Co-op Bank in partnership to boost affordable home ownership for Kenyans - Citizen Digital

Kenyans both in the country and living abroad are set to benefit from a new collaboration aimed at simplifying land acquisition, home construction, and financing under a seamless, professional framework.

The partnership brings together three key players in land, banking, and home ownership: Optiven Limited, Everstrong Maskani LLP, and Cooperative Bank of Kenya. This collaboration is designed to empower families socially and economically by making homeownership more accessible and transparent.

“Our vision is to transform communities economically and socially. By enabling people to own homes through this collaboration, families are socially empowered. This partnership aligns perfectly with our goal of bringing transformation to our people and nation,” said George Wachiuri, CEO of Optiven Limited.

Under the newly launched initiative, Optiven will assist investors in owning land, Everstrong Maskani LLP will provide professional advice and handle home design and construction, while Cooperative Bank of Kenya will offer financing through loans of up to KSh 10.5 million. 

This financing option applies to homes valued at no more than KSh 15 million under the Kenya Mortgage Refinancing Company (KMRC) model.

Dubbed the Maskani Bora Turnkey project, this home construction initiative promises to deliver completed homes within 12 months. 

The collaboration aims to financially cushion investors, guarantee quality workmanship, and eliminate hidden costs and unreliability often experienced in the construction sector. Additionally, a system of checks and balances has been developed to ensure transparency among all stakeholders involved.

“Anyone in Kenya or the diaspora is eligible for the KMRC loan, which is part of our affordable housing offering. The house selected should be valued at no more than KSh 15 million, and the loan applied for should not exceed KSh 10.5 million,” explained Japhet Kahindi Ponda, Head of Mortgage Finance at Cooperative Bank of Kenya.

Henry Kyanda, Managing Partner at Everstrong Maskani LLP, emphasized the partnership’s commitment to trust and transparency. “We are collaborating with trusted organizations and we do not require any money in advance. We will construct your home and hand over the keys. Throughout the process, customers will walk the journey with us, with evaluations, checks, and a detailed checklist at every stage.”