Former Minister Raphael Tuju Says He Bought Karen Land At KSh 100,000 Per Acre Four Decades Ago
Politics Updated: 17 March 2026 15:56 EAT
Former Jubilee party SG Raphael Tuju.
Former Cabinet Minister Raphael Tuju has revealed that he purchased land in Karen, Nairobi, approximately 40 years ago at a cost of just KSh 100,000 per acre, offering a rare glimpse into the dramatic transformation of property values in the area.
Speaking during recent engagements surrounding his ongoing land and debt disputes, Tuju recounted the early days of his investment, noting that Karen was then a largely undeveloped and sparsely populated locality.
He explained that at the time of purchase, the now upmarket suburb was characterized by expansive farmland and minimal urban infrastructure, making land relatively affordable compared to present-day prices.
Tuju’s remarks come amid heightened public interest in his Karen property, which has been at the center of a prolonged legal and financial battle involving multi-billion-shilling claims.
The former minister emphasized that his acquisition was made long before Karen evolved into one of Nairobi’s most exclusive residential zones, underscoring the long-term value of land investment.
Over the years, Karen has undergone significant transformation, attracting high-end residential developments, diplomatic missions, and affluent homeowners seeking privacy and space.
Real estate experts note that land prices in Karen have surged exponentially since the 1980s, with an acre now fetching tens or even hundreds of millions of shillings depending on location and zoning.
Tuju’s disclosure has sparked widespread discussion about the historical cost of land in Nairobi and the opportunities that existed for early investors in prime areas.
Observers say his experience reflects a broader trend in which individuals who acquired land decades ago have seen their assets appreciate tremendously over time.
The revelations also provide context to the current dispute over his property, as stakeholders weigh the historical value against present-day market realities.
Despite the attention generated by his statement, there are no publicly available documents detailing the exact purchase price of the land at the time.
However, analysts argue that the figure cited by Tuju is consistent with historical land prices in Nairobi during that period, lending credibility to his account.
The situation has further reignited debate over land ownership, valuation, and the legal complexities surrounding high-value properties in Kenya.
As the legal and financial issues surrounding his Karen property continue to unfold, Tuju’s remarks serve as a reminder of how dramatically Nairobi’s real estate landscape has evolved over the past four decades.
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FELIX MAKONA
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