Westgate Shopping Mall stands as one of Nairobi's most significant retail landmarks, representing both the city's commercial ambitions and its remarkable capacity for recovery. Located along Mwanzi Road in the upscale Westlands division, this shopping complex has become synonymous with resilience, having overcome one of Kenya's most tragic events to re-emerge as a premier shopping destination. Historical...

By Makaobora Team | Architecture & History Standing prominently at the corner of Kenyatta Avenue and Kimathi Street, the distinctive red-brick building now housing Stanbic Bank represents a significant chapter in Nairobi's architectural evolution. Originally built as Torr's Hotel in the late 1920s, this structure holds multiple historical distinctions that have been the subject of much...

The Case for Proper Pinning Techniques in Construction In Kenya's rapidly growing construction industry, masonry remains the dominant building method for residential and commercial structures. However, a common practice during walling continues to undermine the structural integrity and longevity of buildings across the country: the overuse of mortar to fill gaps between masonry units. This seemingly...

Building a perimeter wall is one of the first critical steps for property owners in Kenya looking to secure their land. Whether you've purchased a plot in Nairobi, Kiambu, Machakos, or any other region, understanding the materials, costs, and construction process is essential for proper budgeting and execution. This comprehensive guide breaks down everything you need to know about constructing a...

Making Informed Decisions Based on Facts and Research The choice between river sand and volcanic sand for plastering has become one of the most debated topics in Kenya's construction industry. With river sand becoming increasingly scarce and volcanic sand (commonly known as black sand) emerging as an affordable alternative, contractors and homeowners need factual information to make the right decision....

In Kenya's rapidly urbanizing landscape, a controversial construction practice has emerged that challenges established building regulations and urban planning principles. "Building beacon to beacon" refers to the practice where developers construct structures right to the edges of their property boundaries, marked by survey beacons. In its most extreme form, this approach sees the outer walls of a house...

When considering building a home in Kenya, most people immediately think of concrete, stone, and brick—the traditional materials that dominate our urban and rural landscapes. But should timber construction be on your radar? This comprehensive analysis examines whether wood and timber house construction makes sense in the Kenyan context, presenting facts, challenges, and opportunities. The Current State...

Biodigester systems have emerged as a modern alternative to traditional septic tanks in Kenya, offering an eco-friendly solution for waste management in areas without access to municipal sewerage systems. With Kenya Bureau of Standards developing biogas standards (KS 2951:2022) in 2022 and NEMA approving biodigester systems for domestic and commercial use, these systems have gained significant traction...

Imagine investing millions of shillings into your dream home, only to step back after completion and realize something feels fundamentally wrong. The proportions are off. The building looks squat, heavy, or awkwardly top-heavy. This is the unfortunate reality for many Kenyan homeowners who overlooked a simple but crucial design principle: the parapet wall to superstructure height ratio. Hidden roof...

The concrete slump test remains one of the most critical quality control procedures on Kenyan construction sites. With recent concerns about building collapses and substandard construction materials making headlines across the country, understanding and properly conducting this simple yet vital test has never been more important. In Kenya's rapidly growing construction sector, where the government...

The Critical Transition Between Substructure and Superstructure In Kenyan construction, one of the most critical yet frequently overlooked stages is the transition between your building's substructure and superstructure. This isn't just another construction step—it's the foundation of your building's long-term health, structural integrity, and livability. Before you lay a single block on your...

In Kenya's rapidly evolving construction industry, one trade can make or break your entire project: plumbing. While architects design stunning facades and structural engineers ensure buildings stand tall, poor plumbing work lurks behind walls and beneath floors, waiting to unleash costly disasters. For project managers, architects, and engineers overseeing construction in Kenya, understanding why plumbing...

If you've been contemplating switching to solar power in Kenya, you've probably asked yourself the critical question: Will I actually save money on my electricity bills, or am I just paying for reliable backup during power outages? This comprehensive analysis examines the real costs, actual savings, and the often-overlooked value of energy redundancy in the Kenyan context. We'll break down the numbers,...

The Kenyan construction industry, affectionately known as "mjengo," is experiencing unprecedented growth. With mega-projects like the Nairobi Expressway, affordable housing initiatives, and expanding infrastructure across the country, opportunities abound for young professionals. However, the reality is far from the glossy career brochures. Success in this field requires resilience, strategic thinking, and...

Kenya's construction industry has experienced remarkable growth in recent years, with the sector expanding by 3.8 percent in Q3 2024 and contributing significantly to the country's economic development. As the industry continues to evolve, understanding the different types of construction projects becomes essential for developers, investors, contractors, and property owners alike. Whether you're...

Understanding the Causes, Effects, and Solutions to Foundation Water Seepage in Kenya Picture this: You walk into your living room one morning and notice paint peeling from the lower sections of your walls. There's a musty smell in the air, and when you touch the wall, it feels damp and cold. These are telltale signs that water is seeping through your foundation into your walls—a widespread problem...

Plastering is one of the most critical finishing works in any construction project in Kenya. Whether you're building a residential home in Nairobi, a commercial property in Mombasa, or a bungalow in Kisumu, proper plastering ensures your walls are smooth, durable, and ready for painting. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about wall plastering work in the Kenyan context. What is...

  Have you ever stepped into your bathroom after someone else's shower, only to find yourself navigating a minefield of puddles and wet surfaces? That frustrating moment when your socks get soaked or you're forced to tiptoe around water just to use the toilet? You're not alone. This common annoyance is exactly why modern bathroom design in Kenya is embracing a smarter approach: the separation of...

When it comes to roofing your Kenyan home, few materials command attention quite like ceramic roofing tiles. Their distinctive Mediterranean elegance, timeless appeal, and undeniable curb appeal make them a premium choice that transforms any structure into an architectural statement. But how do ceramic tiles truly compare to other roofing options available in Kenya when we factor in cost, labour...

In Kenya's rapidly growing construction industry, where high-rise buildings continue to reshape Nairobi's skyline and infrastructure projects span from Mombasa to Kisumu, the quality of concrete work determines the difference between structures that last decades and those that crumble prematurely. At the heart of achieving superior concrete quality lies an essential piece of equipment that many Kenyan...