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Real Estate

Kenyan Real Estate Sector Experiences Growth Post-Election

by Oloo Winnie September 8, 2022

written by Oloo Winnie

Real estate experts are forecasting an increase of investments in Kenya’s housing sector after a peaceful election process. Experts say that the environment among infrastructure development have solidified the confidence with more investors cashing in the opportunities.

The Sh87. 9 billion Nairobi Expressway, for example, has spiked construction investments in upmarket regions like Westlands, Kilimani, Kileleshwa and its environs. The Expressway has also opened areas like Mlolongo, Syokimau, Athi River and other satellite towns to contribute to the sector.

“Certainly, some of the things we are optimistic about are the laid down infrastructures across the country and our economic resilience after the pandemic. Covid affected many businesses and we are really pleased with the calmness that has preceded the general elections,” says Kennedy Lumumba, the marketing head of Sigimo Enterprises.

Kenya’s housing industry grew by 6.1 percent in the first quarter of 2022 in the backdrop of coronavirus pandemic and an uptick of the general elections. This represented a slightly slowdown in the growth rate compared to the corresponding quarter in 2021.

That quarter, the value added by real estate activities to the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) expanded by 6.7 percent.The pandemic presented a lock down measures which dipped the performance of real estate. This has however changed with the global administration of vaccines and continued adaptation of economic activity to subdued mobility.

Visitors attending the Kenya Homes Expo event

Various real estate reports indicate that by 2030, the size of the real estate market is expected to reach 14.6 billion U.S. dollars due to a growing demand for industrial and commercial infrastructure and the recovery of the global economy post Covid.

Kenya infrastructure expenditure increased by 8.6% which is Sh 416.4 billion from Sh 383.3 billion in financial year 2021/2022 with increased development in the road, rail, energy, and water sectors. These according to analysts have put Kenya a top choice country for housing investment.

“Other factors likely to impact growth are the saturation of the residential real estate market in affordable housing in counties and cities making housing a possibility for mid-level income earners,” says Lumumba.

The Affordable Housing Programme, channeled by the past regime with the aim to facilitate the development of 500,000 low cost homes while using innovative funding mechanisms and technologies. In partnership,the Kenya Mortgage Refinance Company (KMRC) was to provide long term funds to primary mortgage lenders in order to increase the availability and affordability of home loans to Kenyans.

Real estate event organizers like the Kenya Homes Expo are targeting the real estate stakeholders in an experiential platform that creates a level ground for real estate players to converge with a ready market for land, homes, financial advice and general real estate information. The event will be happening in October 20th-23rd 2022.

Event organisers are banking on the peaceful coexistence experienced within the country to bring together major industry players in East and Central Africa.

September 8, 2022 0 comment

The rise of exquisite buildings with use of technology

The Rise Of Exquisite Buildings With The Use Of Technology

by Oloo Winnie September 1, 2022

written by Oloo Winnie

Imagine living in a house that caters to your lifestyle needs, automatic gates, routine light switches, and programed showers just at the right temperatures with an enhanced security system? Well this is a reality that is being experienced through digital technologies.

Technology has enhanced a whole range of processes in the corporate real estate field pushing developers to constantly adjust.

With the global smart building market projected to reach $150.6 billion by 2030, smart buildings are at the cutting edge of innovation. Experts say that the industry is bound to see growth and expansion in the coming year and beyond.

Daniel Ojijo, the executive chairman of the real estate event, Kenya Homes Expo says that technology has shifted customer preferences as industry players embrace innovation.

“This current technology trends is reshaping how properties are purchased, financed and managed, we are seeing developers adapting to smart innovative solution to stay ahead of

competition,” says Ojijo.

He adds that home buyers have become more demanding for better quality products, services, amenities, and offers from the developers. With the introduction of new and revised reform measures, the real-estate industry has witnessed growth of professionals in the built environment.

The 32nd Edition of the Kenya Homes Expo to be held in October 20th-24th will highlight the innovative developments in East and Central Africa regions. The expo brings together exhibitors ranging from land owners, realtors, contractors, landscape artists, to interior design companies and insurers and bankers.

The event creates a level ground for real estate players to converge with a ready market for land, homes, financial advice and general real estate information.

The biggest shift in the real estate has been how digitalization allows prospective buyers to access relevant information on the reputation, financial stability, and number of projects, delivery track record, prices, and business practices of a developer. This coupled with the experience of existing homeowners of a developer forms the crux of the decision-making process for buyers.

Smart building is the evolution of how and where we’ll be living and working in the near future, and it will greatly increase efficiency in building operations, dramatically reduce utility costs, and simplify daily life for tenants and management. Smart technologies are able to handle the operations using sensors and artificial intelligence autonomy.

The security and surveillance systems will lock and unlock doors based on visual identification. Energy management systems will be able to turn lights on or off, raise and lower thermostat temperatures, and handle HVAC control systems based on occupants without the need for human intervention. Smart infrastructure management will automate parking systems, control water usage, and manage elevators and escalators.

These innovations, some of which are already in use today, will lower staff and payroll costs, reduce human error, simplify operations for building management, and more importantly, reduce carbon dioxide emissions, lower utility costs, and decrease energy consumption.

The rise of smart buildings will comprise of a sophisticated control system that uses sensors,

actuators and microchips to control building operations, smart buildings use technology to

enhance occupants’ health, comfort, and efficiency.

September 1, 2022 0 comment

Business Hospitality

Username Investment awards its Employee a brand new car during the 2019 Thamini Awards

by Teddy Leting May 17, 2019

written by Teddy Leting

Username Investments awarded one of their staff with a brand new car for outstanding performance during the 2018/2019 Company’s Financial Year. This was during The 2019 Thamini Awards dinner held at Panari Hotel.

This was one of the 10 prizes that were won by different staff members from various categories across departments. Thamini Awards is an Annual Internal Human Resource Program that seeks to recognize and reward outstanding performance of Username Investment staff.

“At Username Investments, we have a culture of appreciating our staff members more often. We have a monthly program dubbed, Employee of the Month that recognizes monthly outstanding performances across departments. Thamini Awards is the overall annual award session after the close of our financial year. The word “Thamini” is a Swahili word meaning to value and at Username, we value each staff member”. Reuben Kimani, CEO, Username Investment Ltd. said during the award session.

Username Investment Limited staff members pose for a photo after 2019 Thamini Awards

The grand prize winner was described as ‘a self-driven heroin, industrious and confident leader who has led the Sales Department with wisdom and humility. From the early days of the business when she joined, she has served her customers with great zeal and dedication.She goes out of her way to ensure customers have a first class Customer Experience. Her performance every month is not in doubt to all. Her hard work, outstanding performance and self-drive remains unmatched.” Joseph Gitonga, Director of Sales & Marketing said as he announced the eagerly awaited grand prize winner.

“I am humbled by this win, thank you Username Management for this recognition. I am proud to be part of this Company where employees’ efforts and achievements are uniquely appreciated. The Management has provided me with all the tools I need for my work and the only thing I can do is to work hard. Thank you fellow Sales Team members for your support and Team work that has made us come this far”. Tears of joy began to flow as Dorina Mirembo spoke after receiving her grand prize as Username Staff members cheered her for the well-deserved win.

There were 10 awards to be won which included: A Fully paid holiday for 2 to Thailand, A Fully paid holiday for 2 to Dubai, various Fully paid holidays to Mombasa on Flight, various prices of Fridges, 50 Inch LED HD Smart TVs, Smartphones and Shopping Vouchers.

May 17, 2019 0 comment