The value of building approvals in Nairobi dropped by Sh34.2 billion in the first eight months of 2025, significantly impacted by high interest rates and increased construction material costs. This decline reflects a broader slowdown in new developments within the city.

• Total approvals fell to Sh114.3 billion from Sh148.5 billion in the same period last year, according to the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS).
• The Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) recently cut its benchmark lending rate by 25 basis points to 9.25 percent.
• Between December 2022 and 2023, the price of steel reinforcement bars rose by 14.29 percent, and cement increased from Sh650 to Sh750 per 50kg bag.