Oct 19, 2025

Industrial Real Estate often receives less attention compared to dominant segments like residential, commercial office, and retail Real Estate. However, in recent years, the government has actively promoted industrial activities through initiatives such as the Special Economic Zones (SEZs) and Export Processing Zones (EPZs) under the Ministry of Investments Trade and Industry (MITI). Additionally, Kenya's growing population has led to an increasing demand for commodities, fueling a rise in industrial activity. While industrial Real Estate in Kenya is often associated with manufacturing facilities and warehouses, it also includes other classes like slaughterhouses and emerging classes such as data centers, which are reshaping the sector. Given these developments, we find it prudent to analyze the Industrial Real Estate sector, with a particular focus on the Nairobi Metropolitan Area (NMA);

In analyzing the Industrial Nairobi Metropolitan Area (NMA) we discuss the following;

1. Overview of the Real Estate sector in Kenya,
2. Overview of the Industrial sector in Kenya,
3. Key trends, Developments and Challenges facing Industrial Real Estate Sector in NMA,
4. Summary Performance of the NMA Industrial Sector in 2024,
5. Recommendations
6. Conclusion and Outlook for the NMA Industrial Real Estate sector.

Section I: Overview of the Real Estate Sector in Kenya

The Real Estate sector in Kenya has grown over the years to become one of the largest contributors to the country’s Gross Domestic Product (10.3% as at Q2’2025), supported by factors such as; i) positive demographics including higher urbanization and population growth rates of 3.7% p.a and 2.0% p.a, respectively, against the global average of 1.7% p.a and 1.0% p.a, respectively, as at 2024 ii) government’s sustained efforts to promote infrastructural development, opening up new areas for investments, iii) emphasis to provide affordable housing by the government through programs such as the Affordable Housing Program (AHP), iv) increased investment by both local and foreign investors, and, v) increased accessibility to low-interest loans provided by entities such as Kenya Mortgage Refinance Company (KMRC) among others.

Construction and Real Estate sectors jointly contributed to 15.3% to the country’s GDP in Q2’2025, subsequently being the second largest contributors after Agriculture which contributed 19.6%. The graph below shows the trend of the Real Estate and Construction sectors contribution to GDP between FY’2022 and Q2’2025;

Source: Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS)

Below is a graph highlighting the top sectoral contributors to GDP in Q2’2025;

Source: Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS)

The Real Estate sector in 2025 posted steady growth of 5.5% in Q2’2025, which is 0.5% points slower than the 6.0% growth registered in Q2’2024. This growth can be attributed to the increasing need for housing in the country. However, the growth remained subdued compared to Q2’2024 due to the sustained increase in the cost of construction materials, which posed a hurdle to investors and reduced the number of activities in the sector during the period under review, as well as a diminishing purchasing power by consumers. Additionally, the value of approved building plans in the Nairobi Metropolitan Area (NMA), decreased y/y basis by 47.2% to Kshs 31.4 bn in Q2’2025, from Kshs 59.5 bn recorded in Q2’2024. The graph below shows the Real Estate Sector Growth Rate between Q1’2021 and Q2’2025;

Source: Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS)

Section II: Overview of the Industrial Sector in Kenya

The Nairobi Metropolitan Area has been on the front line and a major contributor to the Industrial Real Estate Sector accounting for approximately 90.0% of the country’s industrial space. It is known for its high concentration of industrial projects in areas like Nairobi, Kiambu, Machakos and Kajiado; with Nairobi County holding the largest share at 66.0%, largely due to its status as the capital city. Kiambu follows, housing key industrial investments such as Tatu City, Nairobi Gate Industrial Park (NGIP), Tilisi, and Northlands City. These areas have attracted major industrial projects like Africa Logistics Property (ALP) West in Tilisi and ALP North in Tatu City, bolstering Kiambu’s market share. The growth in the area has been driven by several factors such as the surge in e-commerce, demand for high-quality facilities, favorable demographics, enhanced infrastructure, government-led initiatives aligned with Vision 2030 and Nairobi’s role as East Africa’s business hub which has attracted foreign investments.

The Special Economic Zone (SEZ) sectors include free port zones, free trade zones, ICT parks, business service parks, Industrial parks, livestock and agricultural zones among others. Such zones are located at Konza Technopolis and Tatu City SEZ. These zones enjoy various benefits such as;

1. Tax and Fiscal incentives- Businesses in SEZs often enjoy reduced corporate tax rates, exemptions from customs duties, VAT, and import/export levies. For example, Kenya provides tax holidays for firms operating in SEZs,
2. Infrastructure development- SEZs provide modern infrastructure, including transport links, utilities, and telecommunications, which support industrial and commercial activities,
3. Simplified regulations- SEZs streamline bureaucratic procedures with "one-stop-shop" services for licensing, permitting, and approvals, reducing administrative burdens on businesses,
4. Increased Foreign Direct Investment (FDI)- SEZs attract FDI by providing a stable, predictable environment with business-friendly policies and guaranteed protection for investors,
5. Export promotion- SEZs focus on export-driven industries, allowing businesses to operate competitively in global markets, often with preferential trade agreements, and,
6. Economic diversification- SEZs enable countries to diversify away from traditional sectors by fostering new industries and technologies.

1. Nairobi Metropolitan Area (NMA) Industrial Sub-Sectors

1. Manufacturing

Manufacturing is a core sub-sector of industrial Real Estate, encompassing facilities like factories, assembly plants, and production hubs. These properties are purpose-built to house machinery, assembly lines, and other production infrastructure, making them critical to supply chains. Industrial parks and zones, such as Kenya's SEZs and EPZs, often integrate manufacturing with warehousing and logistics to optimize production and distribution. Key features of these facilities include high ceilings, reinforced floors, and advanced utilities tailored for large-scale operations. Manufacturing hubs not only drive demand for industrial Real Estate but also attract investment, support SMEs, and facilitate regional trade, making them integral to economic growth.

The manufacturing industry has seen gradual decline in performance, having the contribution to GDP decrease by 0.3% points to 7.6% in Q2’2025 from 7.9%  recorded in Q2 2024. The manufacturing subsector accounted for about 7.6% of GDP in Q2’2025, falling short of the government’s target of 15.0%. The graph below shows the manufacturing sector contribution to GDP from FY’2022 to Q2’2025

Source: Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS)

The reduced performance in manufacturing can be attributed to  i) high costs of production driven by harsh economic conditions, both locally; such as increased taxes and globally; due to supply chain disruption caused by geopolitical factors such as the Russia-Ukraine war and the Israel-Palestine war, ii) competition from imports, as some companies find it cost-effective to import goods rather than produce them locally, and, iii) decreasing purchasing power in the country hence a reduced demand of manufactured commodities.  Despite the reduced growth, the industry is being promoted by the below activities;

1. Textiles and Apparel- Benefiting from the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) with the U.S. and preferential market access within East Africa, textile exports have grown significantly. In 2024, export processing zones (EPZs) focusing on garment manufacturing, particularly for export to the U.S., have attracted major global brands. However, local challenges, like higher production costs compared to Asia, continue to limit the sector’s full potential. Kenya’s industrial sector is experiencing a dynamic transformation, propelled by strategic initiatives such as Special Economic Zones (SEZs) and Export Processing Zones (EPZs). These initiatives are crucial for attracting investment and fostering industrial growth. The government’s sanctioning of Tilisi Logistics Park as an EPZ in January 2024 marks a significant milestone. This move aligns with the broader strategy to enhance Kenya’s industrial capacity and export potential. Furthermore, the inauguration of a 100,000 SQM Textile Park within Nairobi Gate Industrial Park, designated as an SEZ, underscores the sector’s expansion.
2. Agro-processing- With agriculture as Kenya's largest economic sector, agro-processing is an essential part of the industrial chain. Companies are focusing on value addition in tea, coffee, and horticultural products to increase their export value. For example, Kenyan tea companies have invested in new packaging facilities to export ready-to-drink tea products rather than raw tea, increasing value and market reach.
3. Pharmaceuticals- Kenya aims to become East Africa's pharmaceutical manufacturing hub, especially in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, which highlighted the need for local drug production. Several local and foreign investors have shown interest in setting up manufacturing plants for essential drugs and vaccines, encouraged by government tax incentives.

2. Data Centres

The growing need for rapid adoption of cloud services, fintech applications, and digital transformation among businesses has driven demand for data centers in the Nairobi Metropolitan Area providing a substantial boost to the growth of Industrial Real Estate growth. Companies like Safaricom, Microsoft, Amazon Web Services and the top tier lenders; are fueling the need for local data storage facilities to enhance speed and reduce latency. The sector has been supported by major investments such as Liquid Intelligent Technologies, which opened one of Africa’s largest data centers in Nairobi and Africa Data Centres (ADC). It continues to expand its footprint in Nairobi, capitalizing on the region's connectivity and demand. There is an increasing need to focus on hyperscale data centers to support multinational and regional clients. Additionally, the sector’s growth is supported by Nairobi’s advanced fiber-optic connectivity, supported by undersea cables (TEAMS and SEACOM), which position the city as a data hub. The availability of affordable electricity and cooling systems in cooler areas like Limuru also enhances viability. On the other hand, the growth in the sector is challenged by factors such as i) high initial capital requirements, iii) dependency on a reliable power grid; outages can easily disrupt operations, and iv) regulatory gaps in data security and management in Kenya.

3. Ware Housing and Logistics/Ecommerce

The industrial Real Estate market in Nairobi has witnessed a notable increase in prime warehouse rental prices, driven by high demand from sectors such as e-commerce, fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG), and agribusiness. During the first half of 2025, rental rates for prime warehouses in Nairobi grew  exponentially  reaching Kshs 780 per SQM and achieving a rental yield of 9.5% on average, making Nairobi the third most expensive city in Africa for prime industrial rents after Kampala which recorded rental rate of Kshs 910.0 per SQM and a rental yield of 13.0% on average.

The sub-sector has been performing well due to factors such as i) surge in E-commerce supported by platforms like Jumia, Kilimall, Jambo Shop and Glovo who need warehouses to sell to their customers, ii) shift in modern warehousing from traditional go-downs due to the increased need in automation and climate-controlled environments and, iii) strategic location to areas with manager developments like Tatu City Industrial park and Infinity park in Athi River. The sector is however being undermined by factors such as i) limited availability of Grade-A warehousing, ii) poor road infrastructure in emerging warehousing zones.

4. Slaughter Houses

Slaughterhouses are a vital component of industrial Real Estate in Nairobi Metropolitan Area (NMA), where the growing middle class has fueled a rising demand for meat consumption. These facilities play a critical role in meeting this demand by ensuring efficient processing, storage, and distribution of meat products.  Major hubs like Kiamaiko, Bama, Neema and Nyonjoro serve as significant slaughter points, processing high volumes of livestock daily. ​. These facilities often cater to both local and export markets, especially for halal-certified meat, which adheres to strict religious guidelines. Several slaughterhouses operate with outdated infrastructure, leading to concerns over hygiene and public health. Regulatory bodies such as the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) have raised concerns about effluent management and the environmental footprint of these facilities​. Which highlights a gap for high quality slaughter houses in the area.

The sub-sector growth is undermined by; i) lack of proper systems to handle waste, leading to pollution of nearby rivers and water bodies, ii) densely populated areas like Kiamaiko that face logistical challenges due to limited space, poor road networks, and the proximity of slaughterhouses to residential zones, iii) regulatory crackdowns and temporary closures can destabilize the livelihoods of workers and trader’s dependent on these facilities. Striking a balance between enforcement and economic stability remains a challenge.

5. Special Economic Zones (SEZs) and Export Processing Zones (EPZs)

Another important sub-sector of industrial Real Estate in Nairobi Metropolitan Area (NMA) is the Special Economic Zones (SEZs) and Export Processing Zones (EPZs). Both are investment promotion programs that aim to build export-led economic development through industrialization. They offer incentives to investors, such as corporate tax holidays, import and stamp duty exemptions, and VAT exemptions. However, they differ in their objectives, investment requirements, and approach. Also known as free zones, EPZs focus on manufacturing for export. This model has been widely used in developing countries for almost four decades. They usually combine residential and multiuse commercial and industrial activity.

The performance of this sector is promoted by factors such as; i) SEZs like Tatu City and Konza Technopolis, are attracting both local and international investors due to tax incentives and infrastructure readiness, ii) EPZ in Athi River remains one of the largest hubs, hosting over 100 companies focused on textiles, food processing, and assembly. These zones are primarily export-oriented, leveraging preferential trade agreements like AGOA (African Growth and Opportunity Act), iii) diversification in operations; beyond textiles, new EPZ entrants focus on pharmaceuticals, electronics, and processed foods. On the other hand, challenges like i) Over-dependence on AGOA, which faces periodic renewal risks, ii) high costs of compliance with export standards, especially for smaller firms, and iii) limited capacity to handle large-scale manufacturing due to infrastructure gaps.

Section III: Key trends, Developments and Challenges facing Industrial Real Estate Sector in NMA

1. Key Trends in 2025

The industrial Real Estate sector in Kenya in 2025 has been defined by several trending factors including;

1. The demand for quality internet services in Kenya is driven by the country's population which is estimated at 53 mn as of mid-2025. This demand is further driven by the growing adoption of remote working, which gained popularity during the COVID-19 pandemic, and the rise of e-learning. These factors have compelled Internet Service Providers to enhance their services, leading to increased demand for data centers and, consequently, growth in industrial Real Estate,
2. Rising demand for warehousing and logistics facilities- The rise of e-commerce, driven by platforms like Jumia and global players like Amazon, has significantly increased demand for modern logistics and warehousing spaces. Businesses are focusing on proximity to key transport corridors, such as the Nairobi-Mombasa Road and the Nairobi Expressway, to facilitate efficient distribution,
3. Large-scale industrial park developments, like Tatu Industrial Park and Infinity Industrial Park, are setting a benchmark for planned industrial zones offering modern infrastructure. There is increased interest from multinational companies looking for regional hubs, particularly due to Nairobi's strategic location in East Africa.
4. Adoption of green building practices- Developers are incorporating sustainable construction practices, including energy-efficient designs and solar energy systems, to align with global ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) goals, as well as reducing over reliance on hydroelectricity, and,
5. Government incentives and policy support- Initiatives like the Special Economic Zones (SEZs) and Export Processing Zones (EPZs) offer tax incentives to attract investors into industrial real estate. Public-private partnerships are being promoted to fast-track industrial infrastructure development.

1. 1. 2. Challenges Facing the Industrial Sector

1. High land acquisition and construction costs to establish the Industrial Real Estate infrastructures such as warehouses. Prime land within the Nairobi metropolitan area is becoming increasingly expensive, driving developers to seek peripheral areas like Machakos and Kiambu counties. Inflation and fluctuating material costs have impacted project and products affordability,
2. Inadequate infrastructure in peripheral areas remains a challenge in the sector. While central locations are well-connected, newer industrial zones face challenges such as poor road networks, unreliable power supply, and limited water access,
3. Regulatory and bureaucratic hurdles such as lengthy approval processes and inconsistencies in land tenure systems discourage investment and zoning regulations sometimes conflicting with market needs, limiting flexibility in land use. Industrial firms face lengthy approval processes, particularly in sectors like pharmaceuticals and food production, where stringent standards apply. While government agencies like the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) maintain quality, the process can be slow and costly. For example, obtaining certifications for export products can take months, delaying market entry, and,
4. Over-reliance on foreign investment where a significant portion of funding for industrial projects comes from foreign investors, leaving the sector vulnerable to global economic shifts.
5. There is uncertainty over the renewal of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) which expired on 30 Sept 2025. The program’s expiration has put many jobs and businesses at risk, as African exports will be subject to standard U.S. tariffs if it is not renewed.

3. Recent Developments

Below are some of the highlights witnessed throughout the year;

1. President William Ruto presided over the groundbreaking of Centum Investment Company’s Vipingo Special Economic Zone (SEZ) in Kilifi County, shortly after KCB Bank Kenya and the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) signed a Kshs 103.0 bn financing agreement to support its development. The 2,000-acre project is envisioned as one of the most competitive manufacturing hubs in the region, offering plug-and-play infrastructure, reliable utilities and fiscal incentives designed to attract global and local manufacturers. Cytonn Weekly #37/2025.

Section IV: Summary Performance of the NMA Industrial Sector in 2025:

1. Performance of Industrial Spaces in Kenya by regions

Average rental prices for Industrial spaces in the Nairobi Metropolitan Area (NMA) increased by 0.2% to Kshs 431 per SQM in 2025 from Kshs 430 per SQM recorded in 2024 whereas the average selling prices increased by 1.0% to Kshs 75,800 per SQM in 2025 from Ksh 75,000 per SQM recorded in 2024. This performance is attributable to factors such as:

1. Good infrastructure such as the SGR and road networks such as bypasses, major highways and airports
2. Stable political environment
3. Strategic location and market access, that is, proximity to major markets as it serves as a gateway to East African markets, with strong connections to other urban centers in the region through the East African Community (EAC) and African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA)
4. The Nairobi region benefits from relatively reliable power and water supply compared to remote areas, despite nationwide challenges with energy costs,
5. As a hub for education and innovation, Nairobi has a concentration of universities, technical institutions, and vocational training centers,
6. Industries benefit from access to a pool of skilled professionals in fields such as manufacturing, technology, and engineering
7. The region  hosts some of Kenya’s largest Special Economic Zones (SEZs) and Export Processing Zones (EPZs), including those in Athi River and the upcoming Konza Technopolis. These zones offer tax incentives, reduced import/export tariffs, and infrastructure tailored to industrial activities. The graph below shows average monthly rental prices within the Kenyan Industrial Real Estate Sector in 2025;

Source: Cytonn Research

The graph below shows average sale prices per Sqm within the Kenyan Industrial Real Estate Sector in 2025;

Source: Cytonn Research

2. Performance of Industrial spaces in NMA by nodes

Industrial Area, Ruaraka and Mombasa Road areas, attract high rental and selling prices. Industrial area has the highest average rent per month of Kshs 558 per SQM and selling price of Kshs 90,458 per SQM contributable to factors such as proximity to the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA), increased road and rail network such as the Mombasa Road, Eastern Bypass, SGR and the Nairobi Expressway. On the other hand, Mlolongo is the least performing node with monthly rates of Kshs 263 per SQM and selling price per SQM of Kshs 41,750 attributable to the distance from the CBD, increased freight costs, and limited road access. The graph below compares monthly rental performance of various nodes;

Source: Cytonn Research

The graph below compares various nodes performance in terms of selling prices within Nairobi Metropolitan Area (NMA).

Source: Cytonn Research

Section V: Recommendations

The Industrial Real Estate is witnessing increased traction and activities due to the increased needs. Within the Nairobi Metropolitan Area, Athi River continues to anchor industrial investment due to its proximity to Mombasa Road, the Inland Container Depot, and abundant industrial land suitable for large-scale developments. Ruiru and the Eastern Bypass are rapidly emerging as prime locations for light manufacturing and warehousing, supported by improved road connectivity and growing residential catchments that provide affordable labour. Syokimau and Mlolongo have become preferred nodes for logistics and distribution activities, driven by their strategic access to the Nairobi Expressway and the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport. Meanwhile, Tatu City, and Kikuyu are attracting investors seeking modern, master-planned industrial environments with reliable infrastructure and integrated land-use planning. Collectively, these corridors represent the most promising zones for sustainable industrial development within the NMA, offering investors strong returns and long-term value appreciation.

Section VI: Conclusion and Outlook for the NMA Industrial Real Estate sector

The industrial Real Estate sector in Kenya in 2025 is on neutral since the sector faces a mix of challenges and opportunities. Sustained government support, increased regional trade, and continued investment in green energy and technology adoption are essential to ensure its growth. If these initiatives are maintained and bottlenecks addressed, NMA industrial sector is well-positioned to become a regional hub for manufacturing and innovation in the coming decade.

The industrial real estate sector in the Nairobi metropolitan area is experiencing significant growth, driven by evolving market demands and government support. While challenges such as high costs and infrastructural gaps persist, strategic planning, technological adoption, and focus on sustainable practices can unlock vast opportunities. Stakeholders, including developers, investors, and policymakers, should collaborate to address these challenges and leverage Nairobi’s strategic position as a regional hub.

We maintain a neutral outlook for the sector. Going forward, we expect the sector to continue on an upward trajectory driven by: i) the rising demand for data centers in the country, ii) an increasing demand for cold rooms, especially in the Nairobi Metropolitan Area, iii) demand for quality warehouses due to the growing e-commerce business in the country, iv) support from the government, as evidenced by the establishment of Special Economic Zones (SEZ) and Export Processing Zones (EPZ), v) increased development activities by industry players such as ALP Africa Logistics, vi) Kenya’s continued recognition as a regional hub, hence attracting international investors, and, vii) efforts by the government to support agricultural and horticultural products in the international market.

Disclaimer: The views expressed in this publication are those of the writers where particulars are not warranted. This publication is meant for general information only and is not a warranty, representation, advice or solicitation of any nature. Readers are advised in all circumstances to seek the advice of a registered investment advisor.