An anthropologist from The University of Manchester has revealed the complex challenges faced by young men in the outskirts of Nairobi, who inherit land yet lack the resources to secure their financial independence. In a study published in Economy and Society, Dr. Peter Lockwood examines how land ownership in Kenya”s rapidly developing peri-urban areas serves as both a crucial safety net and a source of ongoing dependency and uncertainty.
Through extensive fieldwork in Kiambu County, Dr. Lockwood documented the experiences of individuals like Cash, a 28-year-old who received three acres of land following his father”s death. Cash aspires to become a landlord, envisioning apartment buildings on his inherited land. However, he candidly acknowledges, “I have the land, but it”s not money.”
The findings underscore a significant dilemma for many young Kenyans. On the one hand, inherited land can provide security—offering shelter, potential wealth, and a marker of adulthood. Conversely, without access to financial support or investment opportunities, this land can become what Dr. Lockwood describes as a “dead asset,” holding value on paper but remaining impractical in reality.
Some young men opt to distance themselves from their familial land, seeking employment within Nairobi“s informal economy as a means of asserting their independence. Others choose to stay home, hoping their inheritance will eventually lead to a better life. Both choices present significant obstacles.
This research resonates with a broader, global issue. As property prices climb more rapidly than wages in urban areas around the world, young individuals from cities like Manchester to Nairobi are often told that homeownership is the path to stability. Yet, many find themselves either excluded from property ownership or stuck with assets they cannot effectively utilize.
“This research illustrates how property has become both a promise and a trap,” Dr. Lockwood stated. “It presents the illusion of escape from unstable employment, but for numerous young people, it fails to deliver.”
The study provides critical insights into how land, property, and housing influence the futures of young people in swiftly urbanizing regions. It raises pressing questions about inequality, access to opportunities, and the evolving nature of work on a global scale.
