Mi Vida Homes, Kenyan real estate developer, has been recognised by the International Finance Corporation (IFC) for advancing sustainable and affordable housing, with two of its residential developments securing EDGE (Excellence in Design for Greater Efficiencies) Preliminary Certification.
Mi Vida’s affordable housing project, KEZA Riruta Phase 1A, and Amaiya Garden City – Block C, part of the second phase of the Garden City master development, have both achieved the certification at design stage. The recognition affirms Mi Vida’s commitment to delivering environmentally responsible, cost-efficient homes for middle-income and affordable housing buyers.
EDGE certification, issued through Green Business Certification Inc. (GBCI), evaluates buildings for resource efficiency in energy, water, and materials compared to conventional construction standards.
For KEZA Riruta Phase 1A, the certification confirms projected design efficiencies of:
25% energy savings
34% water savings
30% reduction in embodied energy in materials
These efficiencies are expected to translate into lower utility costs for homeowners while significantly reducing the project’s environmental footprint.
At Amaiya Garden City – Block C, which comprises 128 residential units, the EDGE Preliminary Certification confirms anticipated efficiencies of:
- 26% energy savings
- 27% water savings
- 30% reduction in embodied carbon in materials
The development integrates sustainability measures such as insulated roofing, energy-efficient lighting, water-saving fittings, and material-efficient structural systems, resulting in reduced operational carbon emissions over the building’s lifecycle.
The latest certifications build on Mi Vida’s broader sustainability journey, following its recognition as an EDGE Champion in 2024 for leadership in advancing green building practices within Kenya’s residential sector.
Mi Vida’s growing portfolio addresses Kenya’s demand for quality, middle-income, and affordable housing. Developments include the completed Mi Vida Garden City, Amaiya Garden City, 237 Garden City—the company’s affordable entry project within Garden City—and KEZA Laika in Ruaka, an affordable mid-market development. Across its portfolio, Mi Vida offers homes starting from Ksh 2.9 million for studio units, with pricing varying by size and typology.
Commenting on the milestone, Mi Vida Chief Executive Officer Samuel Kariuki said the EDGE certifications reinforce the company’s belief that sustainability and affordability go hand in hand.
“By embedding efficiency into our designs from the outset, we are able to lower long-term utility costs for homeowners while delivering positive environmental outcomes,” Kariuki said. “Our focus extends beyond building houses to creating enduring value for residents, investors, and the communities we serve.”
He added that the efficiencies incorporated into projects such as KEZA Riruta and Amaiya Garden City are expected to generate meaningful savings for residents, particularly on electricity and water bills, at a time when household utility costs continue to rise.
Mi Vida’s developments have also attracted increasing interest from institutional and impact-focused investors. Projects including KEZA Rirutaand 237 Garden City have secured bulk off-take commitments and strategic partnerships, underscoring how structured investment can support large-scale housing delivery while managing risk.
KEZA Riruta Phase 1A has recorded strong market uptake, with the phase fully sold out ahead of handover. The development targets first-time buyers, young professionals, and working families through a mix of studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom units in a well-connected urban location.
Aligned with Kenya’s national affordable housing agenda, Mi Vida’s EDGE-certified developments contribute to narrowing the country’s housing deficit while embedding sustainable design into new urban neighbourhoods. The preliminary certifications confirm that the projects meet EDGE performance benchmarks at design stage and are on track for final certification upon completion.
As Kenya accelerates housing delivery alongside its climate commitments, Mi Vida’s expanding portfolio of EDGE-certified projects reflects a market increasingly focused on practical affordability, sustainability, and long-term value creation.
