tax on dividends is 5% (final tax). 

Two Engines of Wealth Creation: Dividends + Capital Appreciation 

  • Dividends for steady cash flow. Because I-REITs distribute most of their earnings, you get a predictable stream of income—great for budgeting, reinvesting, or topping up monthly expenses.  
  • Capital appreciation for growth. As the underlying properties are revalued and the portfolio expands, unit prices/NAV can rise over time—driving your total return higher. 

Why Vuka? 

Vuka is Kenya’s first CMA-authorised  real estate investment platform, built to give you access to professionally managed real estate, located in prime areas and is regulated, secure, profitable and rewarding to you as investor.  

Here’s what stands out about Vuka Investment Club 

  • Low minimums: Start from KES 5,000 no need for millions to access institutional-grade real estate.  
  • Regulated & bank-custodied: Authorized by the Capital Markets Authority (CMA) with NCBA Bank as custodian for added investor protection.  
  • Institutional-grade management: Invest alongside Acorn Holdings, pioneers of Africa’s first student housing REITs (ASA REITs). 
  • Liquidity & convenience: Buy and sell units on a modern digital platform—far more liquid than traditional brick-and-mortar property. Imagine being able to exit a real estate investment in just two weeks! 
  • Clear pricing: Unit prices are updated twice a year based on independent property valuations (NAV-based pricing) 
  • Tax efficiency: Dividends typically face 5% WHT for residents; capital gains on REIT units are currently tax exempt 

Choose the Product That Fits Your Goal 

Vuka offers two simple, goal-based options. 

1) Vuka Imara — Income & Stability  

  • What it is: Allocates 100% to the ASA I-REIT, prioritising steady income and capital preservation. 
  • Best suited for: Conservative investors seeking predictable dividends and low volatility. 
  • Return: A target return of 7%+ p.a 
  • Extras: Flexible (no lock-in), digital liquidity, professional oversight. (A 5-year investment horizon is recommended.)  

2) Vuka Prime — Balanced Growth 

  • What it is: A professionally managed, equity-based blend across ASA REITs—combining income properties with higher-growth development exposure. 
  • Best for: Long-term investors seeking a mix of dividends and capital gains. 
  • Return: Target return of 12%+ p.a. over a five-year holding period. 

Disclaimer: Target/Projected returns are illustrative, not guaranteed. Actual outcomes depend on rents, occupancy, valuations, interest rates, and market conditions.  

How Vuka Helps You Reach Your Goals Faster 

  1. Automated income: I-REITs’ 80% distribution rule means dividends are a core feature—not an afterthought. Reinvest them to compound faster. 
  2. Time saved: Skip tenant management, maintenance, and fraud risks that plague do it yourself property—professionals handle it.  
  3. Diversification: Gain exposure to institutional quality student housing—a resilient segment with persistent demand.  
  4. Right-fit products: Pick Imara for income stability or Prime for balanced growth—both built to align with clear, real-world goals.  

Getting Started (Takes ~5 Minutes) 

  1. Create your account and complete onboarding. Click here 
  2. Invest from KES 5,000 and start earning dividends, plus potential capital gains. 
  3. Track your portfolio from your dashboard and reinvest dividends to compound.  

Catch up on some insightful reads!
📖Kenya’s Real Estate Outlook 2025
📖Why Student Housing in Kenya is a Billion-Dollar Opportunity

These articles break down key trends and opportunities shaping Kenya’s real estate market. Ideal if you want to stay informed and ahead of the curve in this rapidly growing sector.