Affordable Housing in Kenya: How Unity Homes Is Setting New Quality Standards Transforming Tatu City and Beyond
The interview with Jason Horsey, Executive Director of Unity Homes, offers a comprehensive overview of one of the leading residential real estate developers in Kenya. Founded in 2015, Unity Homes has established itself as a major player in affordable housing in Kenya, with a strong footprint in Tatu City and expansion into Nigeria through its sister brand, Universal Homes Nigeria.
Initially known for building affordable homes priced between KES 5 to 10 million, Unity Homes is now diversifying into premium real estate, such as the Silverhill project, inspired by London townhouses. With over 2,000 completed homes and 1,500 under construction, their developments include Unity West, Unity East, Unity One, and Unity Parkside, located in the master-planned Tatu City real estate zone. Projects like Unity West apartments and Unity East housing offer two- and three-bedroom options with world-class amenities such as parks, gyms, pools, and community spaces.
The company’s hallmark is its vertically integrated model. Unlike other real estate developers in Kenya who outsource key functions, Unity Homes has internalized architecture, engineering, and construction, allowing it to deliver high-quality homes with over 2,000 quality checks per apartment. The use of international HSE standards, implemented by a former Halliburton expert, sets them apart in real estate development in Nairobi and across East Africa.
A notable focus is Unity Homes’ commitment to serving the Kenyan diaspora real estate market. With 60% of local sales and up to 80% of Nigerian sales coming from diaspora investors, the company offers secure, trust-driven investment options for those seeking safe real estate investments in Kenya. Through partnerships with Kenya Mortgage Refinance Company (KMRC), Unity is also promoting subsidized mortgage products for affordable housing buyers, particularly in projects like Unity One.
Unity’s strategic vision includes scaling up through large-scale, integrated estates that support live-work-play real estate development models. Future plans include developing 3,000 to 5,000 homes in real estate development in Unity West and coastal areas, supported by clean land titles as found in Tatu City and Nigeria’s Lekki Free Trade Zone, where Universal Homes Nigeria is delivering 576 apartments aimed at investors.
From buying off-plan apartments in Kenya to securing real estate investment opportunities in Nairobi, Unity Homes continues to raise the bar in high-quality homes with excellent rental yields and strong capital appreciation — a compelling option for both homeowners and investors. With amenities that foster safe, family-friendly living environments and the backing of community initiatives like the “Our Community Foundation,” the company creates not just houses but vibrant ecosystems.