NCBA Launches AI-Powered PropertyDuka to Simplify Home Ownership in East Africa

New digital platform brings property search, financing, construction and home services into one connected ecosystem

NCBA has launched PropertyDuka, East Africa’s first AI-native property ecosystem, marking a major step in transforming how individuals buy, rent, build and finance property across the region.

The platform brings together property search, financing, construction, furnishing and insurance in one integrated digital experience. It forms part of Duka Marketplaces, NCBA’s multi-vertical digital marketplace platform, which also includes CarDuka and AuctionsDuka.

Addressing Kenya’s Property Market Challenges

Kenya’s property market is estimated to be worth more than KES 1 trillion annually. However, mortgage uptake remains low, with only about 30,000 active mortgages despite nearly 79 per cent of urban Kenyans living in rented homes.

NCBA says PropertyDuka aims to bridge this gap by combining trusted property listings, embedded financial services, artificial intelligence and a connected marketplace that simplifies the journey to home ownership.

Speaking during the launch, NCBA Bank Kenya Managing Director James Gossip said the platform reflects the bank’s vision of building customer-focused ecosystems beyond traditional banking.

“The future of banking lies in building ecosystems that bring the Bank’s purpose, Banking on Belief, Empowering Ambition, to life. PropertyDuka demonstrates that purpose in action. Our role is not just to provide financial products, but to build ecosystems around our customers. By combining technology, trusted partnerships and innovative financial solutions, we are making property ownership more accessible, helping formalise Kenya’s property market and supporting the country’s housing ambitions.”

NCBA Launches AI-Powered PropertyDuka to Simplify Home Ownership in East Africa

A One-Stop Property Ecosystem

PropertyDuka allows users to search for homes, receive guidance from PropwizAI, assess mortgage affordability and access a range of NCBA financial solutions.

These include mortgages, construction financing, home improvement loans, insurance and solar lease solutions. The platform also connects users with trusted professionals and suppliers, creating a seamless end-to-end property experience.

To enhance trust and transparency, individual sellers must register using government-issued identification, while businesses are required to provide company registration documents and KRA PIN details. Approved developers receive an NCBA Verified Seller badge. The bank noted that PropertyDuka serves as a marketplace connecting buyers and sellers but does not own or guarantee listed properties.

Building on Duka Marketplaces’ Growth

The launch builds on the rapid growth of NCBA’s Duka Marketplaces ecosystem. Since the introduction of CarDuka, the platform has grown from approximately 132,000 users at the beginning of 2025 to nearly seven million users. During the 2025 financial year, the ecosystem facilitated transactions worth more than KES 4 billion.

Powered by NCBA, Duka Marketplaces now brings together PropertyDuka, CarDuka and AuctionsDuka under a single registration, giving customers access to multiple services through one platform.

With PropertyDuka, NCBA is expanding beyond conventional banking by creating a connected ecosystem that integrates buying, renting, building, financing and furnishing, making property ownership more accessible and convenient for individuals and investors across East Africa.