Centum Real Estate: A Leader in Urban Development Across East Africa
Sponsored by Centum
A bird's eye view of the integrated Two Rivers Social City that offers aspirational lifestyles.
Photo credit: Centum
Centum Real Estate (Centum RE), a subsidiary of Centum Investment Company Plc, has emerged as a key player in East Africa’s real estate sector, shaping urban development across Kenya and Uganda.
Through innovative and sustainable projects, Centum RE is addressing the region's growing demand for integrated urban communities that seamlessly blend living and working spaces.
In the last year, the company made significant strides in urban development, transforming how cities in East Africa are designed and expanding the possibilities for sustainable living.
Sustainable Communities and Urban NodesÂ
Centum RE’s strategy centers around developing sustainable, award-winning, mixed-use urban nodes—integrated spaces that combine residential, commercial, and leisure amenities, to create self-sustaining communities where people can live, work, and socialize within the same locale.
This approach aligns with the growing trend in urban planning, which seeks to reduce commute times, offer convenience as well as foster vibrant and cohesive community lifestyles.
Centum RE’s developments reflect a deep understanding of the region’s needs, particularly as East Africa continues to experience rapid urbanization and population growth.Â
The company’s projects, include development pipeline of 10,000 units covering more than 8,434 acres of mixed-use landscapes, serve diverse population segments, by offering tailored solutions to address the needs of the affordable, mid, and high-end markets, as well as for individuals seeking land for a hands-on homeownership or investment journey.
Centum RE’s developments are designed not only to provide homes but to build sustainable communities that stimulate economic growth and create opportunities for businesses to thrive within sustainable communities.Â
Centum RE’s focus on sustainability ensures that its projects not only meet current needs, but also remain adaptable to future urban living requirements, by incorporating green spaces along with circularity and green building concepts into the design of each project.
Dr. James Mworia, CEO, Centum Group, Kenneth Mbae, MD, Centum RE and colleagues reviewing the Two Rivers masterplan.
Photo credit: Centum
The company’s efforts were recognized in 2023, when Centum RE received various sustainability including the Circularity Initiative of the Year Award from the Big 5 Global Impact Awards and the EDGE Champion for Africa award from the IFC, highlighting its commitment to sustainable real estate development and positive community transformation.
Key Projects in Kenya and Uganda
Two Rivers ResidenciesÂ
One of Centum RE’s flagship projects is the Two Rivers Residencies in Nairobi, Kenya. This expansive mixed-use urban node, which is located within the wider Two Rivers Development, exemplifies the company’s vision for integrated living.
The development combines residential units, commercial spaces, and entertainment facilities, creating a modern and dynamic community.
The Two Rivers Residencies embody the pinnacle of aspirational living, offering a luxurious urban lifestyle living in a prime cosmopolitan setting.
The Two Rivers is located within the diplomatic blue zone area of Nairobi, Kenya, and provides residential, office, retail, hospitality, health and sporting amenities, all conveniently located within a 15-minute walking distance.
In 2023, Two Rivers was gazetted as a business service focused Special Economic Zone, and christened the Two Rivers International Finance & Innovation Centre (TRIFIC SEZ) to provide tax and regulatory incentives to enable service- oriented enterprises and investment-focused entities to competitively access the regional and international markets.
Several residential projects are housed within the Two Rivers Development, including: the 26 Mzizi Court, Cascadia Apartments, Riverbank Apartments, The LoftResidencies, and the Two Rivers Duplexes.Â
Vipingo Development (Kilifi, Kenya)
Centum RE’s Vipingo Development, one of the fastest growing urban nodes in Kilifi County along Kenya’s coast, reflects the company’s vision for sustainable urban growth.
The Palmridge Apartments in Vipingo City, offering affordable, quality and convenience lifestyles.
Photo credit: Centum
Spanning over 8,045 acres, Vipingo is designed as a master-planned city with residential, commercial, hospitality and industrial zones.
The development provides a diverse selection of housing options, complemented by strategically available land for both residential, commercial and industrial investment opportunities.
Palm Ridge Apartments, Awali Estate, and Kingswood Park are the key residential projects within Vipingo. These developments provide modern, stylish homes that appeal to middle-income families and offers the perfect blend of luxury, leisure, and nature, turning everyday living into a blissful retreat
Pearl Marina Estate (Entebbe, Uganda)
In Uganda, Centum RE’s Pearl Marina Estate in Entebbe is a major project designed to meet the demand for residential and recreational spaces in one of the country’s most desirable resort destinations.
Covering 389 acres along the shores of Lake Victoria, Pearl Marina is a self-contained community that offers affordable and luxury housing options alongside hospitality, commercial, retail, education, ICT, medical and recreational investment opportunities.
An overview of Mirabella Villas at Pearl Marina Estates, offering luxurious waterfront living.
Photo credit: Centum
Key developments within Pearl Marina include Bella Vista Apartments, La Perla, Mirabella Villas, Riviera Townhouses, Spring Field Apartments and Kingswood Park, which cater to Uganda’s growing middle class by providing luxury homes with views of Lake Victoria, blending modern living with natural beauty. Pearl Marina is designed to foster community living, with facilities that support both residential life and economic activity.
Economic Growth and Impact
Centum RE’s projects are not only focused on residential development but also play a significant role in driving economic growth across East Africa.
By developing urban nodes that include office spaces and commercial centers, Centum RE attracts businesses and multinational corporations to these regions, fostering economic activity and creating jobs.
The Two Rivers Development, for instance, has drawn several international companies to Nairobi, enhancing its status as a regional economic hub. The SEZ designation has further bolstered its appeal to investors​.Â
Additionally, Centum RE’s focus on affordable housing addresses one of the region’s most pressing challenges: the housing shortage.
Projects like the 26 Mzizi Court, Palm Ridge Apartments, Bella Vista and Springfield Apartments provide high-quality, green and affordable housing options for middle-income families, ensuring that more people have access to modern, well-located homes.
This focus on affordability is crucial as East Africa’s urban population continues to grow, and Centum RE is positioned to play a key role in meeting this demand.
In addition to development, Centum RE engages in social impact initiatives to foster sustainable growth in the communities where the company operate. Since the year 2016, Centum RE has offered up to KES 100M ($750,000) in scholarships to enable bright but needy students in Kenya to pursue education at primary, secondary, and tertiary university level.
In addition, the company actively supports a wide range of impactful initiatives, including environmental conservation, sporting and the construction of classrooms, among other projects aimed at uplifting and empowering communities.
Financial Performance and Global Recognition
Centum RE experienced significant financial growth between 2023 and 2024, with net profit surging from Sh174 million in 2023 to an outstanding Sh1.7 billion in 2024.
This recovery was driven by strong residential and land sales, particularly within the Two Rivers, Vipingo, and Pearl Marina developments.
Centum RE’s strategic focus on the development and sale of residential units as well as holding investment properties in Kenya and Uganda for long-term capital gains and monetization through outright sales has allowed the company to capitalize on market opportunities and attract both local and international investors
The company’s achievements have been recognized on the global stage by top industry brands, highlighting its impressive track record in quality and innovative delivery.Â
In 2023, Centum RE was named the Real Estate Developer of the Year by the International Business Magazinewith its projects named as Residential Project of the Year by the same magazine.
Additionally, the company’s commitment to sustainability earned it the Most Sustainable Real Estate Development award from the International Business Magazine, Circularity Initiative of the Year award from the Big 5 Global Impact Awards and the EDGE Champion for Africa award from the IFC, reflecting its focus on green building practices and environmentally responsible development.
Challenges and Future Outlook
Centum RE faces several challenges that are common in the East African real estate market. These include high construction costs, bureaucratic delays, and infrastructure deficits, all of which can impact project timelines and profitability.
Despite these challenges, Centum RE has proven its ability to overcome obstacles by securing long-term financing and focusing on integrated urban developments that are attractive to both homebuyers and investors.
The $20 million loan from the IFC for the Mzizi Court project is an example of the company’s success in securing international investment for its large-scale developments​.
Looking ahead, Centum RE is well-positioned to continue its expansion across East Africa. The company has plans to develop additional residential spaces in Kenya and Uganda, with a continued focus on sustainability and affordability.
As East Africa’s cities grow, Centum RE’s integrated urban nodes will play an increasingly important role in shaping the region’s future.
Conclusion
Centum Real Estate is leading the transformation of East Africa’s urban landscape through its innovative and sustainable developments in Kenya and Uganda.
Projects like Two Rivers Residencies, Vipingo Development, and Pearl Marina Estate demonstrate the company’s commitment to addressing the region’s housing challenges while fostering economic growth.
Centum RE’s focus on creating integrated urban nodes, where residents have access to housing, workspaces, and recreational facilities, is reshaping how cities in East Africa evolve.
As the company continues to expand its operations, Centum RE’s role in shaping the future of East Africa’s cities will grow even further.
With a strong track record of financial success, international recognition, and a commitment to sustainability, Centum Real Estate is well-positioned to continue driving urban transformation across the region.
