Owning a home by the beach sounds like a dream endless ocean views, fresh sea breeze, and that relaxing coastal vibe. But beneath this idyllic lifestyle lies a reality many coastal homeowners often overlook: maintenance costs. Salt air and humidity are relentless forces that accelerate wear and tear, making regular upkeep not just a choice, but a necessity. Why Salt Air and Humidity Are Tough on Coastal...
Construction
If you’ve been dreaming of owning a home in Kenya, the Kenya Mortgage Refinance Company (KMRC) is changing the game. With mortgage rates rising elsewhere, KMRC offers a more affordable way to finance your home, making homeownership a real possibility for many Kenyans. How KMRC Makes Mortgages More Affordable Unlike traditional mortgage lenders that charge higher interest rates, KMRC works with banks,...
Affordable housing is widely recognized as a key solution to Kenya’s urban housing crisis, especially as cities like Nairobi, Kisumu, and Mombasa face overwhelming demand from growing populations. Yet, despite its noble intentions, many affordable housing projects have encountered resistance from local communities. This resistance is often rooted in complex social, economic, and political concerns...
Bureaucratic delays are one of the most persistent challenges in Kenya’s real estate sector, and they have far-reaching consequences on housing affordability, investor confidence, and urban development. Whether it’s obtaining permits, accessing public infrastructure approvals, or navigating the labyrinth of land registration systems, red tape continues to slow down progress and inflate the cost of...
Kenya’s vision of providing adequate, affordable housing for its growing population remains a key developmental priority. Yet, despite policy commitments such as the Affordable Housing Programme (AHP) under the Big 4 Agenda, the delivery of low-cost housing faces persistent financial, regulatory, and market-related hurdles. One of the most effective solutions lies in the strategic use of subsidies...
In the pursuit of affordable housing in Kenya, Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions have emerged as crucial players. As the country grapples with a growing housing deficit and rising construction costs, TVETs are equipping young people with practical skills essential for the delivery of quality, cost-effective housing projects. Skilled Workforce for the Construction...
Building codes are a fundamental part of the real estate and construction industry. These are sets of regulations established by local, national, or international authorities to ensure that structures are safe, healthy, sustainable, and suitable for human habitation. In Kenya and globally, adhering to building codes is not optional , it’s a legal requirement that guides everything from the foundation...
Building Information Modeling, commonly known as BIM, is a digital technology used in the architecture, engineering, and construction industries to create and manage detailed 3D models of buildings and infrastructure projects. These models go beyond simple visuals, containing rich information about every component of a building—from structural elements to electrical systems. How BIM Works BIM...
A carbon footprint refers to the total amount of greenhouse gases, primarily carbon dioxide (COâ‚‚), that are emitted directly or indirectly by an individual, organization, event, or product. It measures the impact human activities have on the environment in terms of the amount of carbon released into the atmosphere. Understanding Carbon Footprints Every activity we undertake such as driving a car,...
Interlocking Stabilized Soil Blocks (ISSBs) are an innovative and eco-friendly building material gaining popularity in sustainable construction. Made from a mixture of soil, a small amount of cement or lime for stabilization, and compressed under high pressure, these blocks provide a strong, durable, and cost-effective alternative to traditional bricks. How ISSBs Work ISSBs are designed with...