Nairobi, Feb. 21 -- When Joe Kariuki's fortunes changed after a handsome bonus in a particularly bumpy returns season in 2018, he did what any sound investment-conscious person would do; cement and diversify his income revenue streams even further.

Mr Kariuki used the money as a downpayment for a second three-bedroom apartment in Nairobi's Kilimani.

For Sh14.35 million in a market where a three-bedroom unit was averaging Sh18.5 million, he thought he had landed a deal.

He put the 10 percent down payment and secured a mortgage with a local bank for the rest of the financing.

Little did Mr Kariuki know that he was going down a rabbit hole that would prove to be a constant pain in the backside.

Mr Kariuki was required to pay roughly Sh2...