BEA December 2019 - January 2020

BUILDING

Dec 2019/Jan 2020

East Africa

PROMOTING SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT

BEHIND HOMESCOPE

PROPERTIES'

IMPRESIVE GROWTH

The Role of an Architect in a

Construction Project

Bathroom Remodeling

BENEFITS

OF WATER DAMAGE

RESTORATION

Kenya : Kshs.300 Uganda : Ush.6,600 Tanzania : Tsh.10,600

Masterpiece

MASTERPIECE

ENAKi

The innovative township The Five Senses Botanical

launched last year, is Garden is Kenya’s first sensory

botanical garden, designed by

defying odds and in an

award-winning Spanish architects

iGreento, to sit within the

increasingly subdued market,

sales are surpassing expectations,

according to HassConsult. waterfalls and community facili-

township filled with cascading

ties. The 6.3 acre ‘spiritual’ garden

comprises walkways, cycling

The pedestrianized experience

lanes, expansive man-made lake

township, complete with golf

with an over-the-water restaurant,

children’s nature park,

carts for residents and visitors,

boutique-lined high streets, a fitness circuit, an events arena

hotel, amphitheater, and floating

restaurant, is HassConsult’s “Enaki is an exquisite realiza-

and an outdoor amphitheatre.

largest project.

tion of the investor’s dream,

Building

Building

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2 Promoting sustainable development

across cycling trails, an outdoor

fitness circuit, a gym, sports

lounge and dance studio, as

well as a business cluster with

working pods that are set in

woods, and an on-site spa,” says

Farhana Hassani, CEO, Hasss-

Consult, .

Farhana says the goal of combining

both residency and a botanical

garden is to create a rich,

overall experience that promotes

mental relaxation, in addition to

maintaining a healthy, interesting,

and diverse collection of

plant materials all open to the

public.

The Sh 10 billion development

sits on 22 acres in Nairobi’s

Nyari West Estate, and will

combine both aspects of housing

and a botanical garden. Its

life-cycle housing is nestled into

its middle zone and featuring

bespoke homes for single, young

people, couples, small families,

large families, downsizing families

whose grown-up children

have left the nest, and assisted

living for the elderly.

Building

Building

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Africa |

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2020

2020 2018

3

Promoting sustainable development A

Promoting sustainable development

BUILDINGS COLLAPSE: IT CAN BE STOPPED!

And the carnage continues. Just when you feel lessons have

been learnt and mistakes of the past rectified, it turns out

that some live on, hidden in the cracks of some existing

structures, or the weak foundations of others, waiting for the vagaries

of mother nature to nudge them into tipping over, crushing

occupants to avoidable early death.

In yet another tragic incident, a residential apartment crashed to

the ground, in Tassia, Nairobi, killing several people and injuring

others.

The incident and death toll add to growing statistics of recurring

tragedies associated with the construction sector.

Last year, in a record of sorts, three buildings collapsed within one

week. Two people were crushed to death when a four-storey building

in Ruai on the outskirts of Nairobi collapsed during the heavy

rains that were pounding the area. Interestingly, the building had

initially been earmarked for demolition by the government as it

was built on a road reserve.

In the same week, a four-storey building in Kariobangi South and

a five-storey building in Orion Estate-Juja crumbled. Other buildings

that collapsed in the capital Nairobi include a four-storey

flat in Zimmerman and a seven-storey building in Kware Pipeline

Estate.

The incidents prove that the gaps in the construction industry still

exist and need to be plugged urgently. A visit to the more populous

areas in Eastlands, Estates, along Thika Road, Kangemi, and

other low income areas will reveal the tragedies still housed in

existing structures. That the current rains haven’t caused more

havoc is a merciful miracle.

Experts say that the weaknesses in the buildings mirror the gaps

in the industry as a whole. Set rules are still being flouted, despite

efforts to clean up the sector.

Construction on soils that cannot sustain the weight of buildings,

use of sub standard materials including scrap metal instead of

steel to cut costs and generally ignoring the specifications for good

mix concrete, coupled with poor workmanship guarantee buildings

with structural deficiencies and disasters – in – waiting.

City hall, NCA and Co. stand accused of not reigning in rogue

developers. It is time, perhaps building inspection services were

outsourced to qualified consulting engineers, with a recommendation

from Association of Consulting Engineers of Kenya (ACEK),

thoroughly vetted for integrity issues and deployed to work in a

rejuvenated regulatory environment, to ensure that the structural

integrity of upcoming structures is assured.

To eliminate gaps, the NCA must put in place strict regulations

such as increased frequency of inspections, training of artisans,

easing the building approval process by reducing costs and time,

and ensuring they are adhered to, and demolishing all remaining

substandard developments.

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Building East Africa | December/ January 2020


Contents

Briefing

DT Dobie Launches Mercedes - Benz

Actros Prime Mover

Tough Economy Pushing

Households to Satellite Towns

Top Stories

6

9

The Kenyan Retail Sector

Performance Softened in 2019

11

Bamburi to Reward Retailers

and Dealers

First Ever Green Bond Issuance

Launched

Benefits of Water Damage

Restoration

“Hustle and Heart” Paves Way

for Real Estate Adventure

Role of an Architect in a Project

MMI: Leadership in Quality

Architecture

Gem Archplans Architects

13

14

16

18

20

22

26

Behind Homescope Properties

Ltd's Impressive Growth

28

28

6

22

Features

Bathroom Remodel: Four eEffective

Updates on a Modern Bathroom

Lighting 101

39

40

26

Building Building East East Africa Africa | December | December / January / January 2020 2020 5

Promoting

Promoting

sustainable

sustainable

development

development

A

Briefing

GIANT PAPER WALL SET ABLAZE TO REVEAL THE LATEST

MERCEDES-BENZ ACTROS PRIME MOVER.

Acrobats set a giant wall of paper wall ablaze to

reveal the latest Mercedes-Benz prime mover

truck at the launch held in the Nyali Golf and

Country Club.

The new model was greeted with applause by the

transporters who thronged the function hosted by DT

Dobie. Zarak Khan, the Executive Chairman stated,

“Throughout the 70 years history of DT Dobie Mercedes

Benz trucks have been a very important part of the

Company’s business”.

“One of the first Company owned vehicles was a

1952 Mercedes- Benz truck. This was used for 31 years

to ferry spares from Mombasa to Nairobi. The historical

Mercedes was on display together with the latest Actros

prime mover”.

“All of us in DT Dobie know that we are fortunate

to represent Mercedes-Benz trucks which have a wellearned

reputation for reliability and long life combined

with value for money. We have enhanced this status by

quality servicing and repairs carried out by our factory

trained technicians who are backed by a comprehensive

stock of spares”.

“Another factor is the DT Dobie training centre

which was established in conjunction with Daimler over

45 years ago. This serves both DT Dobie and Mercedes

–Benz agents throughout the region”.

Zarak Khan, concluded, “It is no surprise that the

Actros has been the best seller in the Kenya prime

mover segment for six years and achieved over 52 per

cent share in the first three quarters of 2019”.

The latest Actros sets new benchmarks for

performance and fuel efficiency. The transport

business becomes increasingly competitive and the fuel

consumption of the latest model has been reduced by up

to four percent.

Confidence in the new model stems from the

experience of the world’s longest established and most

highly reputed truck manufacturer. For over 100 years

Mercedes-Benz has become famous for pioneering new

vehicle technology and manufacturing robust vehicles.

NEW ACTROS: Torsten Bauerheim (right), Head of

Sales and Customer Service Mercedes-Benz Trucks,

Daimler shows the new Mercedes-Benz Actros 3342

to Anthony Maina, the DT Dobie, Mombasa Branch

Manager.

As a truck only earns money when it is up and

running. The new Mercedes-Benz Actros has been

subjected to more than 60 million test kilometres.

The unrelenting test programmes included summer

and winter trials at extreme temperatures, millions of

kilometres on rough roads and endurance testing.

6 Building East Africa | December/ January 2020


Briefing

Panafrican Equipment Group eyes EAC market

with new KSh 500M Kenya office

Panafrican Equipment Kenya Limited has

launched its new Ksh. 500M offices in

Nairobi with sights set on mid and long term

market growth and expansion opportunities in

Kenya and East Africa.

The firm, a subsidiary of the Panafrican Equipment

Group (PEG) is the principal distributor of Komatsu, Wirtgen

Group and AGCO machinery in Kenya widely used

in support of the mining and mineral processing, civil and

infrastructure, power and energy, agricultural and forestry

sectors.

Mr. Charles Field-Marsham, PEG Executive Chairman

said that the new facility underlines their commitment to

Kenya and their continued investment in support of their

customers in this market.

PEG chairman Charles Field-Marsham said the new

facility speaks volumes regarding the company’s commitment

to investing in Kenya and the region.

“Although there are current market challenges proving

headwinds against many of the sectors, if managed

correctly Kenya has the potential to continue supporting

our business,” he said yesterday during the opening of the

offices on Mombasa Road, Nairobi.

“The combined cost for the new facility is Ksh 500

million. Albeit there are current market challenges proving

headwinds against many of our sectors, from a mid to

long-term perspective, we believe Kenya has the potential

if managed correctly, for significant infrastructure development,

and continue supporting our business” said Field-

Marsham.

Moreover, Scott McCaw, PEG Group Chief Executive

Officer, said the firm sees opportunities in the extractive

industries as well as continued development in the power

and energy markets.

“With Kenya and East Africa focusing on increasing

its power supply and growing its extractive market, we

believe that such domestic needs for industry diversification,

economic growth, and infrastructure development,

will certainly drive the mid to long-term development of

these two sectors”, said McCaw.

To build technical capacity, the firm, across the group,

has been investing Kshs 75 million annually in training

and development of its personnel as well as customers.

This is set for a further boost by the upgraded Panafrican

Training Facility in the new premises.

At the facility, PEG offers operator, technical and skills

certification both internally and to its customers. Since

the customer training programs were launched, more than

20 domestic companies and government institutions have

since been trained.

The firm has been in operation in Kenya for 22 years

and has grown from a single territory distributor of Komatsu

construction equipment to a multi-territory (eight

African countries), multi-line (three core brands as above)

distributor.

The growth has seen the company employ directly and

indirectly up to 400 people while recording over four times

turnover growth over the last ten years.

Building East Africa | December / January 2020


A7

Briefing

Upgrading of 30 km access roads in

Thika stepped up

In an effort to ease traffic in Thika

town of Kiambu county, the

tarmacking of 30 kilometer access

roads has been stepped up. The project

is part of ongoing infrastructural

development in the country.

Road infrastructure has been degraded

over the years, negatively affecting

property prices, and the industrial

town’s attractiveness to investors. The

government of Kenya has put in US

$15m towards the project in bid to ease

congestion and open up the busy town.

Irish engineering firm opens East Africa

office in Nairobi

knowledge transfer and upskilling

over the coming 12

months,” the company said in

a statement.

Dublin-based engineering

company

Designer Group

has announced

the opening of a new office in

Nairobi to handle Sh4.3 billion

worth of projects in East

Africa.


8 Building East Africa December/ January 2020



The company, which was

among more than 40 Irish

companies that toured Nairobi

last week, said its fully-owned

Kenyan subsidiary will oversee

on-going projects valued at

Sh1.46 billion as well as execution

of new ones valued at

Sh2.8 billion starting next year

in Kenya and Uganda.

Designer Group, which

partners with local companies

when bidding for engineer,

procure and construct (EPC)

contract jobs, said the Nairobi

office will assist several

East African companies to

undertake projects in utility,

infrastructure, industrial, and

sustainable energy.

“The deal will see the firm

engage local supply chain in

Founded in 1992 by former

Construction Industry Federation

president Michael Stone,

Designer Group is a leading

international engineering

solutions firm with operations

in Ireland, the UK, Germany,

Africa and the United States.

The company joins a growing

list of international firms

that are setting up shops in

Nairobi to meet the rising

demand for skilled contractors

in the regional construction

sector.

Tough economy pushing Nairobi

households to satellite towns

Lower middle-income households opt for long journeys home in search of cheaper

rent as the tough economic environment bites

Landlords in satellites

towns with newly finished

modern units, but with

more affordable asking prices, are

cashing in on unprecedented demand

for cheaper housing as the city’s

residents, reeling from the high cost

oaf living choose to balance the

desire for decent affordable housing

with spending more hours on the

road.

Briefing

According to the Hass Property

Index third-quarter report, bargain

hunting in Thika, Limuru, Mlolongo,

Tigoni, Ongata Rongai, Kitengela and

Ruaka metropolis between July and

September led to increased asking

prices for rents in these towns.

Thika was the only satellite town

that recorded a double-digit increase

in apartment rents on an annual basis,

with the strongest annual growth rate

in rents at 13.3 percent.

“Asking rents for a modern apartment

may cost as little as Sh23,400

and this bodes well for many tenants

who are now preferring affordable

units as they take caution to save

in the wake of job losses across all

sectors. Notably, as the cost of living

soars, the lower middle class is opting

to pay slightly more in transport

but less in rents,” said Ms. Sakina

Hassanali, Head of Research and

Marketing at HassConsult.

Tigoni and Ongata Rongai recorded

the highest asking prices in the

three months from August to October

at 3.5% and 3.1% respectively, due

to their affordability relative to other

satellite towns.

Kitengela, Mlolongo, Ruaka, and

Limuru also posted an increase in

asking rent prices. Parklands recorded

the strongest growth in apartment

rents in the quarter and

Ms. Sakina Hassanali, Head of Research and Marketing at

HassConsult: as the cost of living soars, the lower middle class is

opting to pay slightly more in transport but less in rents

annually at 1.9 percent and 9.3

percent respectively.

According to the report, the

tough economic conditions continue

to weigh on the overall rental and

property sales markets with rental

prices for all properties falling by

0.9% in the quarter and asking house

sale prices growing by 0.9% in the

last three months.

Semi-detached posted strongest

total returns at 13.54 percent

(capital gains + rental yields) driven

by investors who are preferring this

midmarket over detached which is

pricier, and apartments where there is

oversupply and as a result rents being

discounted to attract tenants.

Upperhill recorded price correction

after the suburb saw a reversal in

prices after three-years, during which

prices of apartments have been on a

downward steep as discounts continue.

Nyari and Loresho continued

to benefit from the completion of the

Redhill Waiyaki way link road.

Kiserian recorded the highest

drop over the quarter with rents in

the area reducing by 4.6 percent

while Athi River recorded the lowest

annual growth rate for houses at 4.1

percent.

Parklands was the best performing

suburb with rents in the area

increasing by 1.9 percent over the

quarter and 9.3 percent annually. On

the losing end, Loresho recorded a

2.7 percent drop over the quarter and

3.5 percent over the year.

Overall asking rents dropped by

0.9 percent over the quarter but marginally

increased by 0.8 percent on an

annual basis.

On the sales front asking prices

marginally rose by 0.9 percent in

the quarter led by the semi-detached

housing segment which increased

by 3.4 percent over the period.

Ridgeways recorded the highest

quarterly increase in asking prices

at 3.9 percent over the quarter while

Juja recorded the biggest drop at -7.8

percent.



Promoting sustainable development A9


Briefing

The Kenyan Retail Sector Performance

Softened in 2019 – Cytonn

With rental yield declining by 1.6% to 7.0% in 2019 from 8.6% in 2018, Mt. Kenya and

Nairobi were the best performing regions, recording rental yields of 8.6% and 8.0%

respectively.

Cytonn Real Estate released

the Kenya Retail

Real Estate Sector Report

2019, highlighting the performance

of the retail real estate sector in Kenya

in 2019.

Themed “Increased Market Activity

to Promote Retail Growth”, the report

showed investment opportunity

lies in Kenyan County headquarters

in some markets such as Mombasa,

Kiambu and Mt. Kenya that have

retail space demand of 0.2mn, 0.8mn

and 0.2mn SQFT, respectively.

The report focused on the performance

of the retail real estate in

Kenya based on rental yields, occupancy

rates, as well as demand and

supply, to identify the trends, with the

research conducted on 8 retail nodes

in Nairobi (Westlands, Kilimani,

Karen, Ngong Road, Thika Road,

Kiambu & Limuru Road, Mombasa

Road and Eastlands), Nairobi Satellite

Towns and the key urban cities

of Eldoret, Mombasa, Kisumu and

the Mt. Kenya Region, which include

Nyeri, Meru and Nanyuki Towns.

According to the report, the retail

sector recorded an increase of 1.1 mn

SQFT of mall space into the market

in 2018, leading to a supply of 12.5

mn SQFT in 2019, from 11.4 mn

SQFT in 2018.

Performance in key urban cities

softened, recording average rental

yields of 7.0% in 2019, 1.6% points

lower than the 8.6% recorded in

2018. The reduced performance is

largely attributed to a 10.6% reduction

in rental rates to Kshs 118 per

SQFT in 2019, from Kshs 132 per

SQFT in 2018, and a surplus in retail

space coupled with stiff competition

between malls in some nodes such as

Nairobi, which recorded an oversupply

of 2.8 mn SQFT. Cytonn Real

Estate’s Research Analyst, Joseph

Wanga, noted that “Despite the

decline in yields, we remain upbeat

about performance of the sector as

it is still cushioned by increased

market activity driven by the entry of

international retailers into the Kenyan

market and the expansion efforts by

local retailers such as Naivas and

Tuskys as they take advantage of the

attractive rental rates.’’

The main drivers for the sector

were;

(i) positive demographics as Kenya’s

urban population continues to expand

at an annual rate of 4.3%,

(ii) continued change in tastes and

preferences by a growing middle

class towards international products,

thus, creating a niche for international

retailers,

(iii) infrastructure has encouraged a

growth in mall space as this encourages

tenancy and footfall, and

(iv) growth of Small and Medium-

Sized Enterprises (SMEs). ‘’However,

the sector faces several challenges

due to a tough financial environment,

pushing property managers to employ

prudent methods in a bid to retain

tenants and also to target international

anchor tenants’’ noted Joseph.

The Nairobi Metropolitan Area

(NMA) Retail Performance declined

by 1.0% points to 8.0%, from 9.0% in

2018 attributed to an increase in retail

space supply of 0.8 mn SQFT within

the past year with the addition of

malls such as Waterfront, The Well,

Mountain View and the expansion

of Westgate and Sarit Centre malls.

Kilimani, Ngong Road and Westlands

were the best-performing retail

nodes within the NMA recording

rental yields of 9.9%, 9.2% and 9.2%,

respectively, in 2019 attributed to

the nodes serving the upper middle

income and high-end population.

According to the report, the key

cities covered have a total mall space

supply of 16.1 mn SQFT against a

demand of 14.4 mn SQFT, resulting

in an oversupply of 1.7mn SQFT.

Nairobi, Uasin Gishu, Kisumu and

Nakuru Counties were the most oversupplied

areas by 2.8 mn, 0.2 mn, 0.2

mn and 0.1 mn SQFT, respectively.

Kiambu County was the highest

under-supplied area by 0.8 mn SQFT

while Machakos, Kajiado, Mt.Kenya

and Mombasa were under-supplied

area by 0.2 mn SQFT each.

“The outlook for the sector is

neutral and we expect to witness

reduced development activity in

Nairobi, with developers shifting to

county headquarters in some markets

such as Kiambu and Mt. Kenya that

have retail space demand of 0.8mn

and 0.2mn SQFT, respectively,” said

Wacu Mbugua, Research Analyst at

Cytonn.



A11

Credit Crunch Pushes Growth of House Prices to

Five-Year Low - KBA

Data released

by the Kenya

Bankers Association

indicates

that house price

growth declined by 2.78 percent

in the first quarter of 2019 while

building and construction sector

credit growth between July 2017

and June 2018 averaged at 1.2

Percent.

The rate of growth in house

prices during the period in review

went down by 2.78 percent

during the first Quarter of 2019,

in what also marked the third

decline since the Kenya Bankers

Association House Price Index

(KBA-HPI) base period. The

other two instances were reported

in the last Quarter of 2013

and the third Quarter of 2014.

The latest KBA-HPI attributes

the decline to the constrained

credit flows to both the supply

and demand side of the housing

market.

On the supply side, the

Index associates the slowdown

to a slump in the rate of credit

growth to the building and

construction sector between

July 2017 and June 2018, which

averaged at 1.2 percent. “The

influence of the credit supply to

this sector, a good proxy of availability

of funding for housing

construction, manifested itself in

supply constraints after a period

of about a year,” reports KBA. In

addition, the volume of cement

consumption also between July

2017 and November 2018 also

dipped from 553,631 metric

tonnes to 460,967, respectively.

On the demand side, among

the factors highlighted as contributing

to the decline include

challenges facing prospective

home buyers especially in accessing

bank credit. Other factors

cited include a cautionary

stance of many households due

to strained economic conditions

and squeezed household

budgets. Although the price

movements resonate with a general

stability recorded since the

second Quarter of 2018, the new

findings note that the stability is

seen as tentative and could be a

The Hass Land price indices

for the third quarter

of 2019, showed modest

growth for both suburbs and

satellite towns over the quarter.

Land prices in the suburbs

increased by 0.22 %, while in the

satellite towns growth stood at

1.44%.

Growth in the suburbs was

driven by Kitusuru and Loresho

suburbs which continue to

benefit from the completion of

the Waiyaki Way-Red Hill link

road which has improved accessibility.

In the satellite towns Tigoni

recorded a 2.89 % over the quarter

while Syokimau was top on

an annual basis with a 10.58%

growth.

pointer to a depressed market if

sustained.

Overall, buyers showed

a distinct preference for the

number of bedrooms and bathrooms

among other factors as

opposed to overall plinth area,

with apartments maintaining

its previous dominance in the

housing market, accounting for

a relatively high share of sold

units at 62.62 percent, which is

a structural feature that would

potentially change with the

implementation of the Affordable

Housing Programme under

the Big Four Agenda.

Land prices registered modest growth with focus

on the direction of the interest rate caps

“The real estate sector is challenged

by the lack of liquidity

as a result of the amendment

of the Banking Act in 2016 that

introduced interest rate caps. We

have seen access to credit by developers

and buyers become difficult

as commercial banks have

become conservative at lending.

We expect this to change should

interest rates become market

driven,” said Ms. Sakina Hassanali,

Head of Research and

Marketing at HassConsult.

She added that market-driven

interest rates will also nudge

banks to return to longer dated

loans.

“Real estate projects tend to be

long-term. As such when loans

are shortened many potential

borrowers tend to be locked out

of the credit market,” added Ms.

Hassanali.

The Gigiri suburb recorded

a 2.11 % drop over the quarter

while Upperhill recorded a 2.55

% on an annual basis.

For satellite towns Ongata

Rongai recorded a 1.45 % drop

while Kiambu record a 1.69 %

increase on an annual basis.



Bamburi Cement to reward

retailers and dealers

Briefing

Bamburi Cement Commercial Director Geoffrey Ndugwa (left) awards Harish

Patel (center) and Natu Patel (right) of Binico Enterprises during the Zawadi

challenge award ceremony

…More than Ksh.

25 million worth of

prizes to be won

including vehicles and

international holidays

Bamburi Cement's

revamped and

expanded customer

reward campaign

targets to engage

over 1,500 retailers and dealers from

across the country.

Now in its 7th season, the Bamburi

Cement ‘Zawadi challenge’ loyalty

promotion will see loyal retailers and

distributors from around the country

win a plethora of awards including

vehicles (truck worth Ksh5.3million),

Bamburi cement Managing Director Mr. Seddiq Hassani (Right)

congratulates Mrs. Helen Kamata of Imara Enterprises, Thika who won a

motorbike or school fees worth Ksh.150,000 as part of Bamburi’s program

to reward loyal retailers. Over KES 50 Million will be awarded.

international holidays worth over

Kshs 600,000, preloaded fuel cards

worth Kshs 300,000, School fees,

generators, washing machines,

motorbikes, fridges, sofasets, 65’’

curved television sets, vehicle tyres

and shopping vouchers among others.

Speaking during a luncheon

to honor exceptional performance

during the recently concluded Phase

6 of the campaign, Bamburi Cement

Commercial Director Mr. Geoffrey

Ndugwa celebrated the company’s

loyal retailers and dealers, who have

over the years delivered excellent

performance and superb value across

the country.

“Zawadi challenge has seen our

sales of cement across the country

grow significantly, thanks to the

unwavering support and dedication

of our partners. Indeed, this program

has helped us grow our retail presence

across the country” said Ndugwa.

He added: “We launched this

campaign over two years ago to

encourage our retailers and dealers,

who are the first contact with our

customers, not only to sell more of our

cement products, but also grow their

businesses.”

He also thanked the company’s

partners, Isuzu East Africa, Sika,

Zamara, Mabati Rolling Mills,

Equity Bank, Apex Steel and Tuskys

Supermarket for their support towards

the success of the program.

“As the leading cement

manufacturer in Kenya and the region,

LafargeHolcim, the parent company

of Bamburi Cement, will continue

to invest in growing our brand and

business, as well as deepening our

relationships with our stakeholders”

he concluded.

Winners will be presented with

their awards at various ceremonies to

be held in different towns across the

country which include Nairobi, Nyeri,

Kisumu, Mombasa, Nakuru among

others.



A13

Real Estate

FIRST EVER GREEN BOND

ISSUANCE LAUNCHED TO FINANCE

CONSTRUCTION OF HOSTELS

Commercial banks and pension

funds schemes were

among the highest subscribers

of Kenya’s first ever Green

Bond which was issued by Accorn

Holdings Limited, a leading construction

company in Kenya.

According to the company’s CEO

Edward Kirathe, the bond generated

4.3 billion shillings, representing

an 85 per cent subscription rate,

and was over and well above the

minimum target of 2 billion shillings.

He said the proceeds are expected

to fund the construction of ecofriendly

hostels for university

students in the country, with a combined

capacity of 40,000 beds. The

cost of renting a room will be at an

average of 6,800 shillings monthly.

The first phase of the eco-friendly

affordable hostels is expected to accommodate

5000 college students.

The government has been urged to

continue encouraging such green

ventures including removing tax

on environmental friendly projects

including tax exemptions to rope in

more private equity in the sector.

The green bond is expected to raise

funds to provide 5,000 university

students with environmentallyfriendly,

affordable housing in

Nairobi

Qwetu: Students: The hostels segment is

attracting major investment in Kenya

14


14

Building East Africa | November/December 2018

Promoting Promoting sustainable sustainable development development

KPA Pension

Scheme, Pinnacle

Projects to construct

apartments

The project consists of

three high-rise blocks

made of 3-bedroom

units. Each block 11 floors

high with six apartments on

each floor. Triad Architects will

handle the design.

Under the deal, The Kenya

Ports Authority retirement fund

will, in partnership with Pinnacle

Projects, construct 198 residential

apartments in Nairobi’s

South C referred to as the Bandari

Apartments Phase II.

Construction began in 2018

and is expected to be completed

by December 2020. The apartments

are each going for KSh15

million during the ongoing offer

period. The developers have

announced that the open day for

the project will be on 20th and

21st July 2019 starting at 8.00

am.

The KPA retirement fund has

ventured into real estate development

to grow and safeguard

the workers’ contributions just

like most pension schemes in

Kenya.

KPA‘s new headquarters

will be Kenya’s tallest office

complex

Kenya Ports Authority

(KPA) will be constructing

a multi-storeyed headquarters

in Mombasa, which is expected

to be the largest office complex in

Kenya.

The building will provide a

total area of 75,000 square metres,

whereby 18,000 square metres will

be for parking spaces (1,000 vehicles),

12,000 square metres reserved

for conference facilities and 15,000

square metres for commercial spaces.

The new development will also

generate some 21,000 square metres

of lettable office space while reserving

9,000 square metres for KPA’s

occupation.

“The above coverage areas are for

guidance and the final areas will be

determined during a brief development

stage to meet project viability

and client objectives,” a data realeased

from KPA added.

KPA will be requiring bidders

with a capacity to handle projects

worth up to KSh. 7 billion or more,

Briefing

indicating the budget could be higher.

The state agency has also encouraged

firms with sophisticated expertise on

modern technology and global best

practices like energy-saving and solar

to bid for the tender.

The organization will use the prequalification

method of tendering for

the project, where bidders are invited

to submit a technical proposal first.

Upon review, the successful bidders

are then invited for contract negotiations.

Bidders for the design, construction

and supervision tender who have handled

a similar project in the past five

years’ worth above Sh7 billion earn

themselves the highest score with

further points set to be added where

a firm has handled five completed assignments

in the last 10 years.

“Construction consortia with

varied expertise on modern technology,

environmental issues, especially

energy saving, solar energy and water

harvesting and recycling will earn

themselves more scores,” said KPA.

The Bandari Apartments



15 A

Special Feature

Why water damage

restoration?

Water damage

restoration is all

about cleaning

up the damage

caused by water. In case of flooding

and penetration of dwellings

by water, the resultant

damage can be enormous and

make living spaces uninhabitable,

as recently seen in parts

of Athi River and Greenpark

Estate. Water damage restoration

then becomes a necessary

task for every household. Excess

water and moisture are home to

many kinds of disease spreading

bacteria.

In addition, stagnant water

becomes a breeding ground for

mosquitoes and other insects.

Therefore, water damage restoration

is very necessary for

a comfortable and disease-free

environment at home. Listed

below are a few more benefits of

water damage restoration:

Rapid restoration

Damage caused by water can

leave you all confused and intimidated.

If left unattended for

more than a short while, moisture

can seep in walls, furniture

and other appliances at home.

As a result, the problem of damage

gets further aggravated.

Therefore, water restoration

becomes necessary and as early

as possible.

Water damage restoration

experts are a team of dedicated

people who clean, repair and

restore home as quickly and

efficiently as possible. With

so many professionals work-

Building East Africa | November/December 2018

16

16

Building Promoting East Africa sustainable | December development

/ January 2020


ing on different parts of your

house with the help of the latest

technology available, restoration

is rapid. This saves your

house from further damage and

ensures faster work.

Safe mould remedy

Mould is one of the very

dreadful effects of water damage.

Mould grows in open spaces

such as corners, walls, and ceilings

but also in hidden places

such as joints between two

walls. Mould is a toxic element

and poses a great threat to life.

It can also prove fatal. Moreover,

it renders a toxic environment to

the house.

Treating mould is equally difficult

and the restoration process

can be dangerous for a layman.

It is important to hire professionals

to safely remove mould

and mildew from the house.

They have special chemicals

which help in killing the toxic

germs in the form of mould.

Hence water damage restoration

is a very important task when it

comes to getting the house free

from harmful mould.

Important details

When there is water damage,

there is more than just

what meets the eye. Water can

get into ducts and vents, thus

creating further problems. The

process of water restoration

helps to deal with such problems

by cleaning ducts and vents and

deodorizing it. Odour removal

and sanitation are also parts of

the process.

Water damage restoration is

very important because water

damage cannot be reversed only

through cleaning, drying and

wiping out any residue. It is

much more than that. A complete

water restoration process

has many steps and considers

all the small, important details

which otherwise remain unnoticed

and cause further and

serious problems in future.

Costs and losses reduced

Water damage, if left untreated,

can wreak havoc, both

in your home environment and

your finances. Going for water

damage restoration immediately

after the damage is cased not

only reduces your losses but also

costs. The sooner the waterlogged

areas are cleared up and

dried and all other side effects

are investigated, the lesser the

cost and effort will be required.

Professional advice

When your house has suffered

water damage, it might

be difficult for you to locate and

recognize the damage. You may

also not understand which areas

require replacement and extra

work. Opting for water damage

restoration helps you get

the professional input on the

condition of your house. Experts

who do the work of water

damage restoration usually

inspect your home and give in

their inputs as to how serious

the damage is and how to go

about the process of treating it.

When floods or any other

accident leads to water damage

in your house, quick action is

demanded. When water damage

is left untreated, the condition of

the house worsens, moulds grow,

and the environment becomes

toxic. Water damage restoration

is quick and effective and helps

bring back the house to its normal

state without much hassle.

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Web: www.mabati.com



A

17

“HUSTLE AND HEART” PAVES WAY FOR

REAL ESTATE ADVENTURE

Developer

20-hour days, a never-say-die mentality, and a tightly-knit focused group the foundation

stones for a bright future for KWEA

By Caroline Nyakundi

A lot of what entrepreneurship

is all about is really the hustle that

occurs behind the scenes; the neverending

push to find your purpose,

your niche and what you can excel in,

to develop your identity, and change

the game through all these plus a

healthy dose of passion.

The urban dictionary defines

hustle as, “to have the courage,

confidence, self-belief, and selfdetermination

to go out there

and work it out until you find the

opportunities you want in life,”

or, ‘’working hard, usually towards

the common goal of creating an

income’’.

The co-founders of Kwea

understand this too well. My partner

Simon says, ‘’we always knew we

couldn’t qualify for any loans. That

left us without any other resources

other than us.” All we had was lots of

hustle and heart.

The Kozi studio-lounge

18



Many people jump onto

the entreneurship

bandwagon armed with

great ideas and a bucketful of cash

believing they are ready to conquer a

market that is probably flooded with

similar concepts clothed differently.

It is so much more than that, as we

found out on our way to creating

Kwea, the vehicle in which we intend

to innovate and disrupt the market

with new real estate ideas.

What we lacked in financial

capital we made up for with

determination and wits; intellectual

capital or sweat equity if you

may. We immersed ourselves into

Kwea right from inception of the

company, leveraging our experiences,

relationship-building skills and the

need to excel at all costs. Our shared

commitment to innovate formed

the framework for our business. We

sought to change the mindset of real

estate investing when we developed

our first project Kozi Suites in

Syokimau which is currently under

construction.

With our backgrounds in the real

estate segment that is crowded with a

lot of similar ideas and products, we

knew that we would have to crack our

heads and stave off the conventional

and innovate, in order to thrive.

We also realized that most

conventional real estate products

were expensive while offering

unattractive returns on investment,

Developer

Cosy: The Kozi bedroom

Kozi Heights is innovatively designed

to offer comfortable, affordable

accomodation - to capture the

imagination while meeting the

comfort, and practical needs of the

busy short stay tenant

characteristics dictated by traditions

within the sector as well as prevailing

market conditions. Nonetheless

we embarked on a quest to do

extensive research on alternative

real estate products that could be

more worthwhile to an investor

while maintaining a relative ease of

onboarding.

As Kwea, we realized that cash

flows needed to be at the centre of

any sensible real estate investment

for the end user. It is from these, and

asking the right questions that Kozi

Suites came about. We are eternally

grateful to our first two investors who

bought into literally nothing but the

Kwea hustle and heart, purchasing

the very first units when they were

just a dream and drawings on tracing

paper. This enabled Kwea to acquire

land and to lease and fit-out a modest

but cozy office at the Nextgen mall.

Kozi Suites shall be a

development typology targeting

the alternative rental market, a

development curated for short stays.

Our flagship development is in

Syokimau, Chady Road. The location

was carefully selected from a myriad

of other possible locations within

Nairobi and its metropolitan areas

as it taps into the short stays market

brought about by the major transport

nodes around the area namely the

airport and SGR terminus among

The Kozi lounge

other factors. We are putting up 104

studios and one bedroom units that

have been well articulated to satisfy

the needs of a guest on a short to

medium term stay.

To offer a complete solution, we

are in discussions with experts in this

relatively new segment, so as to plug

any knowledge deficit as well as to

get partners who would ultimately

manage the development on behalf of

the investors.

In many ways, Kwea is the

byproduct of a don’t-back-down

mentality. The 20-hour days,

scrounging for funds to ensure a

strong root hold, all the energy and

the curse words you can think of, is

what has brought Kwea to where it

is today.

We don’t approach core values

the way a lot of companies do. We

don’t have our values front and

center for all to see, or laminated

in poster form on the wall to serve

as inspiration. The building blocks

of our culture include appreciation,

brutal honesty and, above all, love for

all, because in our hearts we believe

on the “do unto others” mantra. Our

investors know too well that we do

not sell them an apartment that we

would not buy or live in. Our people

at site know that we will never treat

them less than we would like to be

treated. Our suppliers know that we

value them greatly as much as we do

their business.

Hustle is a perfect way to

describe how Kwea operates. We are

always hustling to keep our culture

top of mind, to work with the best

and to keep growing as leaders. With

a long way to go and a few mistakes

to make, we have all been through

the ups and downs of life and have

the scars to prove it but, what this

journey is teaching us is to never

give up. Put our passions first, love

people, create a culture that inspires

innovation and to never, ever stop

hustling.”

Check out for ADANA

STUDENT PODS. Its flagship

development shall be in Rongai. This

is but a snippet of the many exciting

projects that wasee wa kwea are

crafting for all investors out there

looking for sensible and innovative

real estate products.



A19

Defining the architect’s

role in a project

Architects are experts who play a

big role in the development and

construction projects. They take

full responsibility for the design of

the structure, and are expected to

superintend the job from erection of structures to full

completion.

Customer Service and Retention

A property developer should work closely with the

architect. Before embarking on a project, several meetings

normally take place where the project brief, which

includes objectives, budget and any specific requirements

for the project, is given. Architects contact, bring

on board and collaborate with other related professionals,

who include; Quantity Surveyors, Mechanical,

Electrical and Structural Engineers, urban planners,

landscape architects, Construction representatives and

interior designers.

Design, Plan and Develop

On an architect’s

daily routine designing,

planning and developing

are integral tasks.

A developer requires

them to provide predesign

figures such

as an environmental

impact or feasibility

study, cost analysis

and land-use study.

They later on produce

the final architectural,

structural, electrical and

mechanical plans in collaboration

with the other

consultants. This is then

given to contractors as

a step-by-step guide on

20



the details of the building under construction.

Architects are required to follow building codes, fire

regulations, zoning laws and city ordinances when creating

their plans. For public buildings, architects must

be aware of disabled access laws. Since these laws

change regularly, architects need to stay up-to-date on

policy, zoning and regulation changes. They are always

in on the latest energy-efficient products, building

styles and must research the area they are building to

ensure their design matches current building structures.

Technology

Architect

Today’s architects have turned to use of technology

to better their services. Architects need to be trained

and familiarize with computer-aided drafting systems,

building modeling and other relevant technologies.

They must conceptualize and experiment with different

construction approaches through software and must

also be familiar with basic office software, such as

word processing, spreadsheets and accounting

Architect

mmi:

Leadership in Quality Architecture

By Eric Obwogi

Mutiso Menezes International is a name cast in stone in the list of premier go-to

architectural firms in Kenya.

22

22 Building East Africa | December/ / January 2020


Founded in 1974, Mutiso Menezes

International (MMI)’s reputation as

a market leader has been carefully

achieved through many years of practice and

experience, which distinguish it as one of the most

influential architecture, project management and

interior design firms in Kenya, holding signature

to numerous projects, many of them outstanding

architectural masterpieces, across the East African

region. These range from Commercial, Office and

Institutional to Residential and Civic buildings.

The firm is led by 3 highly trained and

qualified, dynamic architects who form the

company’s board of directors – David Ndungu

(Managing Director), Edwin Kigai and Bisher

Fawaz, at the helm of a lean and efficient team of

professionals with excellent design and technical

abilities gained over the years through hands on

experience.

Arch. David Mutiso (the founding Partner)

and Arch. Alan Simu (immediate former MD)

continue to play consultancy roles in the firm,

having passed on the leadership baton to the next

generation.

Arch. Mutiso needs no introduction to those

who know the history of the architectural

profession in Kenya. He is the first African

architect in Kenya and a founder member of the

Architectural Association of Kenya. The timeless

landmark, Kenyatta International Convention

Center forever immortalizes his contribution

Architect

to the capital city of Kenya’s skyline, as he is

acknowledged as the brains behind its design.

Arch. Simu has worked at MMI for most of

his life, clocking close to four decades, and rising

through the ranks, from internship to eventually

lead the company to great heights of achievement.

Having started work at the firm before some of

the current staff were even born, Arch. Simu’s

role is a strong statement of quality leadership,

perpetuating the values that MMI stands for, and

not only nurturing the firm’s talent, but adding

to the market a thriving group of alumni in the

Kenyan building and construction industry.

MMI’s competitive edge stems from extensive

collective experience and local knowledge of

project requirements, site conditions and building

construction.

Arch. Fawaz avers that the MMI team

is also highly knowledgeable in the rigorous

project management procedures as required by

organizations such as the United Nations and

other international agencies.

“Sound project management and contract

administration ensures that our projects are

properly handled in terms of Cost, Quality and

Time,” he says, adding that MMI guarantees

clients solution based designs which consider

creativity and sustainability under the umbrella of

ISO Certification that demands high operational

standards and boosts efficiency in service delivery.

Some of the outstanding jobs designed by the

MMI team include:

• KenGen Mixed Use Housing

Development, Olkaria, Naivasha



A23

Architect

• Safaricom Staff Pension Scheme,

Athi River.

• Leadership Centre, South C,

Nairobi

• KPLC Loresho Housing Scheme,

Loresho, Nairobi

• BCI Nest Housing Scheme,

Kileleshwa, Nairobi

• Kenya Civil Aviation Authority

Headquarters, JKIA, Nairobi

• Kenya National Assembly Tower,

Nairobi

• Royal Orchid Hotel, Westlands,

Nairobi

• TBM Office Block, Upper hill,

Nairobi

• Victoria Towers, Upper hill,

Nairobi

• Physical Sciences Complex,

Egerton University, Njoro Campus

• Uganda National Records &

Archives Centre, Kampala,

Uganda.

Each iconic building showcases a passion

for excellence, innovation and commitment to

providing comprehensive solutions for the built

environment. Beyond the borders MMI has

partnered in projects in countries such as Uganda,

Sweden, South Africa, etc.

“All our projects give us pride given that

every project is different and has something

unique to offer. For example, the Leadership

Centre is a Green Building with a unique Iconic

concept visible from the Southern Bypass and

KCAA Headquarters

KCAA Headquarters

Nairobi National Park,” says Arch. Fawaz. “The

United Nations HQ in Gigiri, is a complex with

Conference facilities, Offices, Housing etc. that

was done many years back but still stands the test

of time in many ways.”

Though the construction industry experienced

exponential growth in the past decade, Arch.

Fawaz observes that the sector is facing challenges

currently and the project pipeline has largely

slowed to an unsteady trickle.

“There are no

new projects and the

existing ones have

cash flow challenges.

We still remain

hopeful, however that

the environment will

improve, for instance

with opportunities

emerging from the

affordable housing

initiative,” he says.

He attributes the

slowdown to economic

challenges in the

industry which have

affected investment

opportunities in the

country, the bank

interest rates that

discourage borrowing,


24


Architect

and the government dragging its feet in paying for

its projects. Arch. Fawaz also fingers the growing

and worrying trend of unqualified Consultants

setting up shop and undercutting on fees,

underlining that this is eroding the gains made

in the growth of the architectural profession in

Kenya.

The quality of graduate entrants into the

market has in turn been watered down by

commercializing of degrees in the building and

Construction industry leading to too many

half-baked undergraduates showing up for

employment.

Local consultants are in turn demoralized

by the opening up of the market to too many

international Consultants and contractors that set

up shop in the country without clear guidelines

protecting local market players, thereby shrinking

the market space for local participation. All these

bottlenecks can be tackled with goodwill and

concerted effort with the government taking the

lead in terms of supportive policy formulation and

implementation, as well as meeting its financial

obligations for its projects.

According to the architect, stakeholders in the

industry also need to embrace change in terms

of technology and association with international

firms in order to survive the market trends.

“Clients are looking for competitive products in

terms of design, pricing and sustainability.

International firms are setting up shop in the

country and taking up big jobs since they are able

to deliver them at a cheap price, faster and more

reliably,” says Arch. Fawaz, adding that there is

also need to be creative in terms of job creation

where you can no longer wait for a client to come

with a brief and funding but create the brief

yourselves, do extensive feasibility studies, and

discuss with landowners and investors in order to

have a breakthrough in major projects.

“The affordable housing program is an

opportunity for the stakeholders to create jobs

and products with the right balance where

affordability comes in play, and focus on the

correct market target with reasonable promises in

terms of delivery.”

The affordable housing programme under

the Big 4 Agenda has so far received impressive

investment overtures totaling over Sh. 3 trillion

(way above set target of Sh2 trillion), with a total

of 800,000 houses expected to be built under the

public private partnership model and 200,000 to

be put up under a social scheme. This is a great

opportunity for local consultants and contractors

who have been urged to put their best foot

forward.

MMI has played a significant part in the

growth and development of the architectural

profession, and the building and construction

industry in Kenya in general. The firm is a

corporate member of both the Architectural

Association of Kenya (AAK) and the Board of

Registration of Architects and Quantity Surveyors

of Kenya (BORAQS) with some of its partners

serving as senior office bearers in the professional

bodies at various times since inception.

As MMI’s profile grows even bigger and

stronger, the invaluable skill transfer by the

founders and grooming of the next generation of

architects that has generated competence and

enthusiasm in the current team will ensure that

MMI’s competitive capacity is maintained with

stability and continuity, and clients will continue

to be delighted with excellent services rivaled by

few.

KCAA Headquarters



A25

GEM ARCHPLANS

Architect

Komarock Heights

Apartments

Gem Archplans Architects: Client-focused

brilliance inspires confidence

Over a period of 14 years marked by

sustained growth, Gem Archplans

Architects has been winning and delivering

an enviable portfolio of high

caliber projects in the local real estate market,

leaving an indelible mark on the local development

landscape.

A fully locally owned firm, Gem Archplans is

founded on realism ideals of the highly dynamic

architectural facets that is inherent of the

21st century and inspires confidence in clients

through a wealthy inventory of experience

gained through diverse projects handled both

separately at individual building its name in the

field of construction and development by offering

superior professional consultancy services in the

field of architecture, interior design, urban and

Environmental level gained from previous postings

and collectively as a firm.

N

Gem Archplans boasts of some of the finest

projects in the region and has the trust of some

serious corporate and individual developer clients

who have entrusted into their design hands

Billion shilling projects that have been delivered

on time, with finesse and professionalism.

The practice’s clientele are from across the

economy, with successfully delivered jobs including

residentials – Middle class apartments,

ambassadorial houses, country homes, bungalows

and maisonettes. In addition, the firm’s

signature can be seen in major shopping malls,

office blocks, schools, hospitals and religious

structures across the country.

Richlands Pointe in Kahawa West, Komarock

Heights by Housing Finance, Everest Apartments

are some of Gem Archplans’ latest projects

already done and are commercial successes

in a suppressed market.

Komarock Heights and Richlands Pointe are

real estate offerings by HFDI, the Investment

and Development subsidiary of HF Group. Everest

Apartments are an investment of Everest

Park Limited with financing by Shelter Afrique,

Norkun Intakes Ltd

Electrical & Mechanical Consulting Engineers

Richland Dam Estate

Komarock Heights, Kangundo Rd

We are proud to be

associated with


AVIC GTC WESTLANDS - PRISM TOWER UPPERHILL

rd

Morningside Office Park 3 flr, Ngong Rd, Kilimani. | : P.. O. Box 605, 00100 – Nairobi, Kenya. | info@norkun.com | 254(0)729 381 360, +254(0)736 230 287


26


Architect

the pan-African finance institution

exclusively supporting

the development of the housing

and real estate sector in

Africa.

Richland Pointe is a development

comprising 3 bedroom

apartments situated along

Thika Road in Kahawa West,

within the leafy, tranquil

surrounding along Kamiti

Road. The development consists

of 248 residential apartments

with a mix of 2 and 3

bedroomed apartments in 10

blocks.

Launched last year, Komarock

Heights is also a community

of 3 Bedroom apartments

situated along Kangundo Road

in Komarock. The development

is made up of 1272 beautifully

designed apartments nestled

within Komarock Estate, to

be implemented in 3 phases.

Phase 1 comprises 480 residential

apartments with a mix of

2 and 3 bedroomed apartments

in 20 blocks.

In the vicinity of Komarock

Heights is K-Mall, Eastlands’

brand new mall (also a development

of HFDI), well thought

out to provide residents with

convenient access to supermarkets,

banks, restaurants,

hospitals and other services.

Gem Archplans has been

able to inspire confidence from

high net worth and discerning

clients due to its client

oriented principle, synthesized

with the diverse parameters of

the socio-economic fabric, built

environment and commercial

viability. These serve as cornerstones

aimed at improving

the quality of human life and

fostering national development

which is also in line with the

government’s Big 4 Agenda.

The founder’s vision was to

use architecture to guarantee

decent housing for all and be

the engine of Kenya’s and the

region’s economic prosperity.

This would involve directing

Richlands Pointe

Apartments

energy in the firm’s creative,

technical, theoretical

and managerial work

to meet society’s need for

shelter, accommodation

and organisation.

Embracing the values of

professionalism and timeliness,

imagination and creativity,

learning and Knowledge,

perceptiveness and

perseverance; coupled with

open mindedness

and diversity,

the company

has achieved

a strong footprint

in the

region. Relentless

pursuit

of quality and

aptness to design,

extensively

drawing from

the services of

other concerned

building and

built environment

specialists

has further bolstered

its image

in a very competitive

market.

To keep with

the fast changing

information

and building

technologies,

Gem Archplans

actively participates

in all

relevant seminars

and constantly engages

in written material correspondence.


also offer interior design and

environmental consultancy

services.

together, stronger

Basco Paints would like to honour Gem ArchPlans Architects for their

exceptional professionalism, dedication and visionary leadership.

We are proud to have partnered with you to bring your inspired ideas to life

and hope to continue our fruitful working relationship.



A27

BEHIND HOMESCOPE PROPERTIES’

Cover Story

IMPRESSIVE GROWTH

Developer has achieved Market Leadership Position in the

Kenyan Real Estate Market by Delighting Customers with

Superior Home Ownership Solutions

By Eric Obwogi

28




Cover Story

The real estate sector in Kenya has

experienced exponential growth

over the last decade, with demand

for housing reaching an all-time

high and developers minting a

pretty penny. However, the industry is currently

experiencing a serious lull in new projects flow.

Competition for the trickle of jobs is at cutthroat

levels, unit prices are being driven down, and quite

a few developers are stuck with stock while bank

auctions are at an all-time high.

For the last decade, Homescope Properties

Ltd.’s directors have painstakingly built a unique

brand, embracing innovation, quality and a

sound market strategy high-end market segment

targeting the upper middleclass home buyers. It

has worked.

And they have gone about it in a way that it

hasn’t taken long for Homescope Properties Ltd

to get noticed. The company has been delighting

clients with trend-setting, real estate creations

that have not only been huge commercial

successes, but also have set it aside as a go-to

supplier of exquisite high - end homes.

According to Ms. Carol Naneu, Head of

Marketing at Homescope Properties Ltd., the

choice of client base is deliberate to maximize on

the strengths of the company to meet the demands

of a discerning and sophisticated niche market who

are seeking great value for money.

“With the huge gap in housing supply in Kenya,

everyone is striving to serve the low – end market

where demand is greatest, the perception being

that the expected return on investment is quick

because of an obviously guaranteed market,” says

Ms. Naneu.

Carol Naneu, Homescope Head of Marketing:

It is all about knowing our clients well...

Homescope has stuck to its lane, and the

award-winning real estate firm has especially

focused on providing compelling lifestyle benefits

to delight prospective home owners. The company

has successfully completed a diverse set of complex

development projects across the country where it

has developed land mark properties, world-class

developments that are a safe haven for residents,

who get to enjoy the exclusive status of high-end

living.

Kiluwa Hotel Apartment Hurlingham by

Homescope Properties Ltd is one of Nairobi’s

newest, most prestigious addresses. It is named

after a beautiful flower that is native to the

Kenyan coast, which depicts something rare,

unique, a jewel.

Nestled in the upcoming central business

district in upmarket Hurlingham, Kiluwa consists

of fully furnished1 and 2 – bedroom studios.

The Loresho Springs, Shaam Gardens,

Rhino Court and Zawiya Apartments are some

of Homescope’s 45 developments, successfully

completed and delivered during the company’s 10


29 A




Cover Story

years of its existence, that have

clearly given Homescope a place

on the high table of Kenya’s

finest developers.

All properties are designed

and situated to give home

owners peace of mind, in

reference to the city’s traffic

chaos and insecurity, leveraging

on technology to offer the very

best in state of the art modern

convenience.

work within their projects to

guarantee customers enduring

quality in the homes market.

Construction inefficiencies

are partly to blame for the

local sector being one of the

most expensive construction

industries, per square foot.

This in turn erodes the

competitiveness of real estate

offerings in the local real estate

market. Homescope leverages

market trends. This has saved

the company the pain of getting

stuck with property in the midst

of a period of belt tightening.

Currently, Homescope is

putting up the “Four Walls” a

3-floor, over 5000 square feet,

first-of-its kind facility that will

be a one-stop-shop for the built

environment to house various

professionals in the construction

sector under one roof. The

on its partnership with Hajar KSh. 600 million project is

“It comes with knowing

Services Ltd to provide costeffective

construction services, the pain of having to shuttle

designed to save developers’

our client very well,” avers

Carol. “We work with them

which has a positive impact on between different points in

every step of the way, paying

the company’s projects, with town seeking the services of

close attention to their

the reduced cost benefit passed professionals to handle their

specifications and preferences,

on to customers who get to buy construction projects. It will in

understanding and addressing

homes for less than similar real turn aid coordination between

their concerns, and bringing

estate offerings in the same stakeholders and promote

to life their dreams.” She adds

neighborhood.

efficiency.

that Homescope works very

closely with Hajar Services Ltd,

its sister company, which offers

a quality control safeguard,

with the company’s team fully

Since inception, the firm

has fulfilled the dreams of over

1000 new home owners, with

delightful top quality houses.

“The idea is to house one

professional in each category of

stakeholders in the construction

industry, all construction

knowledgeable of the high

solutions under one roof,” says

standards of workmanship, with

On average, Homescope

Carol.

outstanding, original finishing

undertakes 4-5 projects per year.

that is expected.

But due to the ongoing slump Homescope will continue

in the sector, only two projects innovating, investing in quality

“We also have one of the

highest staff retention rates in

the market, which ensures that

the company’s values and work

have been done this year, while

disposing of current stock.

Carol attributes this to the

management’s vision and expert

and the pursuit of excellence

to offer the company’s growing

clientele the very best in fine

home ownership.

ethic is reinforced in the minds

of our team, who are encouraged

and motivated to know, meet

and even surpass expectations,”

says Carol. This translates to

quality and excellence on the

job, and ultimately, outstanding

results.

There are on average 500-

600 employees on the company’s

payroll.

In addition, Carol says,

Homescope has identified

reputable professionals,

due diligence, a firm grasp of

consultants and subcontractors,

as well as equipment and

Homescope's "Four Walls Plaza" in Karen will offer developers a one-stop

building material suppliers to

shop for all their construction needs



A

Advertising feature

Ultraguard exterior paints, solution to external walls of our homes

As the rain season continues to prolong, the property market continues to face a number of challenges including

extreme weather conditions that lead to dilapidation of buildings and homes. Paint manufacturer, Crown Paints

PLC Group Chief Executive Officer Rakesh Rao shares some key benefits that a customer would get when

using the firm’s latest brand in the market, the Ultraguard exterior paint that is high quality water proof and newly

introduced dirt pick up resistance and crack bridging properties.

Q. How ultraguard exterior paints paints which gives extra power

are different from other exterior to paints and enhances the

paints?

durability of construction

A: Ultraguard exterior paint is high

buildings

quality water base exterior paint

Q: What are the advantages

made from silicone technology from a

German based company m/s Wacker.

or benefits of using silicone

It stands out from other ordinary technology in Ultraguard

exterior paints in protecting exterior exterior paints?

walls from extreme weather such as

rain water and ultra violet rays. A: It does not allow water to

penetrate in concrete walls due

On the other hand normal exterior actual water repellent properties

paints, without silicone technology, which ordinary exterior paint

cannot sustain exterior environment does not have.

as Ultraguard exterior paints as

this will require the building to It also has special breathing

be repainted every 3-4 years, this property, which allows moisture

will increase cost of maintenance

building for years

in concrete to evaporates same time

since Ultraguard exterior paints life

expectancy is 10-15 years.

does not moisture or water from Q: How many products are available

outside to penetrate wall. It also in Ultraguard exterior paints and

Q: where are Ultraguard exterior has UV (ultraviolet ray from sun) what is the difference between

paints used?

protection which protect color from products?

fading and enables the building to

A: Ultraguard exterior paints are

A: Ultraguard exterior paints have 2

look fresh for years while exterior

used on exterior concrete or plaster

products

walls painted by ordinary paints

walls which are exposed to external are difficult to clean and look dirty Ultraguard Silicone paints which has

weather. It also has adhesion to however, Ultraguard exterior walls excellent protection of construction

surfaces like wooden surfaces and painted by Ultraguard paints are easy walls from water, moisture and uv

metals if used on building however to clean.

resistance and Ultraguard protect

longevity depends on the surfaces

our latest innovation which offers

condition.

The above properties help to protect

superior exterior paint protection.

& reinforce bars inside concrete from

Q: What is silicone technology used

Offering extra water repellent

corrosion by resisting penetration

in Ultraguard exterior paints?

property dirt pick up resistance which

of water through walls which

helps retaining the aesthetic look of

maintain the strength of building,

A: Specially designed silicone additive

building & crack bridging – due to

allow moisture inside the concrete to

which is added in water base exterior

expansion and contraction concrete

evaporate while keeping the beauty of

32



Advertising feature

may develop fine hairline cracks.

Ultraguard protect have elasticity

which sustains elongation of concrete

without break and protect any water

moisture to penetrate.

Q; Do Ultraguard silicone and

Ultraguard Protect offers warranty?

A: Ultraguard silicone offers 10 years

and Ultraguard protect offers 15 years

performance warranty which covers

water repellent,

dust resistance

and colors fading.

Depending on

the application

conditions

durability warranty

is covered.

Q: Does Ultraguard

exterior paint

require primer/

undercoats or

skim coat before

application?

sheen such as dead matt and high

gloss are not available in Ultraguard.

Q: What are the pack size available?

A: Pack size available are 20 litres, 4

litres & 1 litre

Q: How many colors are available in

Ultraguard exterior paints?

A: They are above 9,000 shades are

available.

Q: Is Ultraguard exterior paints

suitable for interior surfaces?

A: Ultraguard exterior paints are

designed to protect homes and

buildings from outdoor weather

conditions. They are specially

designed paints to protect interior of

homes and business premises.

A: For full

performance

of Ultraguard

exterior paint, the

surface preparation

is necessary

depending on the

surface primers/

undercoats are

required. If the

surface is chalky, use

Crown penetrating

primer or Crown

masonry primer

to bond the chalky

powder. To level the

surface use Crown

Walplast exterior

or interior cement

putty. For better

performance use

undercoat emulsion

exterior or interior

or acrylic sealers.

All-weather protection

Ultraguard Protect is a water-based Acrylic emulsion with German

technology that gives you all-weather protection for all your exterior

wall needs.

Q: What sheen does

Ultraguard Protect

have?

WATER

REPELLENT

DIRT PICK-UP

RESISTANCE

ANTI-ALGAE

FORMULA

CRACK

BRIDGING

A: Ultraguard

Protect have little

Building East Africa | | December // January 2020


33 A

Head Office: RPG House, 463 Dr. Annie Besant

Road, Worli, Mumbai-40030, India.

Tel: +912266670200 • www.kecrpg.com

KEC International Ltd

P.O.Box-32072-00600. B-9Krishna Park,

3rd Parklands Avenue, Nairobi-Kenya

Tel: +254203743505/561


36



A

Promoting Building sustainable East Africa | development

June / July 2019 37


Interiors

lighting 101:

How to Choose the

Right Lighting for

your room

The right lighting can help • Good design is about

promote productivity and

matching light levels to the

it can also make us feel

tasks being performed in

relaxed and comfortable;

it helps define spaces and draws

specific locations – think a

people together.

brightly lit kitchen island

versus a lamp in your living

Lighting also affects how we

perceive textures and colors, and

room for reading

manipulates the overall feel of

space (maybe more than any other

design element).

• Try to put light where it’s

really needed and keep

lower ambient light levels

And then there is the simple fact

elsewhere

that light fixtures can end up being

a major focal point in a room - it's

Always think about both natural

and artificial light when designing

no wonder that pulling a light

your space.

scheme togethcan feel a touch

daunting

- Courtesy: Tile n’ Carpet

• How you physically feel in

a space has mostly to do

with the lighting

Centre

• More light isn’t necessarily

better. Think more quality

versus quantity.

Building East Africa

38 | December/ January 2020


Interiors

Bathroom Remodel

Below are four effective updates on a modern bathroom

In a bathroom remodel, homeowners have a lot of

choices, from tubs, sinks, tile, and more. But it’s the

small details that could have some big impact.

A luxe showerhead

“These days, many people opt for massaging showerheads

and models that can remember your temperature

preferences,” Kelvin Ongueccso, a local interiors

market expert told The Realtor. Low-flow showerhead

systems and models that detach from the wall are

trending internationally. Designers also suggest raising

the showerhead a foot or so higher. “When people ask

us for the secret to the perfect bathroom, we always

recommend raising your showerhead,” Ongueso says.

“Older homes typically have showerheads, so raising

yours will bring your bathroom into the present at very

little cost.”

Lean tile grout

Grout has the potential to make a bathroom look

cleaner. “This is my personal design preference, but

I love the white grout in the bathroom,” says Lynn

Schrage, a bathroom design manager at Kohler. “But I

also see a lot of public places choosing black grout with

a lighter tile.” Make sure the grout blends with your

tile.

Towel racks

A place to hang the towels can actually become a focal

point in a bathroom. Schrage recommends choosing a

towel bar that’s wide enough for at least two towels—

about 24 inches. She also says the towel bar doesn’t

need to be the same finish as the plumbing. Consider

the placement, too. Towels should be accessible as you

exit a shower.

Sink faucets

“Sink faucets are basically statement earrings for your

bathroom,” Schrage says. “I love the look of a widespread—at

least 8-inch—faucet.” They can appear

more contemporary and faucets with some room

around them are easier to clean, she notes.



39 A

Why Hire a Real Estate Agent?

by Correspondent

Real Estate

Price

In world that has rapidly become borderless in

terms of information, with information on almost

everything available (and saleable!) at the click of

a burton, it is easy to wonder why you need “an

intermediary” as many have come to refer realtors as, to

sell their property. There are also the options of disposing

of your house or land through regular marketing and

advertising channels. The truth is, some do successfully

achieve the task without representation, without a real

estate agent. But it also true that many don’t. This is why

you may want to hire representation to help you out.

There are many reasons why you may want to sell your

property. If it is for resale at a profit, then you may have

the time to wait to find a buyer. However, emergencies

sometimes necessitate selling off property for a financial

solution. To save on time, hiring a professional will be

worth the investment. A real estate professional who does

will know the market better and the best prices. The trick

is to find the right person. For the most part, they all cost

roughly the same, so why not hire a person with more

education and experience than you?.

Realtors are better informed regarding market

conditions

Professional real estate have the market info at their

fingertips and regularly monitor market conditions, which

will govern your selling or buying process. Data such as

the average per square foot cost of similar homes, median

and average sales prices, average days on market and

ratios of list-to-sold prices, among other criteria, will have

a huge bearing on what you ultimately decide to do.

Agents also possess knowledge or they know where to

find the industry buzz about your neighborhood. They can

identify comparable sales and hand these facts to you, in

addition to pointing you in the direction where you can

find more data on schools, crime or demographics.

Contrary to what some people believe, agents do not

select prices for sellers or buyers. However, an agent

will help to guide clients to make the right choices for

themselves. If a listing is at 7%, for example, an agent has

a 7% vested interest in the sale, but the client has a 93%

interest. Selling agents will ask buyers to weigh all the

data supplied to them and to choose a price. Then based

on market supply, demand and the conditions, the agent

will devise a negotiation strategy.

Negotiation Skills and Confidentiality

Top producing agents negotiate well because, unlike

most buyers and sellers, they can remove themselves from

the emotional aspects of the transaction and because they

are skilled. It’s part of their job description. Good agents

are not messengers, delivering buyer’s offers to sellers

and vice versa. They are professionals who are trained

to present their client’s case in the best light and agree

to hold client information confidential from competing

interests.

Real estate agents also widely network with other

professionals, many of whom provide services that you

will need to buy or sell. Due to legal liability, many

agents will hesitate to recommend a certain individual

or company over another, but they do know which

vendors have a reputation for efficiency, competency,

and competitive pricing. Agents can, however, give you

a list of references with whom they have worked and

provide background information to help you make a wise

selection.

Answer Questions after Closing

Even the smoothest transactions that close without

complications can come back to haunt. For example,

taxing authorities that collect property tax assessments,

doc stamps or transfer tax can fall months behind and

mix up invoices, but one call to your agent can straighten

out the confusion. Many questions can pop up that were

overlooked in the excitement of closing. Good agents

stand by ready to assist. Worthy and honest agents don’t

leave you in the dust to fend for yourself.

The basis for an agent’s success and continued career

in real estate is referrals. Few agents would survive if

their livelihood was dependent on consistently drumming

up new business. This emphasis gives agents strong

incentives to make sure certain clients are happy and

satisfied. It also means that an agent who stays in the

business will be there for you when you need to hire an

agent again. Many will periodically mail market updates

to you to keep you informed and to stay in touch.


40




A

BEA December 2019 - January 2020

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