The Assemblage of Power: How Kenyan and Chinese Interests Converge in the Real Estate Market

This paper investigates how Kenyan agency played explicit and implicit role in shaping Chinese real estate investments in Nairobi. The study explores the key components of the real estate assemblage, the interactions between local agencies and Chinese companies, and the factors contributing to their convergence in housing projects. The main argument of this research is that examining the real estate assemblage will significantly advance our understanding of the dynamics between Kenyan and Chinese actors in the real estate sector by shedding light on their interactions and the complexities of the urban landscape. It addresses a notable gap in the literature on political geography by focusing on urban spaces in the context of Chinese investments in African countries rather than exclusively concentrating on resource-rich nations. The methodology employed in this research entails a detailed case study of Nairobi, with a specific focus on residential areas where Chinese actors are concentrated such as Kilimani, Kileleshwa, Lavington and Kitisuru.