NAIROBI — A split appears to be taking shape within Nairobi’s property development sector following the rise of a new lobby group that now operates alongside the long-established Kenya Property Developers Association (KPDA).
The newly formed Property Developers Welfare Society of Nairobi (PDWSN) was launched in Eastleigh and has already begun drawing support from developers in Nairobi and surrounding areas. Its leaders say the association was formed to address pressing issues affecting developers on the ground, including delays in approvals, enforcement-related harassment, and increasing hostility from some resident associations.
During the group’s Annual General Meeting in Parklands in April 2025, members claimed some of their projects have been unfairly targeted through court injunctions and intimidation, particularly in Parklands and Westlands. They say certain resident associations have described them as “illegal immigrants” despite following due process.
“We are not here to replace anyone. We just want our voices to be heard, especially where our members are being frustrated despite following the law,” said Abdirahman Shibli, the PDWSN chairperson.
The PDWSN brings together over 50 developers, many of them active in areas like Eastleigh, South C, South B, and parts of Westlands. The group says it was created to respond to what it sees as neglect and lack of representation of small and mid-sized developers who feel left out of broader industry discussions. It also aims to push back against what it calls “selective enforcement” of planning regulations in certain neighbourhoods.
On the other side is the Kenya Property Developers Association (KPDA), which was established in 2006. It has been the dominant voice of property developers nationally, with a membership comprising large-scale developers, institutional investors, and major real estate firms. The KPDA engages closely with national and county governments, often taking the lead in policy discussions related to land use, housing finance, taxation, and urban planning.
The KPDA also plays a central role in data collection, publishing real estate research and advocating for reforms that improve the investment climate. Its long-standing presence and strong links with national bodies have helped it shape regulations and influence government decisions over the years.
It is unclear what the new group’s emergence means for the KPDA, but industry watchers are paying close attention.
There are growing concerns that the existence of two associations may lead to confusion or competing agendas, especially in dealings with regulators and government institutions.
Some developers argue that the formation of a second body highlights gaps in representation, while others worry it could weaken the sector’s voice at a time when unity is essential to navigate Nairobi’s growing development pressures.
The Nairobi property market has seen rapid transformation in recent years, driven by demand for housing and commercial space. But it also faces growing scrutiny, stricter planning controls, and resistance from some quarters of the public over high-rise developments in residential areas.
As both associations settle into their respective roles, the focus now shifts to whether they can find common ground. Without coordination, developers warn, the sector risks speaking in disjointed voices—and losing leverage in policy discussions that affect them all.
For now, the two groups operate separately. But with key challenges shared across the board, some in the industry are quietly urging for dialogue before division becomes entrenched.
