In a bold move to streamline homeownership for millions of Kenyans, Co-operative Bank of Kenya has partnered with real estate firm Optiven Limited and construction specialist Everstrong Maskani LLP to launch a fully integrated housing solution. The landmark partnership, signed today at Optiven’s Global Office in Karen, promises to fuse land acquisition, affordable mortgage financing, and professional construction into one seamless customer experience.
The collaboration directly addresses long-standing gaps in Kenya’s housing market, where homebuilding is often delayed or abandoned due to disjointed service providers and poor oversight. According to the 2024 Kenya Housing Survey by the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics and the State Department for Housing, 55.5% of tenants prefer incremental home construction over purchasing ready-made units, a trend that comes with financial and operational risks the new model seeks to eliminate.
“This partnership allows us to bring financing directly into a trusted, end-to-end ecosystem where land, lending, and construction are seamlessly linked,” said Japhet Kahindi Ponda, Head of Mortgage Finance at Co-operative Bank. “As one of Kenya’s largest banks, our job is to walk with our customers all the way to the front door of their finished homes.”
An Industry-First Ecosystem
Under the new model, clients will be able to purchase land from Optiven, access mortgage financing from Co-operative Bank, and construct their homes through Everstrong Maskani, all under a tightly coordinated framework. The bank will provide milestone-based financing, releasing funds only upon verified completion of each stage of construction. Regular site inspections will be conducted by Co-op Bank’s technical team, ensuring quality control and reducing risks of project failure.
“We’ve seen too many Kenyans get stuck after buying land, uncertain where to start or whom to trust for construction. This partnership changes that narrative,” said Dr. George Wachiuri, CEO of Optiven. “We are now offering a clear, reliable, and professionally managed path to homeownership.”
Everstrong Maskani, the construction arm of the initiative, will manage the entire building process under direct contracts with customers. The firm has committed to delivering structurally guaranteed homes, with defect liability clauses and full insurance coverage throughout construction.
“We walk with each customer from concept to keys,” said Henry Kyanda, Managing Partner at Everstrong Maskani LLP. “Our MaskaniBora turnkey program ensures peace of mind, structural integrity, and professional delivery at every stage.”
Affordable Loans, Long-Term Security
Highlighting the affordability of the offering, Geoffrey Mwaura, Head of Refinancing at Kenya Mortgage Refinance Company (KMRC), said: “Home loans are affordable today. Co-operative Bank is offering up to KES 10.5 million at a fixed 9.5% interest rate for up to 25 years. Your monthly payment remains unchanged for the entire term , shielding customers from interest rate shocks.”
Rollout and Coverage
The integrated solution will initially be available in select Optiven developments, including Amani Ridge in Kiambu, Achievers Paradise in Kimuka Ngong, Success Gardens along Gatanga Road, and Victory Gardens and Happy Gardens in Kitengela. The partnership agreement includes a three-year performance review framework, with plans for nationwide expansion.
Clients can access the solution through Co-operative Bank’s countrywide branch network. While the bank remains the primary financing and oversight institution, customers will engage directly with Everstrong for construction, ensuring clarity and accountability at each phase.
This move positions Co-operative Bank as a major player in reshaping housing delivery in Kenya, potentially unlocking homeownership for thousands of families who have long been locked out by fragmented systems and unreliable developers.
