Blog

As a citizen of Kenya, understanding the different types of court cases handled by our judicial system is essential. It empowers you to know your legal rights, understand potential consequences of various disputes, and navigate the justice system effectively. This comprehensive guide explores all major types of cases handled by Kenyan courts, the courts that hear them, and the possible consequences for...

The tragedy that unfolded at St. Kizito Mixed Secondary School in Meru County on the night of July 13, 1991, remains one of the most devastating incidents ever recorded in Kenya's education sector. More than three decades later, the event continues to be remembered as a painful reminder of the consequences of unchecked violence, poor school governance, inadequate student welfare systems, and failures in...

Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) demands highly specialized medical infrastructure. Ebola Treatment Units (ETUs) or Ebola Treatment Centres (ETCs) are purpose-engineered facilities designed to contain one of the most infectious pathogens while protecting healthcare workers and surrounding communities. Core Architectural and Design Principles of Ebola Quarantine and Treatment...

On the early morning of May 28, 2026, a tragedy of monumental proportions struck Utumishi Girls Academy in Gilgil, Nakuru County. A dormitory fire claimed the lives of 16 students, traumatized hundreds more, and brought overwhelming grief to Kenya's police fraternity and the nation at large. The Meline Waithera Block, housing 220 students from Grade 10, Form 3 and Form 4, became the site of one of Kenya's...

Safaricom’s bold move to merge its popular M-PESA and MySafaricom apps into a single platform, My OneApp, has left many loyal customers scratching their heads — and some reaching for the “uninstall” button. Launched in early April 2026, My OneApp was designed as a unified “super app” bringing together mobile money, airtime, data bundles, Bonga points, fibre management,...

The nightmare scenario plays out with devastating regularity across Kenya: a family discovers that the land they purchased—perhaps through years of savings, perhaps from their diaspora earnings—is actually public land, riparian land, or worse, was never the seller's to sell in the first place. The title deed looked genuine. The seller seemed legitimate. The transaction appeared aboveboard. Yet now they...

The Crisis of Architectural Identity in National Heritage Don't get me wrong—Kenya's State House looks good, no doubt. The recent renovations have produced a building that is undeniably handsome, polished, and modern. Only if it were another building—a hotel, a university, or a random office block—would this transformation be universally celebrated. But therein lies the fundamental problem that...

The transition from the comfort of a parental home to the autonomy of your own space is a rite of passage for many young Kenyans. In Nairobi, this move is often fueled by a desire for independence or the necessity of a shorter commute to a new job. However, the "Nairobi cold" hits differently when you are the one paying for the blankets—and the rent, and the electricity, and the 20-shilling water...

In the Kenyan real estate world, we often talk about "modern finishes," "ample parking," and "borehole water." But there is one room that truly defines the quality of a home—or the trauma of a childhood: the toilet. Kenya’s "toilet tales" are a rite of passage. They are stories of survival, legendary smells, and the absolute audacity of urban planning. At Makaobora, we believe that understanding...

In the high-stakes world of Nairobi real estate, "demolition" is the most terrifying word in the dictionary. But in May 2014, the residents of South B witnessed a plot twist that felt less like a government operation and more like a Hollywood thriller. This is the story of how a mobile phone—and a very specific legal shield—silenced the roar of bulldozers threatening homes worth tens of millions of...

In Kenya, the relationship between a landlord and a tenant is less of a business contract and more of a complex, high-stakes psychological thriller. One day you are the "valued client," and the next, you are a fugitive being hunted for a 200-shilling "garbage fee" you forgot in 2022. At Makaobora, we believe a home should be a sanctuary. But for many Kenyans, home is a place where the walls have ears, the...

A Detailed Guide for Kenyan Homes, Developers, and Real Estate Investors Staircases are one of the most important yet often underestimated components in building design. Beyond simply connecting different levels, stairs influence space planning, safety, cost, and architectural appeal. In Kenya’s fast-growing real estate sector—especially in urban areas like Nairobi, Kiambu, Kisumu, and...

Roles, Education, Industry Practice, and Earning Guidelines The construction and real estate sectors in Kenya continue to expand rapidly, driven by urbanization, infrastructure development, and housing demand. At the core of every successful project are two key professionals: architects and civil engineers. Although they often work together, their roles, training, and earning structures...

For a long time, the "Kenyan Dream" of real estate was simple: buy a plot, build some "flat" apartments, and wait for the rent. But as we move through 2026, the market is sending a clear message: the era of generic residential units is cooling. High vacancy rates in oversupplied suburbs like Kilimani or parts of Kikuyu have pushed savvy investors to look elsewhere. The real money today isn't in...

The slope of drainage pipes is one of the most critical yet frequently misunderstood aspects of plumbing system design and installation. While it may seem like a minor detail, the gradient at which pipes are installed fundamentally determines whether a drainage system will function reliably for decades or suffer from chronic clogs, backups, and costly maintenance issues. This comprehensive guide explores...

In an increasingly connected world where international travel and global commerce are commonplace, understanding the diversity of electrical power socket standards has never been more important. Whether you're a seasoned traveler, an international business professional, an engineer working on global products, or simply curious about why your phone charger won't work in certain countries, this comprehensive...

Dams are among humanity's most impressive infrastructure achievements, serving critical functions in water storage, flood control, irrigation, and hydroelectric power generation. Understanding the different types of dams is essential for engineers, environmental professionals, and anyone interested in water resource management. This comprehensive guide explores the main classifications of dams based on...

As the global construction industry faces an unprecedented sand shortage, with consumption estimated at 40 to 50 billion tons annually for construction alone, a paradox emerges: why can't we use the vast quantities of desert sand that cover approximately 19 million square miles of Earth's surface? This article examines the technical, economic, and environmental realities of using desert sand in...

Bridges represent some of humanity's most impressive engineering achievements, enabling transportation networks to overcome physical obstacles like rivers, valleys, and roadways. Understanding the different types of bridges is essential for construction professionals, civil engineers, and anyone interested in infrastructure development. This comprehensive guide examines six fundamental bridge types: beam...

From Colonial Exclusivity to Regional Healthcare Leader The Nairobi Hospital stands as one of East Africa's most iconic medical institutions, with a history spanning over seven decades. The foundation stone was laid on October 20, 1952, by Sir Evelyn Baring, the Governor of the Colony of Kenya, on the same day he signed a declaration of emergency that led to the arrest of many freedom fighters. The...