“For the discerning client who craves a serene, scenic, lakeside ambience away from all the bustle of town, but close enough to all the amenities that modern living has to offer” – Mr. Njoroge Ng’ang’a, CEO Home Afrika, on Lakeview Heights’ inspiration.
Home Afrika Limited (HAL), a real estate development company listed on the Nairobi Securities Exchange, has become synonymous with the concept of gated living in Kenya; from the Migaa golf community in Kiambu to the coral paradise of Llango in the South Coast. Fresh from last year’s listing on the Nairobi bourse, the company is set to hit another milestone with its latest development in Kisumu County – Lakeview Heights.
C.E.O Njoroge Ng’ang’a is modest about the strides the company has made since its inception as an investment club back in 2008. “The founding members always had a very clear vision of where they wanted the company to be in 5 years and real estate was the plan, in line with our mission of providing affordable housing for Africa.”
Strategic Goals and Approach
HAL seeks to help plug the housing deficit Kenya currently experiences (about 200,000 homes annually) while at the same time engaging in ventures that generate regular cash flow.
“The Capital Markets trade has opened up new opportunities for us. We are seeking both individual and institutional investors that see the long-term value and potential of our projects”, says Mr. Ng’ang’a.
HAL conducts intense market research, while at the same time engaging the best value consultants locally. This ensures that all its projects are commercially viable.
Forte
HAL is best known for its gated real estate developments which are usually found in close proximity to metropolitan areas with high population. These span several counties including Kiambu, Machakos, Mombasa and recently Kisumu.
The company has also developed town houses for sale.
HAL’s masterpiece headquarters, Morningside Office Park, is the developer’s first commercial undertaking.
The Project Concept
Lakeview combines hotel, conferencing and urbane living in a unique and ambient lakeside setting to create the ultimate in luxury and affordability. With Kisumu’s stature as a tourism/conferencing hub on the rise in recent years, Mr. Nganga’ says this investment was justified.
The groundbreaking was in June this year, and HAL expects to complete the real estate development by late 2016.
Spatial and Access Considerations
Lakeview sits on 92 acres of prime land, with scenic views of the RIAT Hills, L.Victoria and the Kisumu city. Temperatures here are also relatively cooler than those of the surrounding lakeside.
The site is easily accessible from the Kisumu-Kakamega and Kisumu-Busia Roads, at the foot of the RIAT market, right off Kisumu International Airport.
There are 140 serviced plots with less than 40 left at the time of this interview. About half of the space is dedicated to lush greenery, as the developer wanted to create an ambient and aesthetically pleasing living space.
Investors can buy either serviced plots or homes pre-developed by HAL.
Unique Architectural Features & “Green” Living
Units are designed with large windows for proper fenestration, increased natural lighting and panoramic effect.
Earth material is to be employed on the exterior to give a rustic feel blending well with the terrain, and also to reduce maintenance costs.
Plots are demarcated by low hedges (about 1.2m high) to make the setting look as natural as possible.
Amenities
v Water supply from council mains and boreholes.
v A dedicated power supply to service the expansive project area.
v A perimeter fence for the entire project.
v A club house accessible to all residents
v Security-Two gatehouses currently under construction will be manned full-time and will also serve as part of the management office.
v 7 Commercial Private Developer Site (PDSs) – Each over an acre are demarcated for office blocks and malls, strategically placed near the main entrance to attract non-residents as well.
Residential Units
UNIT
PLINTH AREA
(SQM)
Studio
55
1Bedroom Apartment
60
2Bedroom Apartment
80
2Bedroom Apartment with DSQ
105
3Bedroom Apartment
110
3Bedroom Apartment with DSQ
127
3Bedroom Villa
160
4Bedroom Town-House
170
4Bedroom Villa (Curvilinear)
250
4Bedroom Villa with DSQ
230
4Bedroom Villa
210
The Lead Consultant
Home Afrika selected E.D.G & Atelier Architects to lead the project team. The Kenyan architectural studio handles all architectural undertakings including master planning, project management and interior design. Their projects span hospitality, commercial, residential, institutional and educational sectors.
Established in July 1994, the firm has offices in both Nairobi and Mombasa, with the following notable projects under its belt:
§ Best Western Premier, Hurlingham.
§ Westwood Office block, Westlands.
§ Mvuli Suites, Ngara.
§ Flamingo Towers, Upper Hill.
Project Team
Client: Lakeview Heights Development Ltd.
Project Manager: Home Afrika Ltd.
Architect: E.D.G & Artelier Architects
Quantity Surveyor: BeeQue Consultants Ltd.
Civil/Structural Engineers: Finix Consulting.
Electrical/Mechanical Engineers: Feradon Associates Ltd.
Land Surveyors: Geomeasure Surveyors Ltd.
Environmental Consultant: Geo Plan Consultants.
Boundary-Wall Contractor: M/S Alew Contractors & Suppliers Ltd.
Gatehouse Contractor: M/S Sten-Go Construction & Engineering Services
