Madam Jane Baiyu, the Chief Executive Officer of Amara Realty. Photo/Newsflash
By Wanderi Kamau
Madam Jane Baiyu is not your ordinary woman.
An accountant by profession, she has dared to venture into the competitive real estate market — but in a way that sets her apart.
Through her company, Amara Realty, Baiyu has carved out a niche targeting the diaspora market, particularly Kenyans living in the United States.
In a sector often dominated by men, Amara Realty stands out — it is fully owned and driven by a woman, has maintained a spotless reputation, and has delivered projects without a single public dispute with clients.
A unique footprint in a male-dominated space
“Amara company is 100-owned by a woman,” Baiyu proudly states from the firm’s offices at Jewel Complex, opposite Thika Road Mall along the Thika Superhighway.
“Even in the male field, I am the only one doing homes with a difference for the diaspora market,” she adds.
Her journey, however, was far from spontaneous. “This is not something I woke up one day and decided to venture into,” she says. “When I was still in my early 20s (I am an accountant by profession), I asked myself; what would be my growth path? Which field do I want to venture into? I chose real estate.”
“However, I didn’t know much about real estate. Every year, I would write that I want to start my real estate company… this went on… even a decade!”
“It has been a vision,” she reflects, underscoring the long-term nature of her dream.
Integrity as a foundation
In an industry where some companies have been accused of scamming clients, Baiyu is quick to differentiate her approach.
“No business is 100 percent perfect. However, Amara has stood out, as no single case of misunderstanding has arisen between us and our clients,” she says. “For the four years that we have been in business (we celebrated our fourth anniversary in February), trust and integrity has been our key foundations.
“We have reached a level where people can trust us. Even when we were selling land, we were transparent. This gave us confidence.
“We only do construction on land that is ours. We comply with all regulations. At Amara, you will not hear client complain, when integrity is the foundation. We ensure that what we are venturing into is 100 percent ours. If anyone is going to come to Amara, come to the ground.”
Serving Kenyans abroad
Although she is based in Kenya, Baiyu’s primary clients live abroad. “I am based in Kenya, but most of my clientele is based in the US,” she notes.
At Amara, clients get to shape their dream homes from the start. “We sit down with them and help them choose their plans,” she says. “The homes we are building are at different levels because it depends with the agreement we had with the client.
“Let’s say the client wants a Bungalow sitting on a 100 by 100 metres, a villa (type A or type B). The first step is to pay a 20 percent deposit. This gives a confidence that you are a buyer. We have a time-frame of up to 18-months to complete a house construction.
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“At times, we are bound by our own schedule. For instance, we are supposed to deliver Phase One within 18 months… around December. The reason as to why we launched Phase Two was the high demand of bungalows standing on 100 by 100 metres. We didn’t have more units sitting on Phase One.”
Looking ahead, Baiyu says Amara is diversifying its portfolio. “Our next projects for apartments – Oint Residents – will cater for the younger clientele – those in their 20s. Again, the Project will be in our land. The project will be in New Kitisuru, just 10 minute-drive from Westlands.”
The new project will be launched this month – August.
“We are going to put finesse in our finishing,” she promises.
Advice for women and young girls
Beyond business, Baiyu sees herself as a mentor to the next generation. Her message is simple but powerful: “Don’t shy to dream big. When you stop dreaming, that’s when your vision die.”
She says she draws inspiration from books. “I read books that motivated me. The book I recommend to anyone dreaming big Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill. That is a book that I have read again and again. Read and listen to content that will build you.”
She also speaks openly about her faith. “God has been an intergral part of my life. Trust and commit God in your ways through prayers,” she emphasises.
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Baiyu also stresses discipline. “Have self-discipline. For instance, when you start a business, don’t upgrade your life immediately. Be frugal. For instance, the car I drive today I bought before I started Amara. I have no rush to upgrade to a Lexus… that time will come.”
For those in employment, her advice is equally practical: “Do not spend your entire earnings. Form a system of saving, where your money is deducted and does not reach you. That is how I started my business. By the time I was leaving employment, the money I had saved was enough seed capital to start.”
Interestingly, the majority of Amara’s clients are women. “Over 80 percent of our clients purchasing homes are ladies,” Baiyu says with a smile.
To make financing easier, Amara has built relationships with major financial institutions. “Banks which we have established patnerships with: Stanbic Bank, NCBA Bank and Housing Finance Bank,” she says.
Giving back
Baiyu’s vision extends beyond real estate. She is committed to social impact, particularly uplifting men and the boychild.
“This is because the malefolk has been left behind… because of challenges such as drunkenness,” she says.
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One of her initiatives was a football tournament in Murang’a. “We have seen a very positive response to a football tournament which we held in Murang’a,” she says. “It brought people together and showed them there is more they can do with their lives.”
For Kenyans abroad longing for a home back in the motherland, Amara Realty has become a name synonymous with trust, transparency, and delivery.
And for those seeking inspiration, Baiyu’s story offers a clear message: vision, discipline, and faith are the cornerstones of lasting success
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