As Kenya grapples with its housing shortage, private firms along the Coast are stepping in to support the government's efforts.
Kenya faces a deficit of about two million homes, increasing by about 200,000 annually.
To address this shortage, the government aims to build 250,000 units by year-end across the country. The plan calls for 100,000 units for the Coast region, with more to come.
Mombasa county, which faces a shortage of 20,000 housing units every year, is expected to have at least 50,000 new units by the end of 2024, according to the government plan.
Already, Mombasa has completed construction of 512 units in Phase I of the Sh6.5 billion Buxton Point affordable housing project.
Phase II of the project, which has started, is expected to produce an additional 1,500 units, including 16-storey blocks.
Other affordable Mombasa projects in the pipeline include the Mzizima estate expected to have 2,000 units, the VOK in Nyali (2,850 units) and the Likoni estate (3,200 units).
The Changamwe National Housing Corporation project on a 58-acre plot, will have 2,000 units.
To complement the national and county government’s agenda on affordable houses, Fairdeal Properties Limited has launched the construction of 528 housing units dubbed Bamburi Greenview Apartment.
The project comprises 68 one-bedroom apartments, 182 units of two bedrooms, and 278 units of three bedrooms. It will be among the biggest privately owned affordable housing estates in Mombasa.
“In line with the government’s affordable housing initiative, the project’s attractive pricing and 40-month interest-free payment plan will help make home ownership a reality for many Kenyans,” said Khuzeima Ezzi, a director of Fairdeal Properties.
A one-bedroom unit will cost Sh2,350,000, two-bedroom (Sh3,490,000) and three-bedroom (Sh3,390,000).
The project on five acres, next to Zawadi Apartments in Bamburi, will be built in three phases over five years.
Construction of Phase I has started on Bamburi Greenview Estate of 216 units.
“The project is in Bamburi, which is growing at a fast pace. Bamburi is a mid-point between the North Coast and Mombasa town. Hence, it gives the best of both-the quiet of living in a satellite area and all the necessities within a town,” Khuzeima said.
The project will be environmentally friendly, focusing on the Go Green Initiative.
“All our projects focus on the Green Element and support the Go Green initiative. We will incorporate solar power and lighting as much as possible. All our common area lighting will be powered by solar,” Khuzeima told the Star.
Rainwater harvesting is part of all projects, including the Bamburi Greenview affordable project.
More than 90 per cent of the construction materials used in the projects, such as tiles, windows, cement and steel, have been sourced locally.
“We try to incorporate as many locally-produced materials that are readily available in the market. We firmly believe in Buy Kenya, Build Kenya," he said.
Khuzeima said all their materials are procured from a local manufacturer.
“We will use high-quality UPVC windows, which are best-suited for the coastal climate and the most durable in comparison to the other window materials,” he said.
Idris Ezzi, another director of Fairdeal Properties, said the project will employ at least 1,000 people directly and indirectly.
“They include construction workers, subcontractors, the window and door fixers, among others,” Idris said. The project will provide more work for offices nearby.
Idris said they have provided an attractive payment plan.
"Homeowners have more than three years to pay for the homes interest-free," he said.
The new estate is close to the beach along the North Coast of Mombasa, off the Mombasa-Malindi highway.
“We are close to the beach, the bustling Mombasa-Malindi highway, which has multiple malls, hospitals and international schools,” Idris said.
Despite being called an affordable housing project, the project has amenities and services matching those of high-end developments, he said.
“Our project offers the best in amenities you would find in high- and mid-range properties, such as a swimming pool, clubhouse, gym and ample parking,” he said.
“We believe every Kenyan aspires to own a car and we expect car ownership will continue to increase in the future so it ensures our project will remain relevant well into the future."