Nairobi’s profile as a premium real estate and investment destination is set for a boost after Les Jardins, a residential development in New Kitisuru, was named Best International Residential Development 2025–2026 at the International Property Awards (IPAX) in London.
The recognition, selected from more than 2,000 entries worldwide, places Nairobi firmly within the global luxury property conversation and strengthens the city’s positioning as a competitive hub for high-end residential investment.
Beyond the project itself, the award signals growing international confidence in Nairobi’s property market at a time when African cities are competing to attract multinational organisations, development agencies, technology firms and private capital.
Analysts say such recognition enhances investor perception, supports property values and reinforces Nairobi’s appeal to expatriates, globally mobile professionals and high-net-worth buyers.
Located in Kitisuru, near Gigiri home to the United Nations Office at Nairobi Les Jardins sits within one of East Africa’s most sought-after diplomatic and residential zones.
Proximity to international schools, healthcare facilities and leisure infrastructure continues to drive demand for secure, high-quality housing in the area.
The nine-home development overlooks the valleys of New Kitisuru and reflects broader shifts in Nairobi’s residential market, where buyers are increasingly prioritising sustainability, design quality and long-term environmental performance.
Developer Robin Reecht said the project’s recognition was partly driven by its integration of landscape-led design and climate responsiveness themes that are becoming central in African construction as cities confront urban density and climate adaptation challenges.
Vegetation displaced during construction was reintroduced through terraces and rooftop gardens, while indigenous plant species were incorporated into landscaping to support ecological resilience.
The project also utilises compressed straw construction methods, which significantly reduce embodied carbon compared to conventional stone housing.
Designed by ULO Architecture, a firm operating between London and Nairobi, the development blends global design standards with locally responsive materials including coral stone, timber, terracotta and lime plaster.
Industry observers note that Nairobi’s advantages including its diplomatic presence, regional headquarters status for global firms, established expatriate community and mature property finance ecosystem continue to elevate its standing alongside continental peers such as Cape Town, Lagos and Kigali.
While boutique in scale, the project reflects a wider continental trend in which residential developments are increasingly used to showcase climate-conscious construction, biodiversity integration and urban identity factors that strengthen cities’ ability to attract international capital.
