When two of Nairobi’s most iconic 5-star hotels—the InterContinental Nairobi (closed in 2020) and Hilton Nairobi (closed in 2022)—shut down operations, many expected a quick sale or new investors to jump in. Yet, years later, neither property has found a buyer.Why? Below is an in-depth look at the real reasons behind the prolonged stagnation. 1. Outdated Buildings Requiring Massive...

Modern construction is rapidly changing, and one of the most transformative shifts is the move from traditional on-site building to prefabrication and modular construction. In Kenya and globally, developers, homeowners, and contractors are increasingly adopting these methods to reduce cost, save time, and improve quality. This article explains what these technologies are, how they work, their benefits...

Shared office spaces with common reception, boardrooms, printers, kitchens, high-speed Wi-Fi, and flexible leasing are becoming the go-to solution for startups, freelancers, SMEs, and NGOs across Kenya. They solve the biggest pain point: professional workspaces without the cost burden of setting up an entire office. 1️⃣ Why Shared Offices Are Increasingly Viable in Kenya ✔ Rising cost of...

Kenya’s Affordable Housing Programme (AHP) is reshaping the country’s housing landscape by offering modern, decent, and financially accessible homes to low- and middle-income citizens. Yet many potential homeowners are still unsure about how allocation works, who qualifies, and what it actually costs. This comprehensive MakaoBora.com guide breaks everything down clearly. 1. What Is the...

Kenya’s housing landscape is changing fast. As cities expand vertically and satellite towns boom horizontally, one question keeps appearing in every homebuyer’s mind: “Should I buy or live in an apartment, or should I build a stand-alone house?” The answer is not universal. Both options come with unique benefits depending on one’s budget, lifestyle, long-term plans, and investment...

In Kenya, land rent and land rates are both mandatory property-related payments — but they apply in very different situations. Confusing the two can lead to penalties, delays in title processing, or problems during land sales and transfers. Below is a breakdown that cuts through the jargon: 1. Land Rent (Payable to the National Government) ✔ Applies ONLY to leasehold land✔ Managed by:...

Tin houses—made with corrugated iron sheets (mabati) on both the roof and walls—are among the quickest and most affordable housing solutions in Kenya. When built correctly, they can be durable, comfortable, and weather-resistant. This guide explains everything you need to know about planning, materials, construction steps, safety, cost, and maintenance. 1. Why People Build Tin...

In an era where construction costs are rising, climate change is intensifying, and urban waste is piling up, the building industry is turning to a powerful but often overlooked solution: reusing building materials. From reclaimed timber to salvaged steel, recycled stone, roofing sheets, doors, windows, tiles, concrete blocks, and even entire structural elements — adaptive reuse is reshaping how...

The Unsung Hero of Fresh Indoor Air When we think about plumbing, most people imagine water pipes, taps, toilets, and drainage lines. But hidden silently within your walls or running up the outside of your building is one of the most important — yet most ignored — plumbing components: the breather pipe, also known as a vent pipe or soil vent pipe (SVP). It doesn’t carry water. It doesn’t look...

Modifying a natural stone wall — especially one built with quarry stone, machine-cut stone, or random rubble masonry — is major structural work. Stone walls depend heavily on mass, bonding, and mortar interlock for stability, so careless cutting can weaken the entire wall or cause collapse. Below is what every homeowner, mason, architect, or fundi must understand before attempting such...

Rammed earth is re-emerging as a serious contender in sustainable, low-carbon construction. Simple in concept but exacting in detail, rammed earth walls combine compressed natural materials with careful workmanship to produce durable, thermally efficient, and beautiful buildings. This article explains the history, materials, construction methods, design and engineering considerations, costs, advantages...

A Practical, Honest Breakdown Buying through a mortgage can be one of the best financial decisions you ever make — or a long-term burden that locks you into stress. Here’s how to know the difference. ✅ WHEN A MORTGAGE IS WORTH IT 1️⃣ When rent is eating your money Rent never stops and has zero return.If your rent is, say, KSh 35,000–70,000 per month, a mortgage could cost...

Sarit Centre isn’t just another shopping mall—you could call it Nairobi’s original blueprint for modern retail culture. Long before Kenya embraced mega-malls and mixed-use developments, Sarit Centre was already redefining what an enclosed, all-in-one shopping experience could look like. Opened in April 1983 after construction began in 1981, it arrived at a time when Westlands was...

Assumptions: Bungalow size: ~120 m² (common 3-bedroom footprint) Soil: Typical (not extreme rocky or black-cotton requiring highly deep foundation) Foundation type: Reinforced strip foundation + footing + base slab Material & labour prices in line with 2025 input cost indices Cost Drivers & Data Points: Construction Input Price Index (CIPI) for Q2 2025...

If you’ve spent time on a construction site in Kenya, you’ve probably heard fundis and site supervisors mention the word “Neeru” (often pronounced “Niru”). Many first assume it's “nil” —but in construction, Neeru refers to a very specific finishing technique that plays a big role in the final appearance and durability of walls. What Is Neeru Plaster? Neeru plaster is a smooth...

Real estate development is more than just putting up housing units—it is the science of placing the right building, in the right neighbourhood, for the right market, supported by adequate amenities that protect long-term value. With urbanization accelerating and Kenyan cities rapidly densifying, the need for thoughtful, data-driven development has never been more urgent. Whether you are planning...

Walk across any Kenyan neighbourhood — from Syokimau to Ruiru, Embakasi to Eldoret — and one structure stands out on skylines everywhere: the water tank tower. Perched high above homes, schools, factories, and farms, these towers silently power daily life, ensuring water pressure, reliability, and resilience. Yet behind these familiar silhouettes is a sophisticated blend of engineering, safety...

In modern Kenyan real estate, particularly in mid- to high-end segments, the heated swimming pool has shifted from a luxury indulgence to a strategic value driver. Developers today are asking a crucial question: Does a heated pool justify its cost, and does it significantly enhance project value? This article breaks down heated pools from a developer’s perspective — focusing on financial returns,...

What Is a Skillion Roof? A skillion roof (also known as a shed roof, mono-pitched roof, or lean-to roof) is a single, sloping surface that’s not attached to another roof surface. Unlike traditional gabled or hipped roofs, which have two or more slopes meeting at a ridge, a skillion features only one plane slanting in a single direction — giving it a clean, minimalist, and modern look. Skillion roofs...

In modern bathrooms, the shower head has become more than a functional fitting—it’s a design centerpiece and a key contributor to comfort, efficiency, and personal wellness. Yet the journey to this point spans thousands of years, shaped by technological innovation, shifting lifestyles, and global efforts to conserve water. Here’s a deep dive into how shower heads evolved and what today’s...