Les Jardins, located in New Kitisuru, was named Best International Residential Development 2025–2026 at the International Property Awards held in London.
The award, selected from more than 2,000 entries across the Americas, Europe, Asia, Africa and the Middle East, places Nairobi firmly on the map as a rising hub for bespoke residential investment.
The recognition signals growing international confidence in the city’s high-end property market and its ability to deliver world-class developments.
Developed by Robin Reecht, Les Jardins marks a significant milestone not only for its developer but also for East Africa’s luxury housing sector, which is increasingly gaining traction within the global real estate landscape.
Industry observers note that the accolade reflects a broader shift, with Africa’s leading cities transitioning from emerging markets to influential players in design, sustainability and innovation.
The growth of Nairobi’s real estate sector continues to be driven by rising demand from multinational organisations, development agencies, technology firms and private investors. This demand is particularly pronounced among expatriates, globally mobile professionals and affluent local buyers seeking secure, high-quality living environments.
Located in Kitisuru, adjacent to Gigiri, the development sits near the United Nations Office at Nairobi, one of Africa’s most prominent diplomatic hubs. The project’s nine residences overlook the valleys of New Kitisuru and benefit from proximity to international schools, healthcare facilities and lifestyle amenities, factors that are increasingly shaping purchasing decisions in the premium housing segment.
“As African cities compete for capital and talent, the ability to offer lifestyle-driven residential ecosystems is becoming a differentiating factor, and projects like Les Jardins reflect this evolving urban proposition. Beyond location, Les Jardins’ international recognition was also driven by its integration of landscape-led design and climate responsiveness”, said Reecht.
Sustainability features prominently in the project’s concept, reflecting wider trends in African construction sectors grappling with climate adaptation, urban density and ecological resilience.
Vegetation displaced during construction has been reintroduced through terraces and rooftop gardens, creating an integrated ecological system that blends built and natural environments.
The development also incorporates indigenous plant species and climate-resilient landscaping to enhance long-term sustainability. Its use of compressed straw construction significantly reduces embodied carbon compared to conventional building methods, aligning the project with emerging global standards for low-carbon housing.
Architectural design was led by ULO Architecture, a practice operating between London and Nairobi, further reinforcing the project’s international outlook.
The homes feature flexible layouts suited to multigenerational living, open-plan kitchens linked to culinary gardens, and material finishes such as coral stone, timber, terracotta and lime plaster, chosen for durability and contextual relevance.
This integration of global design principles with locally sourced materials reflects a growing shift in African architecture towards place-based innovation rather than reliance on imported models.
The award comes at a time when African cities are intensifying competition to attract high-net-worth individuals and international capital into residential property.
Nairobi’s strategic advantages, including its diplomatic presence, regional headquarters for global firms, strong connectivity infrastructure, established expatriate community and relatively mature property financing ecosystem, have strengthened its position as a leading real estate destination.
Alongside cities such as Cape Town, Lagos and Kigali, Nairobi is increasingly being recognised as a premium investment location on the continent.
