Mi Vida Homes has announced a significant milestone with a management-led buyout from Actis, marking its transition to full local ownership for the first time since its establishment in 2018. The move positions Mi Vida as a fully Kenyan-owned real estate platform dedicated to delivering affordable and mid-market housing built to institutional standards. The value of the transaction remains undisclosed, pending regulatory approvals, but the announcement signals a major shift in Kenya’s residential housing landscape.
According to Mi Vida Chief Executive Officer Samuel Kariuki, the buyout underscores Africa’s growing capacity to develop and scale investment-grade housing platforms. He described the deal as the first of its kind in Kenya’s residential development sector and a testament to the continent’s ability to build institutional homebuilders that uphold the highest standards of ESG compliance and financial discipline. He further emphasized that the management consortium is now poised to accelerate Mi Vida’s growth strategy, supported by a robust balance sheet, diversified capital structure, and a strong project pipeline.
Actis Partner Louis Deppe highlighted that the transaction validates Actis’ long-term strategy of incubating, institutionalising, and transitioning successful platforms to local ownership. He noted that Mi Vida’s journey demonstrates the scalability and investability of Africa’s residential sector, driven by strong housing demand and deepening local capital markets. This buyout, he said, reflects a maturing ecosystem where homegrown businesses can attract global confidence while maintaining operational excellence and sustainability.
Ravi Rughani, Principal at Actis, added that the partnership has transformed Mi Vida into a solid, institutional-grade business with sound governance, a strong balance sheet, and a diversified funding base. He described the transaction as a clear indication of the institutionalisation of Africa’s real estate sector and Actis’ broader philosophy of building sustainable, scalable businesses that address local needs while creating long-term value.
The management buyout marks a new chapter for Mi Vida as it strengthens its position at the forefront of Kenya’s affordable and mid-market housing market. With a proven institutional framework, the company aims to continue attracting local investment and delivering sustainable housing solutions to meet Kenya’s growing urban demand. This development reinforces confidence in local capacity to drive large-scale housing projects that align with the country’s economic and social development goals.
