Research by anthropologist Dr. Peter Lockwood from The University of Manchester highlights the struggles faced by young men in the peri-urban areas of Nairobi, Kenya. Despite inheriting land, many find themselves unable to convert it into the financial security they seek. The study, published in the journal Economy and Society, reveals a complex relationship between land ownership and economic opportunity for this demographic.
Through extensive fieldwork in Kiambu County, Dr. Lockwood examined the lives of young men like Cash, a 28-year-old who inherited three acres following his father’s death. Cash dreams of developing his family land into apartment blocks, a vision that remains unattainable due to his lack of funds. He poignantly states, “I have the land, but it’s not money.” This sentiment echoes the experiences of many young Kenyans, caught in a dilemma where inherited land symbolizes security yet also becomes a “dead asset” without the necessary financial resources to leverage it.
The research underscores a broader issue faced by young people globally, where rising property prices outpace wage growth. In cities from Manchester to Nairobi, the narrative persists that property ownership is integral to achieving security. Yet, many find themselves excluded from this ideal, either unable to purchase property or inheriting land that they cannot effectively utilize.
Dr. Lockwood’s study indicates that some young men opt to abandon their family land, seeking employment in Nairobi’s informal economy as a means of asserting their independence. Others remain tied to their inheritance, hoping that their land will eventually improve their circumstances. However, both choices come with significant challenges and uncertainties.
This research prompts critical questions about inequality and opportunity in rapidly urbanizing regions. The findings reveal how land and property can both offer hope and entrap individuals in cycles of dependence. Dr. Lockwood asserts, “This research shows how property has become both a promise and a trap. It offers the illusion of escape from precarious work – but for many young people, it never delivers.”
As urban areas continue to expand and evolve, the implications of this research resonate widely. The struggle for financial security through property ownership is a pressing issue not only in Kenya but across the globe, raising urgent concerns about the future of work and the accessibility of opportunities for young people.
