Co-op Bank, Optiven & Everstrong launch integrated housing

By Newsflash Writer

Nairobi, Kenya – Tuesday, July 16, 2025 — A landmark partnership between Co-operative Bank of Kenya, Optiven Limited, and Everstrong Maskani LLP was officially launched today, promising to revolutionize homeownership in the country through a seamless, integrated housing solution.

The collaboration aims to simplify the process of land acquisition, home construction, and financing by bringing all three under a single, professionally managed ecosystem.

The partnership, unveiled at Optiven’s Global Office in Karen, is a direct response to findings from the 2024 Kenya Housing Survey, which revealed that 55.5% of tenants prefer incremental home construction over buying fully built houses.

While cost-effective and flexible, this route has often resulted in delays, poor workmanship, or incomplete projects due to disjointed services and inadequate financial support.

End-to-end housing innovation

Co-operative Bank, serving over 9 million customers across Kenya, has stepped in with a solution to bridge these long-standing gaps. The bank will provide affordable mortgage financing, directly linked with vetted land options from Optiven and professional construction services from Everstrong Maskani.

L-R: Henry Kyanda, Managing Partner at Everstrong Maskani LLP; Japhet Kahindi Ponda, Head of Mortgage Finance at Co-operative Bank of Kenya; and Dr. George Wachiuri, CEO of Optiven Limited, during the signing of the integrated housing partnership agreement held at the Optiven Global Office in Karen, Nairobi on Tuesday, 16 July 2025.

“This partnership allows us to bring financing directly into a trusted, end-to-end ecosystem where land, lending, and construction are seamlessly linked,” said Japhet Kahindi Ponda, Head of Mortgage Finance at Co-operative Bank. “We aim to walk with clients from the point of land purchase to the completion of their dream homes.”

Dr. George Wachiuri, CEO of Optiven Limited, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the need for an integrated model. “We’ve seen too many investors stuck in limbo, uncertain who to trust or where to start. This collaboration provides a clear, professional, and secure path to homeownership,” he said.

Affordable, monitored construction

Key to the model is milestone-based financing, where Co-operative Bank releases funds only after its technical team has verified the successful completion of each construction phase. This approach ensures accountability and protects customer investments from mismanagement or fraud.

Everstrong Maskani LLP, the construction partner in the collaboration, handles the entire build process under direct contract with clients. Their services include structural guarantees, insurance during construction, and post-construction defect liability. “Through our MaskaniBora turnkey program, we walk with each customer from concept to keys,” said Henry Kyanda, Managing Partner at Everstrong Maskani. “We’re proud to deliver homes that meet the highest standards of quality and design.”

Geoffrey Mwaura of the Kenya Mortgage Refinance Company (KMRC) highlighted the affordability of the loan package: “Thanks to partnerships with institutions like Co-op Bank, customers can access up to KES 10.5 million in loans at a fixed interest rate of 9.5% for up to 25 years. That’s predictability and security for the homeowner.”

Project rollout and access

The housing solution will be rolled out in select Optiven developments, including Amani Ridge in Kiambu, Achievers Paradise in Kimuka Ngong, and several estates in Kitengela and along Gatanga Road. Customers can access the services through Co-operative Bank’s nationwide branch network.

With this three-year collaboration, the trio hopes to set a new benchmark in accessible, dignified, and professionally managed homeownership in Kenya.