What you need to know before buying/moving into your new home…
Kazi ya Architect ni nini?
Saving Up for a Home
Welcome to Kitengela!
Much has been said about this scenic savannah just 27KMs from the capital city Nairobi but how about you hear from us, what makes this town the place to be:
- Great schools: Kitengela boasts some of the best schools in the country including the Orchard School, Kitengela International Schools, Acacia Crest Schools, Thorn grove Schools which offers a perfect mix of creative intuitive learning and logical thinking perfect for your little one. Plus, a new public primary school Dr. Likimani primary school and Early Childhood Development Center. The quiet serene environment of Kitengela makes it a great environment for your child to learn and grow.
- Low crime rate: Kitengela has one of the lowest crime rates in the country. So, if you’re looking for a quiet, safe place to raise your family, or somewhere to spend your golden years, Kitengela is the place for you.
- Green spaces: You want to spend time developing your passion for gardening, or large-scale livestock farming then Karibu Kitengela. There are larger tracts of land that enable you to live out your farming dreams. Huwezi grow your own vegetables on your balcony in Nairobi.
- Excellent Choma spaces: Whether you want a quiet evening with your pals or you want to spend family time in style, Kitengela has all the best places to go to do just that. A delicious nyama choma from Nerkwo is the perfect for soft life shenanigans.
- National Park: Kitengela boarders the amazing Nairobi National Park. It also has Kitengela game conservator’s area populated with buffaloes, Maasai giraffe, Eastern black rhino etc. Near Kitengela town is the Maasai Ostrich Park, a fairly popular tourist destination 7KMs off Nairobi city. Who wouldn’t want to live near such a place where you can see the wild in their natural habitat?
- Shopping Malls: Kitengela mall with Naivas and OBC mall with Quickmart.
The groundbreaking for Phase 2B Pinebrook Premier Villas
Nairobi Express Way; A Blessing or a Curse?
Have you been stuck in Mombasa Road traffic lately? Well! I have found myself stuck in the Mombasa Road snarl up for long hours a couple of times, and even ended up sleeping there due to the ongoing construction. I know you may have cursed the contractors in charge of the works. Let’s explore together……. what exactly is Nairobi express way? what impact will it have once the construction been completed and ready
Nairobi express way
When finished, Nairobi Express Way will be a 27km (17miles) highway, some elevated, that will connect Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in the east of the city to the Nairobi – Nakuru highway (and all the way to the Western part of Kenya and connecting to other countries including Uganda and further Rwanda, DRC etc) in the west. Isn’t that a great link to the East Africa Broader! The express way runs along the median strips of Mombasa Road starting from Mlolongo, Uhuru highway and Waiyaki way, (terminating at James Gichuru Road) in Westlands.
It will have 10 interchanges at
- SGR Terminus at JKIA
- Eastern Bypass
- Southern Bypass
- Enterprise Road
- Capital Centre
- Haille Selassie
- Museum Hill
- The mall- Westlands
- James Gichuru Road Junction
The project will have four pedestrian foot bridges at;
- Mlolongo
- Imara Daima
- General Motors
- St Marks
The express way is expected to serve at least 25,000 vehicles per day. With the completion, it will take between 15- 20 minutes to cover the 27km stretch which starts from African Inland church mlolongo, all the way to James Gichuru on Waiyaki way. Won’t it be amazing to traverse through from the East to the western part of Nairobi in less than 20 minutes!
Maybe you’ve heard rumors that the road users will be charged, yes, it’s true. The road will be tolled but the cost will be worth it (who would like to stay in traffic for hours, loosing valuable time and huge costs to fuel?) and here’s the reason why the modest pay as you use is charged;
The project is being financed and constructed by the China Road and Bridge Corporation (CRBC). The Chinese firm will operate the highway under a public- private partnership. The CRBC will operate the tolled road for 30years during which it will recover its cost (with interest) before transferring its operation to the Kenya National Highway Authority (KeNHA).
This means the four and six lane dual carriage way with 10 interchanges along the route, will not be free to use. The drivers will have to reportedly pay a toll of between ksh6 and ksh30 per km depending on the size of vehicle.
- Motorists on light vehicles with 2 axles will pay ks100 to ksh300, depending on entry and exit points.
- Those on light vehicles with 2 axles and a high bonnet will pay ksh150 to ksh 450 all depending on the entry and exit points.
- A motorist driving from AIC Mlolongo to the standard gauge railway, Syokimau, or Eastern Bypass will part with ksh 160.
- Drivers with heavy vehicles with fewer than 4 axles will pay ksh 400 to ksh 1200.
- Those with heavy vehicles with more than 4 axles will pay ksh 500 to ksh 1500, depending on entry and exit point.
- Some vehicles are however exempted from paying, i.e., ambulances, police vehicles, military vehicles.
- Boda bodas and tuk tuks will be banned from using the road.
How are we going to benefit from the Express Way?
- On completion of the project, where it would take about 2 hours to commute from Mlolongo to Westlands at rush hour, it will be reduced to about 20minutes.
- The existing A8 road from mlolongo to James Gichuru junction will remain free for use and will also be relieved of traffic.
- It’s meant to ease traffic flows in and out of the center of East Africa’s main commercial Hub.
- The express way will result to high degree of residential development along the area, it will increase property value hence residents will start leasing out their dwelling for commercial use and thus one way of investing.
- It will result to improved access to facilities like education and health facilities, recreational areas, religious and cultural institutions and also water and electricity.
- Will provide opportunity for businesses to grow
As you know having good infrastructure will increase the demand for properties near the area and thus with the demand the prices of the properties will begin to appreciate, so why don’t you acquire your property at anaffordable price in Kitengela with Cherd Africa Limited before the price go up?
The Nairobi Express Way project is set to complete on February 2022, so acquire your home before its too late. Contact us on 0724125605 or 0734315336. While there might be some little suffering now…….it will be a great blessing in the very, very near future. We can all see!
Cherd Africa will be launching its new project on 11th Dec 2021 and having a handover the same day, you are invited.
Property Laws in Kenya
Maybe you’ve been asking yourself how to go about with purchasing property in Kenya. Cherd Africa Limited has summarized the laws of property buying and the process involved during purchasing.
The Real Estate industry in Kenya is governed by;
- The Estate Agent Act Cap 533 of the laws of Kenya. The act provides for registration of persons who by way of business, negotiate for or otherwise act in relation to a selling, purchasing or letting of land and buildings erected thereon; for the regulation and control of the professional conduct of such persons and their remunerations.
Beside regulating real estate operations, it also protects members of the public from exploitation / fraud.
- The Land Registration Act, 2012 provides that the rights of a proprietor, whether acquired on first registration or subsequently for valuable consideration or by a court order cannot be defeated except as provided in the Act.
The Act further provides that the Certificate of Title issued by the Registrar on registration, or to a buyer of land on a transfer or transmission by the proprietor, must be taken by all courts as prima facie evidence that the person named as proprietor of the land is the absolute and indefeasible owner, subject to the encumbrances, easements, restrictions and conditions contained or endorsed in the Certificate.
The title is not subject to challenge except on the grounds of:
- Proven fraud or misrepresentation in which the person named as proprietor is proved to be a party.
- Where the Certificate of Title has been acquired illegally, unprocedurally or corruptly.
The Act also provides the right to indemnity. Any person who suffers damage due to any rectification of the register under the Act, or any error in a copy of or extract from the register or in a copy of or extract from any document or plan certified under the Act, is entitled to an indemnity.
- The National Construction Authority Act, 2011 which establishes the National Construction Authority and sets out its powers and functions. The National Construction Authority shall oversee the construction industry and coordinate its development and is given power for necessary performance. It also sets out application requirements and procedures for registration of persons and firms as construction contractors and punitive measures for contravening by individuals them. Additionally, the Act gives the Board power to inquire into the conduct of a contractor on its own initiatives and sets out suspension conditions for contractors.
- Environment and Land Court Act, 2011 (ELC Act) which establishes the Environment and Land Court (ELC) and sets out its powers and functions to hear and determine disputes relating to the environment and the use and occupation of, and title to, land, and to make provision for its jurisdiction functions and powers, and for connected purposes.
- Environmental Management and Coordination Act, 1999 (EMCA) which deals with environmental issues and establishes the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA). Act provides for environmental protection through;
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- Environmental impact assessment
- Environmental audit and monitoring
- Environmental restoration orders, conservation orders, and easements.
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- Physical and Land Use Planning Act (Act No. 13 of 2019) (PLUPA) which repealed the Physical Planning Act, Cap 286 and provides the framework on matters relating to land use development planning, development control, enforcement and dispute resolution;
- Stamp Duty Act (Cap 480) which provides for the levying and managing of stamp duties.
- Income Tax Act (Cap 470) which provides the legal framework for levying and computation of capital gains tax on transfer of property.
- The Value Added Tax, 2013 which provides the legal framework for levying of value added tax on the sale, leasing, renting of commercial properties.
- The Land Laws (Amendment) Act 2016 which amended the land laws to align them with the Constitution. The Act places restrictions on transactions in “controlled land”. No transaction in controlled land, including a transfer for a consideration or by way of trusts, gift inter vivos or otherwise to an ineligible person, shall be dealt with without the prior written approval of the Cabinet Secretary. it also concerns the prohibition of unlawful occupation of private community or public land and eviction from such lands.
- Value for Rating Act which empowers County Governments to value land for the purposes of rates. This Act imposes a duty on local authorities to cause a valuation to be made of every rate able property within the area of the local authority in respect of which a rate on the value of land is imposed. This shall be done at least once in every five years or such longer period as the Minister may approve. The values of the valuation shall be entered in a valuation roll.
- The sectional properties act, 2020 provide for the division of buildings into units to be owned by individual proprietors and common property to be owned by proprietors of the units as tenants in common and to provide for the use and management of the units and common property and for connected purposes.
Foreigners Purchasing Regulations
Just like Kenyan citizens, foreigners are permitted to buy commercial and residential properties/ land located within a town or municipality without any restrictions whatsoever, provided that they comply with the laid down procedures.
Article 65 of the Kenyan constitution limits foreigners to holding only leasehold titles to a maximum of 99years but permits future renewal on condition that the subject property held under that title is economically active and is not required for public use purpose.
This therefore means that if a foreigner purchases a property held under a freehold title, it will revert to leasehold.
Purchasing process
- Identifying of property
The purchaser begins with identifying a suitable property for purchase.
The purchaser should endeavor to visit the site and satisfy themselves that it meets the desired criteria including its physical location and boundaries.
- Formal Expression of interest
The buyer makes a formal expression of interest/ offer subject to contract detailing their offer price, terms of payment and advocate details.
If the offer is accepted by the seller, then the vendor prepares a Letter of Offer confirming the details of agreed transaction.
- Due Diligence
After an offer has been accepted, the buyer conducts due diligence on the property.
In addition to conducting an official search on the tittle at the land’s offices, they also engage a licensed surveyor to ascertain that the land size and boundaries indicated on the deed plan match what’s on the ground. Also, the purchaser checks whether the vendor has paid all outstanding land rates and land rents.
The documents required from the vendor for due diligence include;
- Title deed
- Approved plan
- NEMA Approvals
- NCA Approvals
- Certificate of incorporation if vendor is a company
- ID if seller is an individual
- Contract Stage
If due diligence is successful, buyer then instructs advocate to proceed.
The procedure may vary slightly depending on whether one is buying a complete property (ready for occupation), land or an off-plan property. The main difference is the payment term.
Buyer signs the letter of offer as a sign of assurance to transact. Normally the turnaround period for signing the Letter of Offer is between 7 to 14 days from the date of issue.
Some letters of offer demand that buyers pay a down payment / deposit of at least 10% of the purchase price immediately after signing it.
In this case, the deposit is held by the sellers advocates as stakeholders pending completion of the transaction in accordance with the terms of the sale agreement. Alternatively, the buyer and seller can mutually agree to open a joint account mandating both their advocates to oversee the purchase fund until completion of a sale.
- It is important to note that in Kenya, Letter of Offer are always subjected to contract and not treated as legally binding contract but rather a part that in principle, both parties have accepted to deal at an agreed price.
- Execution of sales agreement
Transaction only becomes legally binding after signing the sales Agreement.
Buyers will normally forfeit a percentage or all of the deposit if the default or are refunded the said deposit if the seller is unable to complete the transaction.
Execution of sale agreement is done by both parties consenting to it.
Execution under the relevant Kenyan law consist of the person appending his/her signature or affixing his/her thumb print or other mark as evidence of personal acceptance of the instrument
Execution of sales agreement outside Kenya is permitted, however the same should be endorsed on it or have attached to it a certificate in the prescribed form, completed by the judge, magistrate, notary public, commission of oaths.
- Completion of sale
On completion date, buyer is required to pay full balance of the purchase price in exchange for the completion document from the seller.
Similarly, buyers opting for mortgage funding on the balance of purchase price, must provide an irrevocable undertaking / bank guarantee issued by their banks advocate to the seller’s advocate.
Once the buyers’ advocates are in receipt of the completion documents, they make arrangements for the property to be assessed for stamp duty by the government valuer and subsequently stamping of transfer documents.
Thereafter, they proceed to lodge the property for registration in favor for the buyer. After the registration process, the seller advocate is legally permitted to release the full proceeds of the sale to the seller.
Consequently, the buyer is officially handed over possession of the property and becomes the new legal owner.
Cherd Africa
Kenya
Cherd Africa
BUILDING IN KENYA
BUILDING PLAN APPROVAL PROCESS IN KENYA
All developments must obtain approval prior to the commencement of construction.
There are 3 main agencies that are involved in the approvals
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County Government
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National Environmental Management Authority (NEMA)
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National Construction Authority (NCA)
Step 1
Obtaining a survey plan from Survey Kenya
- One is to visit the survey of Kenya offices in the ministry of land departments to obtain a survey plan. (It’s required when applying for building permit)
- You the proceed to request for folio Registry Number. (This provides proof for land ownership.)
- You proceed to pay for folio registry number search and confirm availability of survey plan.
Step 2
Obtaining project report from an environment expert
Once the survey plan has been obtained, a licensed environment expert must be hired to prepare a project report to be submitted to NEMA.
Step 3
Obtaining approval from NEMA
The developer has to obtain approval from NEMA.
An Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is carried out.
STEP 4
Submitting and obtaining approval of architectural plans from County Government
The structural engineer submits all the structural and architectural drawings to be approved using an online platform eDevelopment permit system
The required documents to be submitted are
- The proposed development
- A survey plan from survey Kenya
- Ownership documents
- Up-To-date rates payment receipts
- Structural plans
Step 5
Obtaining stamp on architectural and structural plans from County Government
Once the plan has been approved, the architect must submit hard copies of the plan to be stamped at the county office.
The engineer must also do the same after the architect plans have been stamped.
With approved drawings, construction may start while the application for a building permit is being processed.
Step 6
Applying for project registration with the National Construction Authority (NCA)
The building company then has to register the proposed construction project with NCA.
The contractor selected to carry out the construction work must be registered by the NCA and must have renewed their license for the current financial year.
To register the proposed construction project with NCA, the contractor is required to fill a project registration form and upon submission of the application the contractor receives temporary certificate that
testifies the registration is under process.
They then submit he project registration form for the authority with the below documents
- Approved architectural and structural drawings
- NEMA certificate
- Bill of quantities
- Client and Contractor signed contract documents
- Contractors’ registration certificate
- Quantity surveyors practicing Certificate
- Architects practicing Certificate
- Engineers Practicing Certificate
- Clients KRA Certificate
Step 7
On-site visit by NCA
Once the application has been made, there is a site inspection to check for compliance of the construction site against the approved plans and the NEMA clearance.
Step 8
Obtaining of preliminary compliance certificate and compliance certificate
A provisional certificate of compliance valid for 90days will then be issued to the applicant. If later there are no violations of compliance. Then the final compliance certificate will be issued.
As you can see its not a very easy process, so why can’t you purchase a ready home to avoid all the hustle? We have ready mansionattes and bungalows in Kitengela.Contact us on 0724125605.
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Kitengela! ‘The haven gateway for Nairobians’
You’ve heard of Kite! Kite! But what is Kite Or where is Kite?
Kite in full is Kitengela, a plain in Kenya located in Kajiado county 30km South of Nairobi Town, it is part of the Nairobi metropolitan area. It begun as Kitengela group ranch, made up of 18,292 ha & 214 registered members which was subdivided in 1988 in efforts by the government to encourage private land ownership in pastoral systems, with the aim of intensifying and commercializing livestock production. After subdivisions of the group ranch, fragmentation and sales have continued steady and escalating pace population has more than doubled in the last 10years.
So why is everyone moving to Kitengela?
Residents describe Kitengela as ‘having the best of both worlds’ given its proximity to the city but easy going, slow paced rural feel as well as the friendly collaborative nature of the resident population.
Kitengela is growing quickly and is expanding with a huge influx of middle class Nairobians who have built lovely gated communities i.e., Milimani Homes and Acacia Premier Villas, and businesses in an unprecedented construction boom.
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Its Surrounding
Kitengela boarders the amazing Nairobi National Park. It also has Kitengela game conservator’s area populated with buffaloes, Maasai giraffe, eastern black rhino etc. Near Kitengela town is the Maasai Ostrich Park, a fairly popular tourist destination 7 km off Nairobi city. Who wouldn’t want to live near such a place where you can see the wild in their natural habitat?
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Investment opportunities
Kitengela is a prime location for those who want to invest. It offers affordable land and houses for sale and since the population in the area is growing day in day out it has opened more opportunities for other businesses in the area, so if you are a business person visit Kitengela and decide on what will work best for you because there are many assured opportunities in the area.
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Financial institutions and saccos
A lot of financial institutions have flooded the town to finance the constructions, home buyers as well as cater to the soaring middle-class people.
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Restaurants and fun places
Kitengela is most famous for its ‘Nyama choma’ a Kenyan delicacy. Within a radius of one kilometer, one is simply spoilt for choice, from eateries with manicured lawns and clean swimming pools, or taverns with heavy, hazy, air from the roasting meat. There are a couple of night clubs in Kitengela. Some of the common restaurants and clubs include GMC, Yukos, Enkare, Pavilion lounge, club 034 a 5-star club nestled in an aeroplane and may more. It also has chicken inn for the chicken and other fast-food lovers.
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Learning institution
As population has boomed, so has it wide variety of high-end schools and universities
Some of the schools include; Acacia crest, Orchard school, and Kitengela international.
Some of the universities include; KCA university, Kitengela Institute of Management Studies, East African University
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Shopping centers
Almost every ‘plot’ in Kitengela has a shop serving residents. In spite of this fact and thanks to growing middle class, big time supermarkets like Eastmatt, Acacia and Naivas have been able to effectively penetrate the market. Residents also get to enjoy fresh produces from the farms like kienyeji veges, fruits, ndumas etc.
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Security
Kitengela’s main police station is right on Namanga road just before you enter the town from Nairobi. Many people refer to it as ‘Roadblock’. There is also an AP camp right next to Kitengela open air market so you don’t have to worry about insecurities.
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Transport
Kitengela relies mostly on road transport and its vast road networks. The area is served by the Nairobi -Namanga highway. The nearest railway station is the Syokimau railway station and is also served by Jomo Kenyatta International Airport. With the construction and completion of Isinya -Pipeline Road, as well as the ongoing construction of the Mlolongo- Waiyaki way expressway, as well as Konza city metropolis nearby, Kitengela is poised to experience even more growth development.
To get to Kitengela
If you are using public means and you are coming from Nairobi Town Centre, board a bus or matatu number 110 from the railways bus terminus or bus station. It’s a 30minutes drive when traffic is clear.
So, what’s stopping you from relocating to Kitengela? If you are looking for affordable housing look no further Cherd Africa offers you the best mansionattes and bungalows for sale. Contact us on 0724125605 or 0734315336
Why choose flat roof houses
Advantages and disadvantages of flat roofs
Every home buyer has a vision for his/her dream home, a flat roof could be a perfect choice for you. Although they require more attention, anyone can have a functional beautiful flat roof with the right builder. If you are planning to buy or build one, it is essential to know flat roof advantages and disadvantages
Advantages
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Provide extra space
Flat roof houses have added space at the top that homeowners or builders can play with by turning into a mini garden, entertainment area, Terrance, a rooftop lounge area or gazebo.
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Cool houses
Flat roofed houses are always cool houses. The reflective colors and sealer protect the building from heat buildup and harmful UV rays while roofing materials and membranes reduce temperatures inside the house. That’s why flat roofed houses are preferred in hot areas like Kitengela.
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More Accessible
They are easier to climb up to inspect and are much safer and substantially more stable.
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Flat roofs are durable
If durability is important to you, the flat roof is just the system for you. Flat roof is water resistant and also holds against heavy winds. They also have fewer damages and repair cost over lifespan of the roof
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Privacy
Flat roofs offer privacy and conducive space for outdoor activities and sleeping.
Disadvantages
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Maintenance
Flat roofs often require more maintenance throughout the life of the roof. The drainage requires regular inspection to prevent clogging which might lead to damage and leaks.
