Bobby studied abroad, but while there decided he wanted to make an impact back home, particularly in real estate.
He began his career at the World Bank Group, where he identified an opportunity to provide affordable housing for young people.
Bobby focuses on compact rooms of about 20 to 25 square metres, each with an ensuite bathroom.
“Currently, we have the capacity of 70 beds across 26 units, and we plan to expand that in the next year to 145 units, which will cater for 400 beds. Now, we charge Sh35,000 per month, with an option to share,” says Bobby, who earned a Bachelor’s degree in International Economics and Finance and Organic Chemistry from Manchester Business School in the UK.
"While he does not build houses for sale but for rent, Bobby believes that building to rent is the ideal path for urban youth who want flexibility. "
He later did a professional certificate in real estate finance and development at the MIT.
While he does not build houses for sale but for rent, Bobby believes that building to rent is the ideal path for urban youth who want flexibility.
His target locations within Nairobi are Parklands and Westlands, strategically close to universities and employment centres, so that tenants can commute without using a car.
According to Bobby, the biggest challenge he is determined to address is unemployment.
“In order to cater for that employment opportunity deficit, we felt there would be a need to merge both mature students who are typically within a university and young professionals, to be able to network with one another while in their same living space.”
–Wangu Kanuri