Research conducted by anthropologist Dr Peter Lockwood from The University of Manchester has revealed significant challenges facing young men in the peri-urban areas of Nairobi. Despite inheriting land, many of these individuals struggle to convert it into the financial security they desperately need. The findings, published in the journal Economy and Society, highlight the dual nature of land ownership in Kenya, which can offer both a safety net and a trap.
Through extensive fieldwork in Kiambu County, Dr Lockwood examined the experiences of young men like Cash, a 28-year-old who inherited three acres following his father’s death. Cash envisions transforming his family’s land into apartment blocks, a dream that remains just that due to a lack of funds. He candidly states, “I have the land, but it’s not money,” illustrating the frustrating paradox many face.
Dr Lockwood’s research sheds light on a dilemma prevalent among young Kenyans. On one hand, inherited land represents security, providing a place to live and a potential asset symbolizing adulthood. On the other hand, without access to credit or investment opportunities, this land can become what Dr Lockwood describes as a “dead asset” – appearing valuable but offering little practical benefit.
Some young men opt to abandon their family land entirely, entering Nairobi’s informal economy in pursuit of independence. Others remain tethered to their inheritance, clinging to the hope that it will eventually lead to improved circumstances. Both choices present their own sets of challenges, as individuals navigate a complex landscape of economic uncertainty.
The implications of this research extend beyond Kenya, reflecting a global trend. As property prices escalate quicker than wages in cities worldwide, young people from Manchester to Nairobi are increasingly told that homeownership is the key to financial security. Yet, many find themselves unable to secure ownership or burdened with assets that do not generate income.
“This research shows how property has become both a promise and a trap,” noted Dr Lockwood. He emphasizes that while property can create the illusion of escaping precarious work, it often fails to deliver the expected benefits for many young people.
The findings raise critical questions about inequality, opportunity, and the future of work in rapidly urbanizing regions. As young people grapple with these realities, the research serves as a reminder of the complexities surrounding land, property, and housing, and their profound impact on the lives of individuals in challenging economic environments.
