As Live, Work and Play communities gain traction in Kenya, developers have realized that investing in these zones is a sound decision due to the projected good returns. The main attraction of these communities is excellent physical infrastructure coupled with the availability of all kinds of facilities that one needs to make comfortable living. These include good residences, hospitals, schools, shopping and leisure facilities, all in a secure and serene environment.
Kenya currently has a number of grand Live, Work and Play developments at different stages of progress. Tilisi, located off Nairobi-Nakuru highway and close to all the major bypasses, is one of these communities. It is a 400 acre master-planned, mixed use development. With a budget of US$ 40m just to develop infrastructure, Tilisi has attracted several investors who have snapped up the fully serviced land parcels to build houses, logistics centres and other developments.
Maisha Developments is one of the investors who have secured land at Tilisi and are putting up high quality residential units of varying configuration. Maisha are not new to property development in Kenya. They have extensive experience in hospitality, residential and commercial projects. Their past projects include Radisson Blue at Arboretum, Solitaire on General Mathenge Drive, West End Towers, Greenspan Housing and Mall in Eastlands, Capital Centre on Mombasa Road and Warwick Centre in Gigiri. They are also behind Tilisi Views, another exclusive residential development within Tilisi.
Maisha are currently developing two distinct residential developments dubbed Maisha Mapya and Maisha Makao. Set on 11 acres, the developments offer a superb quality standard of living at exceptional value. When complete, there will be a total of 600 units of 2 and 3 bedroom configurations. Maisha Mapya’s blocks are Ground plus 4 floors, with a total of 350 apartments while Maisha Makao’s blocks consist of Ground plus 5 floors, with approximately 250 apartments in total.
The developer has tried as much as possible to cater for different tastes and pockets. Some ground floor apartments feature a private garden while some other units have master bedroom balconies, lounge balconies, extended master bedroom and extended living rooms.
ARCHITECTURE, CONSTRUCTION AND FINISHES
Maisha Developments are using Aluminium form work as their building technique.
“This is quite different from the traditional method of construction”, says Head of Marketing, Viraaj Shah. “This technique will increase the speed of construction. In addition, smooth and accurate finishes will be achieved. The structure will be on concrete, which makes it more durable and strong. The reinforced concrete that will be used is more fire resistant”, he adds.
The units in Maisha Mapya will feature:
- Modular aluminium formwork system
- European style fitted kitchen with laminated countertops
- Laminate flooring in the lounge and bedrooms
- Imported porcelain tiles in wet areas
- Fitted European style wardrobes and doors
- Toughened glass shower screens
- Z Section steel casement windows and doors with 6mm laminated safety glass
- TV points in certain bedrooms and lounge
- High quality energy efficient LED light fittings in all apartments and common areas
- Provision for inverter, washer/ dryer
- 1 parking space for each apartment with option to purchase additional parking space
The units in Maisha Makao will feature:
- Modular aluminium formwork system
- Fitted and Europe style kitchen with granite worktop
- Integrated imported hob, oven and extractor
- European laminate flooring in the lounge and bedrooms
- Imported porcelain tiles in wet areas
- Fitted European style wardrobes and doors
- Heavy grade stainless steel kitchen sinks and sink mixers with cold water supply
- Provision for under-sink water heater in the kitchen
- Toughened glass shower screens
- RHS steel casement windows and doors with 6mm laminated safety glass
- Provision for inverter, washer/ dryer
- 1 parking space for two bed apartment with option to purchase another,
- 2 parking spaces for three bed apartment
OTHER FEATURES AND COMMON SERVICES
The developer has provided parking for one car for each apartment. However, Maisha Makao 3-bedroom owners get two parking spots. An additional parking spot is available for purchase if available.
Maisha Makao comes with high speed elevators from KONE. A standby generator for the common areas safeguards against power outage from the utility service provider.
There is ClearVue fencing on the perimeter of both Maisha Mapya and Maisha Makao, a gate house for security as well as adequate water storage.
Amenities include:
- Area for a gym
- Convenience stores
- Club house
- 25m heated swimming pool in Maisha Makao
- 15m x 30m multipurpose court in both developments
PRICING AND BUYER OPTIONS
A buyer is able to purchase the units in cash, instalments or mortgages. “We are able to adjust and adapt to the buyer’s instalment schedule”, says Viraaj. “However, the price will change depending on the NPV. Our standard pricing mentioned are the instalment prices.”
PROJECT SCHEDULE
Maisha Developments is going to be built in phases. “Since we are using aluminium formwork as our building style, we will have instances when a whole block is up and the next block is still to come up”, says Viraaj. “With this in mind, Maisha’s blocks are estimated to be completed 18 to 21 months once the construction on that particular block has started.” The project broke ground on 20th March 2021.
CHALLENGES
According to Viraaj, a few challenges have been experienced so far. “Approvals were a challenge and they were overcome by perseverance. However, it has delayed us”, he reveals. The volatile exchange rate also called for careful homework to avoid losses. The developer is ordering early to lock prices. And like in most other sectors, Covid-19 brought about uncertainties especially after the spending power of potential clients was eroded. However, Viraaj is optimistic, revealing they have overcome this through advertising and at no point have they paused their plans or construction.
