Despite the Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) lowering its benchmark rate significantly, commercial banks are offering more competitive mortgage products, yet the majority of Kenyans still struggle to afford home ownership due to insufficient income to qualify for loans.

• Outstanding banking-sector credit to real estate increased by a mere 0.13% from April 2025 to April 2026, despite overall domestic credit expansion.
• The CBK reduced its benchmark Central Bank Rate (CBR) from 13% in August 2024 to 8.75%.
• Banks like KCB are offering products with features like 105% financing and rates starting at 8.9%, but income qualification remains the primary barrier.