Can Kenyans in the US buy property in Kenya?

Yes. Kenyan citizens can buy property in Kenya regardless of where they live. The purchase can be completed remotely using a Power of Attorney. Wire transfers from US banks are accepted.

Do I need to report a Kenya property purchase to the IRS?

US persons (citizens and permanent residents) may have reporting obligations for foreign property and accounts. Consult a US tax professional - CPA or tax attorney - familiar with international real estate before completing a purchase.

Kenyans in the US: Buy Property in Kenya Safely

US buyer context

Why Kenyans in the US are looking at Tatu City

Property prices in most US cities have moved well beyond what a median-income Kenyan diaspora worker can afford. Kenya's property market - especially in a verified, infrastructure-backed SEZ like Tatu City - offers entry points that are still accessible on a US income.

KSh 10.8M at a 2025 exchange rate of roughly KES 130 per USD is approximately USD 83,000 for a 2-bedroom apartment in a development with an outdoor pool, gym, and wildlife sanctuary views - inside an SEZ with USD 3.5B+ invested.

Beyond affordability, Kenyans in the US often want a physical asset in Kenya for family use, retirement planning, or as a hedge against dollar-only savings. Unity Parkside is one of the few options where the developer has a documented track record, a verifiable corporate structure, and an active diaspora sales programme.

          Exchange rate note: KES/USD rates fluctuate. The USD figure above is illustrative only.
          Check the current rate on a live source (XE.com or your bank) before making financial decisions.
        

What USD buys at Tatu City (illustrative)

Unit	KSh	~USD
2-bed (from)	10.8M	~$83,000
Based on approx. KES 130/$1 - verify current rate

These are illustrative calculations only. Pricing and exchange rates change. Get the current price list from Unity directly.

Process for US buyers

How to buy from the United States - step by step

The purchase process is the same as for any diaspora buyer, with a few US-specific steps around wire transfers, notarisation, and tax awareness.

Request property details and choose your unit

Get Unity's current price list and available floor plans. Unity One Rows A & B are already built and handed over (Oct 2024 / Aug 2025) — no construction wait for those units. Row C, the sanctuary-facing final row, is projected for handover Q2 2026. For Unity Parkside, confirm which row (A: Q2 2027 or B: Q4 2027) applies to your chosen unit.

Request Details →

Hire an independent Kenyan conveyancing advocate

Do not rely solely on Unity's recommended legal team. Hire your own advocate independently. The Law Society of Kenya (LSK) directory is the verified source. lsk.or.ke →

Prepare your Power of Attorney (POA)

A POA allows a trusted person in Kenya (family member, advocate) to sign documents on your behalf. In the US, have your POA drafted (by your Kenyan advocate or a US attorney), signed before a US Notary Public, and then apostilled at your state's Secretary of State office before sending to Kenya.

Apostille is required because Kenya is a Hague Convention signatory. Processing time varies by state - budget 1-4 weeks for apostille processing.

Pay the reservation deposit via wire transfer

Wire transfer (SWIFT) is the standard method. Use your US bank's international wire department. Unity Homes will provide their official bank account details - confirm these directly with Unity by calling +254 701 550 550 or emailing [email protected] before transferring any funds. Never wire to account details received only by email - call to verify.

Consult a US tax professional before completing

US persons (citizens and green card holders) have reporting obligations that may be triggered by foreign property purchases and foreign bank accounts used in the process. This is not legal advice - consult a CPA or tax attorney familiar with international real estate. Topics to discuss: FBAR, FATCA, and any rental income tax treatment.

Complete payments and receive your title deed

Continue instalment wires (or pay in full) per your agreed schedule. For Unity One Rows A & B (already handed over): keys are released immediately on full payment — your POA representative can collect the same day. For Unity One Row C (projected Q2 2026 handover) and Unity Parkside (Row A Q2 2027 / Row B Q4 2027): your POA representative receives the keys at the published handover date and the title process is completed in your name.

Sending money to Kenya from the US

Wire transfer: what to know

Most major US banks support international wire transfers (SWIFT). For large property payments, a bank wire is more appropriate than a remittance app - it leaves a full paper trail which your advocate and the taxman will both require.

What you'll need for the wire

✔

Recipient bank name and branch (Kenya)
✔

Account number and SWIFT/BIC code
✔

Purpose of transfer (property purchase reference)
✔

Your Unity Homes reservation/unit reference number

🚫 Never wire to account details received ONLY via email Business Email Compromise (BEC) fraud is common in property transactions. Always call Unity directly (+254 701 550 550) to verbally confirm account details before any transfer.

🚫 Keep all wire receipts and SWIFT confirmations You will need these for tax purposes in the US and for title registration in Kenya.

🚫 Confirm Currency - KSh or USD? Clarify with Unity whether they invoice in KSh or accept USD directly, and what exchange rate they apply. This affects your total cost.

US diaspora - common questions

Questions from Kenyans in the US

Do I need to report this purchase to the IRS? +

This is a question for a US-qualified tax professional, not a property website. The short answer is: it depends on your citizenship/residency status, how the purchase is structured, and whether you generate rental income. US persons typically must report foreign bank accounts (FBAR) and may have FATCA obligations. Rental income from a foreign property is generally taxable in the US. Consult a CPA or international tax attorney before completing the purchase.

Can I use a service like Wise or Remitly for the property payment? +

Remittance services like Wise have per-transaction and monthly limits that are typically far below a property purchase price (KSh 10.8M ≈ USD 83,000). For large property transactions, use your bank's international wire transfer (SWIFT). This also provides the paper trail your advocate and tax records require. Confirm with Unity that a bank wire is their preferred and accepted payment method.

Can I get a KMRC mortgage if my income is in USD? +

Kenyan citizens living abroad may qualify for KMRC if they meet the income threshold (currently KSh 150,000+/month equivalent) and age requirements (30-50). Income in USD may be convertible for eligibility assessment purposes. Confirm directly with a KMRC-affiliated lender in Kenya - Unity Homes can direct you to their partner banks.

What if I'm a US citizen of Kenyan origin, not a Kenyan passport holder? +

Foreign nationals (non-Kenyan citizens) can still buy property in Kenya, but on leasehold terms (not freehold), typically up to 99 years. For KMRC mortgages, Kenyan citizenship is required. Confirm with Unity and your advocate what documentation they require for US citizens of Kenyan heritage, including whether a dual citizenship or diaspora card changes the terms.

How do I manage a Kenya property while living in the US long-term? +

Unity Homes offers tenant placement within 4-6 weeks of key collection (Unity One Rows A & B are already handed over, so rental income starts faster on those units) and implies ongoing management support. You should confirm: their property management fees, what they cover (maintenance, rent collection, disputes), and how rental income is remitted to you in the US. Many diaspora owners also work with independent property managers in Nairobi - confirm current options with Unity or ask in Kenyan diaspora property forums.

Unity says they've done diaspora events in the US - is that true? +

Based on Unity Homes' website (as of our research), they listed US-area events including Minneapolis/Minnesota - but their international sales calendar changes. Check Unity's official international calendar for current scheduled US events. These in-person events are a good opportunity to meet the team and ask questions directly.

How do I verify I'm sending money to the correct bank account? +

Before wiring any funds, always call Unity Homes directly on +254 701 550 550 to verbally confirm the bank account details. Business Email Compromise (BEC) fraud — where scammers intercept emails and swap account numbers — is a real risk in cross-border property transactions. Never rely on account details received by email alone, even if the email looks legitimate. Call first, then transfer.

Own verified property in Kenya - without flying back to close the deal.