Where Savvy Investors Build Wealth.
Published May 12, 2025
05 - minute read

With Kshs. 50,000, You Can Earn Income From a Multibillion Property in Nairobi — Here’s How

For most Kenyans, owning a piece of Nairobi’s booming real estate market feels like a far-fetched dream. Property prices are sky-high, and investing in prime developments often demands millions of shillings upfront.
But what if you didn’t need millions?
What if just KES 50,000 could get you started?
7% Total Return

When most people look at the towering buildings across Nairobi’s skyline — from Westlands to Kilimani — the first question that comes to mind is: “Who owns these?” Many of us tend to associate these iconic structures with Kenyan politicians or billionaires.

You might be surprised to learn that ownership isn’t reserved for the elite anymore. 

Thanks to Real Estate Investment Trusts (I-REITs), ordinary Kenyans can now earn rental income from these very same high-rise properties — with as little as Ksh 50,000. Let’s break down how it works and how you can get started. 

What Is an I-REIT and How Does It Work? 

An I-REIT, or Income Real Estate Investment Trust, is a collective investment scheme that pools funds from multiple investors to purchase and manage income-generating real estate. These could include properties like purpose-built student hostels, malls, or office buildings — assets that consistently generate rental income. 

The returns from these properties are then distributed to investors as dividends, usually every six months. 

The concept is simple: 

You don’t need to own the entire building. Instead, you buy units of the I-REIT, and in return, you earn a share of the rental income that the property generates. 

How You Can Start with Ksh 50,000 

Traditionally, investing in real estate required millions of shillings — between land purchase, permits, construction, and tenant management. But with platforms like Vuka Investment Club, you can start your investment journey with as little as Ksh 5,000 per month or a lump sum of Ksh 50,000 or more. 

Through Vuka, you can access the Acorn Student Accommodation I-REIT (ASA I-REIT), which owns and manages top-performing student residences like Qwetu and Qejani. These properties are valued in the billions and consistently generate rental income — all while you sit back and enjoy your share. 

Benefits of Investing Through Vuka 
  • Passive Income 
    Earn a share of rental income from professionally managed, large-scale properties — without dealing with tenant issues, maintenance, or property management. 
  • Low Entry Barrier 
    You only need Ksh 50,000 to get started, or you can gradually build up by contributing monthly. 
  • Regulated and Transparent 
    I-REITs in Kenya are regulated by the Capital Markets Authority (CMA), similar to stocks and mutual funds, offering peace of mind. 
  • Liquidity 
    Vuka makes it easy to buy and sell your units on its platform, allowing you to adjust your investment or exit when needed. 
  • Portfolio Diversification 
    I-REITs offer exposure to a different asset class: income-generating real estate, giving you a chance to diversify beyond land, Saccos, money market funds, or T-bills. 
Why Not Just Buy Land or Build a House? 

It’s a valid question. While land remains a valuable asset, it typically takes years before it generates any income. Plus, land comes with high upfront costs, and selling it can be a challenge in an emergency. 

In contrast, I-REITs pay dividends almost immediately. The properties are already fully constructed, tenanted, and earning revenue from day one. 

It’s Time to Rethink Real Estate 

You don’t need to be a millionaire to own a piece of Nairobi’s multibillion-shilling real estate market. With a small starting capital and the right platform, you can start earning from Kenya’s most prime properties — and begin building a sustainable income stream for the future. 

Wouldn’t it feel good to say, “I own part of that building”?