KPDA launches Coast chapter to drive real estate investment and sustainable development

The chapter was launched on Thursday at the Tamarind Hotel in Mombasa during a breakfast summit held under the theme “Opening New Horizons: Shaping the Future of Kenya’s Coast Through Sustainable Real Estate.”

The event brought together developers, investors, financiers, government representatives and built-environment professionals to examine the Coast’s real estate market, investment prospects and the conditions needed to support sustainable development across the region.

The launch also formed part of KPDA’s celebrations to mark 20 years of shaping Kenya’s built environment, as the association expands its engagement beyond Nairobi.

“The Coast is an important market with significant potential for real estate and investment. The establishment of this chapter gives KPDA a stronger presence in the region and creates a platform for closer engagement with developers, government and other stakeholders,” said KPDA chairman Zoravar Singh.

KPDA Coast Chapter representative Ahmed Badawy said the chapter would bring industry players together to address challenges affecting development and strengthen engagement with government.

“The Coast Chapter will bring industry stakeholders together to address the issues affecting development, share knowledge and engage government on policies that can support investment and sustainable growth across the region,” Mr Badawy said.

A key session at the summit was a panel discussion titled “Unlocking the Coast’s Real Estate and Investment Potential,” which examined the factors shaping the region’s property market, including access to finance, infrastructure, regulation, land and the wider investment environment.

The discussion also explored opportunities emerging across the Coast’s six counties and how stronger collaboration between the private sector and government could support investment and sustainable development.

KCB Group Head of Project Management and Investments Ken Luusa said access to appropriate financing would remain important in unlocking the region’s property investment potential.

“The Coast has significant potential for real estate investment, but unlocking that potential requires access to appropriate financing and stronger collaboration across the industry. As KCB, we are pleased to support conversations that connect investors, developers and financial institutions,” said Mr Luusa.

Guest of honour Suleiman Shahbal said the Coast’s development would require closer coordination between investors, developers and government, noting that the region had the assets and strategic position to attract significant investment.

“The Coast has the land, infrastructure, talent and strategic location to support major investment. What is needed is greater collaboration and an environment that gives investors confidence to commit capital for the long term. Real estate development must also be linked to jobs, businesses and improved opportunities for the people of the region.”

The formal launch of the Coast Chapter was marked by the introduction of its leadership during a ceremonial session attended by industry and government representatives.

The chapter will now serve as KPDA’s regional platform for engaging developers and other built-environment players on policy, investment, development and industry issues affecting the Coast.

The launch comes as the region attracts growing investment in real estate, infrastructure, logistics, housing and other sectors, with stakeholders increasingly looking beyond the Coast’s traditional economic activities.

The summit concluded with a call for continued collaboration between the private sector and government to create an enabling environment for investment and support sustainable development across the region.

The KPDA Coast Chapter becomes the association’s regional platform for advancing these engagements across the Coast’s six counties.