Kenyan property developer Willstone Homes has issued a strong rebuttal to claims published by the Daily Nation alleging the company was involved in home-buying scams. The article, titled Unmasked: Faces in Home Buying Scams, published on 4th June 2025, purported to expose fraudulent practices within the real estate sector, naming Willstone Homes among those implicated.
In a formal press statement released on Wednesday, Willstone Homes described the article as “a sinister corporate attack” aimed at undermining years of reputable operations in the affordable housing sector. The company, which has been in operation since 2018, maintains that it has successfully delivered 18 housing estates across Nairobi’s Kamulu, Joska, and Kenyatta Road corridors.
At the heart of the controversy lies the company’s use of the off-plan housing model a strategy that allows clients to buy homes before they are completed. The model, long popular among aspiring homeowners looking for more accessible entry points into the market, has drawn scrutiny following growing public dissatisfaction with delayed construction projects across the country.
Willstone Homes defended its approach, citing that all its 18 estates are fully occupied by satisfied clients. The company said its developments stand as “a testament to our continued resolve of changing the home ownership landscape in our country.”
“We have delivered and handed over five gated estates on Kenyatta Road in 2024 alone,” the statement read, adding that six additional projects are in advanced stages of development and on track for completion.
Addressing questions raised about its leadership, the company reaffirmed its confidence in Managing Director Ejidio Kinyanjui Gitau, who was also named in the investigative article. The company described Gitau as a seasoned real estate professional who has been instrumental in the company’s development, project delivery, and strategic direction since its inception.
“Mr. Gitau has had a storied career in real estate and has overseen the conceptualization, development, and handover of all of Willstone Homes’ projects,” the company stated.
Two client cases were specifically mentioned in the Daily Nation article. Willstone Homes claims these were misrepresented and provided clarification.
In the first instance, the company noted that the matter referenced was “fully settled and closed with no outstanding amounts owed by either party.” The second involved a client who failed to meet contractual payment obligations tied to project milestones. Despite being granted extensions, the client allegedly did not honour their payment pledge, prompting repossession of the unit.
The matter has since escalated to court, where the client has obtained an injunction preventing the sale of the unit pending a hearing scheduled for July 2025.
The article also raised concerns about delays at the company’s flagship Manna Residence project, a large-scale development of over 138 homes featuring a swimming pool, soccer pitch, and commercial centre. Willstone Homes responded by reiterating that the project remains on course, with clients fully briefed on their obligations.
“It is prudent to note that the clients at this project have their part to play towards its completion,” the company said, adding that a title award ceremony was held three weeks ago for some of the Manna Residence estates to showcase progress.
Willstone Homes acknowledged that this is not the first time it has been targeted by what it termed “unfounded negative publicity.” The company believes such reporting is part of a broader attempt to link it to defunct companies that failed to deliver promised homes.
While the company acknowledged public scepticism, it encouraged stakeholders to visit construction sites in person or send representatives to verify progress.
“We wish to assure you that the truth is on site,” the statement emphasized, urging clients to engage directly with their offices or visit their website at www.willstonehomes.co.ke for more information.
As Kenya grapples with a growing housing deficit, developers like Willstone Homes continue to rely on the off-plan model to bridge the affordability gap. Despite rising concerns about project delays and buyer protections, the company insists its commitment to transparency and delivery remains unchanged.
“In conclusion, Willstone Homes has since inception continued upon its mandate of the provision of affordable homes in gated communities… Standing out as the difference maker when it comes to trusted real estate solutions,” the statement concluded.
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