The real estate sector in Kenya has become the talk of the day a space filled with both celebration and controversy. While some lament bad experiences, thousands are celebrating homeownership, made possible by bold companies transforming the industry.
Amid this transformation, a new trend is emerging: real estate leaders stepping into the political arena. Their goal? To serve their communities and champion reforms especially around land laws from within Parliament.
Leading this wave is Kinyua Wairatu, the former chairman of the Real Estate Stakeholders Association (RESA) and CEO of Maono Lands, who is vying for the Embakasi North Constituency seat.
He is joined by fellow RESA members and real estate entrepreneurs, including:
Kigathi Kionywe of Hotstep Holdings, the current RESA Chief Whip, contesting in Kikuyu Constituency.
Robert Maichua of Zenawi Real Estate, eyeing the Nyeri Town Constituency seat.
Peter Maina Chuma of Maliland Realtors, running in Embakasi West.
Paul Waiganjo of BriKo Homes, aspiring for the Olkalau Constituency seat.
These aspirants have declared their intention not only to represent their communities but also to advocate for reforms in land legislation, an area long plagued by inconsistencies and lack of enforcement.
“Laws are made and implemented in Parliament — nothing changes unless we are at the table,” one aspirant noted.
If the momentum continues, Kenyans could see a number of these real estate leaders transition from business to Parliament in the upcoming 2027 general elections reshaping both the political and property landscape in the process.
