The Telling Times News

Kenyan homes are delivering investment returns unequaled globally, according to a Special Report launched today by HassConsult, which found the country has further widened its lead in 2025 compared with nine leading property markets globally. The study of property prices and rental yields - in Kenya, South Africa, the USA, Canada, the UK, France, Switzerland, Singapore, and Australia - found a sharply different growth trajectory for Kenya, driven by the strength of its domestic demand.  Since the year 2000, residential property prices have risen by 201 per cent in the USA, compared with 151 per cent in France, and 122 per cent in Singapore. But, in Kenya, they have risen by 425 per cent. In 2025, with many global property markets now depressed by high interest rates in heavily debt-leveraged sectors, Kenya has widened this gap further, with its 7.8 per cent increase in property prices in the year to June 2025 representing the highest level of capital appreciation in any of the mark...

Absa Bank Kenya releases 2024 Sustainability and Climate Report Introduces 110% Eco-Home Loan as part of broader push to embed sustainable practices in daily life   Absa Bank Kenya PLC has released its 2024 Sustainability and Climate Report, outlining significant progress in environmental action, inclusive finance, and governance maturity. As part of this journey, the Bank has unveiled Kenya’s first Eco-Home Loan, offering up to 110% financing to help customers build or upgrade homes  with energy-efficient and climate-resilient features.   Themed ‘ Rooted in purpose, growing with impact’,  the report showcases how Absa is embedding sustainability across its business. A key highlight is the Eco-Home Loan, which empowers customers to make climate-conscious upgrades , such as installing solar panels, water and energy-saving systems, and utilizing sustainable building materials, thereby aligning homeownership choices with Absa’s commitment to a just and  inclusive t...

  Kenya's wealthy are adjusting their investment strategies in response to rising global economic uncertainty, shifting away from residential and foreign assets in favour of more liquid, higher-yielding opportunities within the country. This is according to the global property consultant Knight Frank's Wealth Report: Kenya Edition – Attitudes Survey 2025. The report highlights that there is a marked pivot towards investments in food production and technology, reflecting a strategic emphasis on resilience and growth.   The report further notes that the growth in both the number and wealth of High Net-Worth Individuals (HNWIs) in 2024 was more subdued compared to previous years, with over 60% of wealth managers reporting an increase of less than 10% in HNWIs from 2024 to 2025. Despite the slower pace of growth, Knight Frank notes sustained investor confidence heading into 2025. This optimism is driven by a strategic pullback from foreign markets and the divestment of non...

        Bien Reigns Supreme in Spotify Wrapped 2024: A Celebration of Kenyan Music Get ready to groove, Kenya! Spotify Wrapped 2024 is here, and it's a vibrant celebration of our nation's love for music.  Leading the pack is none other than the soulful Bien Aime Baraza, who has snagged the title of most-streamed local artist.      Bien's incredible journey as a solo artist has resonated with fans across the country. Despite Sauti Sol's break in 2023, Bien has continued to create authentic Afropop hits that have topped the charts.  His success, alongside the groundbreaking hip-hop group Wakadinali, highlights the incredible growth and diversity of Kenyan music.      Kenyan Music Takes Center Stage   It's not just Bien making waves; Kenyan music is making its mark both locally and globally.  Sauti Sol, though not in the top 10, still holds a strong position at number 12 of the top most stream...