At a Glance
- Rushbox expands its East Africa footprint with acquisition of BuyRentKenya.
- Deal strengthens proptech competition as more Kenyans rely on digital property searches.
- BuyRentKenya gains new technical support while maintaining uninterrupted service for users.
Rushbox Ltd., a tech company that runs real estate marketplaces across Africa, has finalized its purchase of BuyRentKenya, one of Kenya’s most visited online property platforms.
The deal marks one of the region’s most notable proptech transactions this year, underscoring the growing shift toward digital tools for home searches, rentals and development information across East Africa.
By bringing BuyRentKenya into its portfolio, Rushbox deepens its position in a market where online property browsing continues to rise as more Kenyans turn to digital channels to compare listing prices, check rental availability and research new developments.
Expanding Rushbox’s East Africa presence
Although both sides declined to disclose the financial terms, the acquisition gives Rushbox a stronger foothold in a country known for its active real estate sector. The company already operates Property.co.zw in Zimbabwe and PropertyCloud.mu in Mauritius.
Adding a Kenyan platform brings it into a third regional market with strong demand for verified listings and digital property services.
ROAM (Ringier One Africa Media), the seller, is shifting more of its investment toward its recruitment businesses, including BrighterMonday and Jobberman, which it runs through The African Talent Company.
Exiting specialized real estate operations in Kenya allows ROAM to double down on its employment platforms and related technology.
“BuyRentKenya has built a trusted presence in the Kenyan market, and we are pleased to be part of its next chapter,” said Garth Drummond, director at Rushbox Ltd. “Our focus is on improving the user experience and giving agents, developers and everyday property seekers better tools to make informed decisions.”
Continuity for users, new support for growth
BuyRentKenya said its users will not see disruptions as ownership changes hands. The platform will continue serving thousands of agents, developers and home seekers who rely on it for rental listings, land sales and market guidance.
CEO Elizabeth Costabir said the transition provides additional technical capacity while keeping the platform grounded in the needs of Kenyan property buyers and renters.
“We’ve always been committed to helping Kenyans find dependable housing options,” she said. “Joining Rushbox gives us more support to upgrade our services and stay aligned with what our users need.”
Boosting tech and reach in African housing
Rushbox’s portfolio includes Property.co.zw in Zimbabwe and PropertyCloud.mu in Mauritius. Adding BuyRentKenya positions the company as a broader pan-African proptech operator, managing top-tier platforms across three distinct regional markets as housing demand in Africa continues to climb.
BuyRentKenya will remain a key online real estate marketplace, offering property listings, rental services, and market intelligence for Kenya’s expanding real estate sector.
The acquisition sets the stage for deeper investment in technology, stronger customer tools, and wider regional reach as competition rises in Africa’s digital property market.
