Data from property marketplace Remio shows that more than 60 per cent of its users are women, with the majority aged below 35. /HANDOUT
Women are emerging as the biggest users of online house-hunting platforms in Kenya, reflecting changing social and economic trends as more young professionals move out independently and embrace digital tools to find homes safely and cheaply.
Data from property marketplace Remio shows that more than 60 per cent of its users are women, with the majority aged below 35.
The shift is being fuelled by a tech-savvy generation that is comfortable making major decisions online, from shopping and food delivery to finding accommodation.
Reemio Head of Business Njoki Kimani says young women are not only making more enquiries than men but are also relocating more frequently, signalling a shift from the traditional trend where many delayed moving out until later in life.
The growing preference for digital house hunting is largely driven by the need to avoid fraud, misleading property listings and costly "house tour" fees that typically range between Sh1,000 and Sh3,000.
“Many seekers face two key challenges when searching for a home. That's usually paying the green fees, which ranges between Sh1,000 to Sh3,000, or properties that don't meet the expectations and concerns about visiting unfamiliar locations,” said Njoki.
The platform says most users are searching for affordable one- and two-bedroom apartments renting below Sh25,000 a month, with Ruiru, Juja and Kiambu Road emerging as the most sought-after locations due to newer developments, affordability and improved transport links.
The data also shows that today's renters are prioritising convenience over proximity to Nairobi's central business district.
Instead, they are looking for homes close to shopping malls, workplaces and social amenities, with many embracing hybrid and remote work arrangements. Lifestyle preferences such as pet-friendly, family-friendly and student-friendly housing are also increasingly influencing rental decisions.
Remio says it currently hosts more than 28,000 properties in Nairobi and has facilitated over 150 successful placements in the last four months, as demand for digital property searches continues to grow.
Social media has become a key gateway to the property market, with young renters discovering homes through Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and YouTube before booking viewings through mobile apps.
The digital approach is helping cut travel costs, reduce exposure to scams and make the rental search process more transparent for both tenants and landlords.
The data also points to changing rental preferences among young people. Searches are increasingly concentrated in fast-growing suburbs such as Ruiru, Juja and along Kiambu Road, where newly built apartments offer modern amenities at relatively affordable prices.
Most enquiries are for one- and two-bedroom houses renting below Sh25,000 a month.
