15 Muthaiga, Loresho Homes on Auction as Loan Defaults Hit Tycoons

Amid challenging economic conditions, an increasing number of Kenyans are facing defaults on their loans, leading to the seizure and auction of their properties.

Wealthy individuals residing in posh areas like Muthaiga, Loresho and Kitengela are not immune to this development. Auction notices published in the Standard and Daily Nation newspapers indicate that 15 properties belonging to the wealthy in Nairobi’s premium suburbs are up for auction due to debt default. The homes, located on vast sections of land in Lavington, Westlands, Woodely, and other regions, consist of three or four-bedroom family houses. The surge in auctions signifies the worrisome economic climate that has inhibited debt repayment, hauling banks into action to acquire loan collaterals.

Additionally, satellite towns such as Kitengela, Kiambu, and Machakos are also facing a barrage of stressful auctions, highlighting the economic turmoil faced by millions of Kenyans. Landlords are also bearing the brunt of this economic downturn as exemplified by the auction of a three-storey residential property that typically commands a monthly rent of Sh 927,000. Prospective buyers are advised to personally inspect and verify the details of the listed properties as the auctioneer or charge does not guarantee their accuracy. The successful bidder at the public auction must pay 25 per cent of the purchase price in either cash or a banker’s cheque. The remaining balance must be paid within 60 days from the date of the sale.

The aforementioned advertisements quote the auctioneer’s power to decline bids without clarification. The sale is subject to the approval of the land control board and a reserve price. In addition to complete buildings, there are also buildings under construction that are scheduled to be auctioned. The auctioneers have also listed appealing office spaces in sought-after locations including the CBD, Westlands and satellite towns like Kiambu.

Meanwhile, many Kenyans risk losing their vehicles to auctioneers due to loan defaults. Some of the vehicles listed for auction include canters and pickups. According to the Credit Officer Survey released in June by the Central Bank of Kenya, non-performing loans (defaults) would continue to increase amid the harsh economic environment. June saw an increase in credit recovery efforts by banks and other financial institutions as they aimed to improve their performance from the first quarter of the year. These institutions specifically focused on recovering credit in sectors such as Trade, Manufacturing, Transport and Communication, and Real Estate.