National Bank of Kenya (NBK) has signed a strategic partnership with Optiven Limited aimed at expanding access to financing for property and land investments, as lenders and developers increasingly collaborate to tap into Kenya’s growing real estate market.
The partnership, formalised through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed on Monday, will see NBK provide structured financing solutions to customers investing in Optiven’s property developments. In turn, Optiven will offer investors access to a broad portfolio of real estate opportunities, ranging from land to developed property projects.
The collaboration is expected to enhance access to affordable and credible property investment options for Kenyans both locally and in the diaspora, while contributing to broader national goals of financial inclusion and responsible investment.
Speaking during the signing ceremony, NBK Managing Director George Odhiambo said the partnership reflects the bank’s strategy of supporting wealth creation through targeted sector partnerships.
“This partnership with Optiven is anchored on our shared commitment to expanding access to credible property investment and supporting more Kenyans on their wealth creation journey,” Mr Odhiambo said. “As a bank, we recognise the important role real estate plays in household financial security and national economic growth.”
He added that the collaboration positions NBK customers to access structured financing solutions alongside vetted and trusted real estate investment opportunities.
“Through this partnership, we are positioning our customers to benefit from tailored financing while investing in developments that meet credibility and quality standards,” he said.
Responding to sustained real estate demand
The partnership comes at a time when Kenya’s real estate sector continues to demonstrate resilience, supported by population growth, urbanisation and sustained demand for housing and land across multiple income segments.
Government initiatives such as the Affordable Housing Programme have also helped maintain momentum in the sector, alongside growing collaboration between developers, financial institutions and policymakers.
Mr Odhiambo noted that demand remains strong among first-time homebuyers, property investors and members of the Kenyan diaspora seeking structured and secure investment options.
“Demand for housing and land remains strong across multiple market segments, including first-time buyers, investors and the diaspora,” he said. “Partnerships such as this one are critical in bridging the gap between aspiration and access, while supporting more inclusive participation in property ownership.”
Industry analysts say access to financing remains one of the biggest constraints for potential property investors, particularly in the land segment, where buyers often rely on personal savings or informal financing arrangements. Bank-backed partnerships are increasingly seen as a way to lower entry barriers and reduce risk for investors.
Enhancing value for investors
Optiven Limited Chief Executive Officer George Wachiuri said the partnership will significantly enhance the value proposition for the company’s customers by combining real estate expertise with structured financing solutions.
“Our customers, both locally and across the global diaspora, will benefit immensely from the structured financial solutions that National Bank of Kenya brings to this partnership,” Dr Wachiuri said.
He added that Optiven remains focused on partnerships that deliver tangible value to customers while supporting sustainable growth.
“As a leading player in the real estate space, Optiven remains committed to partnerships that deliver real value to our customers as we pursue our strategy of providing sustainable solutions where all stakeholders win,” he said.
Optiven has built a strong presence in Kenya’s land and property market, with a customer base that includes local investors and Kenyans living abroad. Access to bank financing is expected to make its projects more accessible to a wider pool of investors.
Supporting financial inclusion and SDGs
Beyond commercial objectives, the NBK–Optiven partnership aligns with Kenya’s broader financial inclusion agenda by expanding access to formal financing channels for property investment.
The collaboration also supports Sustainable Development Goal 17 (SDG 17), which focuses on partnerships for sustainable development, by leveraging the complementary strengths of a financial institution and a real estate developer to deliver broader economic impact.
Real estate investment is widely viewed as a key driver of household wealth accumulation in Kenya, with linkages to employment, infrastructure development and local economic growth. Improved access to financing can help unlock this potential while encouraging more structured and transparent investment practices.
A growing trend in bank–developer collaborations
The NBK–Optiven deal reflects a wider trend in Kenya’s banking sector, where lenders are increasingly partnering with developers to grow mortgage books, diversify loan portfolios and reduce credit risk through structured arrangements.
Such partnerships allow banks to better understand project pipelines and customer profiles, while developers benefit from predictable financing options that support sales and project delivery.
For NBK, the collaboration also supports its broader strategy of deepening engagement with key economic sectors and expanding its role in supporting long-term asset formation for individuals and families.
As Kenya’s real estate market continues to evolve, partnerships between banks and developers are expected to play an increasingly central role in shaping access, affordability and investor confidence.
