National Housing Corporation (NHC) Chairman Hon. Yusuf Chanzu has asked construction professionals to support the government’s affordable housing programme saying the state needed collaboration with them to realize the agenda.
Hon. Chanzu said the NHC was also involved in augmenting the government’s effort through its EPS production facility in Mlolongo, Machakos County.
“There are workers who live in Nairobi and after working for 25 years, they retire and hand over keys to the landlord,” he said stressing the need for home ownership.
The Chairman was speaking at Marbella Karen Place, a mixed-use development by veteran architect Dr. James Kimathi during an informal tour of the new building organized specifically for construction industry consultants. Tens of professionals attended the event graced by who-is-who in Kenya’s built environment.
Among the guests were a team from the Architectural Association of Kenya (AAK) comprising newly-elected President Florence Nyole, Chief Executive Jacob Mwangi and some Executive Committee members, IQSK President Jennifer Musyimi, 1st Vice President of Institution of Engineers of Kenya (IEK) Eng. Grace Kagondu and BORAQS Registrar Qs. George Omondi. Others included former AAK Chairman Lee Karuri, former IEK President Eng. Nathaniel Matalanga and Symbion Kenya Managing Director Mutua Mutuku.
Dr Kimathi urged the professionals to take up space in the new facility and invited associations to hold their CPD and other events in the building.
Several companies showcased their products and services at the event. They included Crown Paints, Caparol, Spectralock EA (Laticrete), Mau West, Security Systems International and others.
Marbella Karen Place comprises six levels of lettable space that host offices, conference facilities, training halls, apartments, cafeteria and outdoor function facilities.
Features include ample basement and surface parking, 24-hour security, back-up power, vast water storage capacity, and green elements such as water recycling, solar power, bio-digestor and extensive greenery. Attractions include a water feature, terraces and rooftop breakout space.
