Construction

When purchasing land in Kenya, many buyers rush to focus on the title deed, location, or price. While those are absolutely critical, there’s another factor that can make or break your investment: access to water and electricity. Before signing any deal, this should be one of your top priorities. 1. Why Utilities Matter More Than You Think Imagine buying a piece of land at a bargain price,...

In the world of construction, setting out is one of the most crucial steps. It is the process of transferring the dimensions of a building plan onto the ground so that construction can begin. Simply put, it’s about marking the exact position where your walls, columns, and foundation will stand. In Kenya, where land is valuable and building approvals are strict, a single mistake during setting out can...

In Kenya, building a home is one of the biggest milestones in life. While buying a ready-made house seems convenient, constructing your own gives you freedom over design, cost, and location. But the process isn’t as simple as buying land and calling fundis—it requires permits, budgeting, and good planning. This guide walks you through the step-by-step process of building a house in Kenya, including...

Kenya’s real estate landscape is undergoing a transformative shift, with mixed-use developments emerging as a game-changer in urban living. These integrated communities, blending residential, commercial, and recreational spaces, are redefining how Kenyans live, work, and play. From Nairobi’s bustling suburbs to satellite towns along major highways, the live-work-play model is gaining traction, driven...

Kenya’s Affordable Housing Program (AHP), a cornerstone of the government’s Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda, continues to reshape the nation’s real estate landscape in 2025. Launched to address the chronic housing deficit—estimated at 2 million units, with an annual demand of 250,000 homes—the program aims to deliver 200,000 units yearly, targeting 1 million homes over five years. With...

A Journey to Sagrada Familia: An Architectural Marvel That Redefines Majesty By Pauline Njoroge for Makao Bora Blog Having visited some of the world’s most renowned cathedrals, including the awe-inspiring St. Peter’s Basilica and the Sistine Chapel in Rome, I thought I’d seen the pinnacle of architectural and artistic brilliance. I genuinely believed no other church could surpass those...

Kenya’s Affordable Housing Drive Under President Ruto: Public vs. Private Sector – Who Can Deliver More Efficiently Kenya’s affordable housing initiative, a flagship program under President William Ruto’s administration, aims to deliver 500,000 affordable homes by 2027 to tackle the country’s housing deficit of approximately 2 million units. Originally launched in 2018 by former President Uhuru...

Nairobi’s upmarket neighborhoods like Runda, Muthaiga, and Lavington have long been prime real estate hubs, attracting high-income tenants, including expatriates working with NGOs and international aid organizations. However, a recent policy shift in the United States under President Donald Trump has sent ripples through Kenya’s property market, creating uncertainty for landlords. In this...

Nestled on Kimathi Street in the heart of Nairobi's bustling CBD, the Nation Centre stands as buth a landmark and a testament to cultural inspiration. This building, with its striking design, has caught the eyes of many, not just for its functionality but for its unique embodiment of traditional African aesthetics. Back in the mid-1990s when the Nation Centre was built, you could spot its unique twin...

Gypsum boards, commonly known as drywall or plasterboard, have become a popular choice in the construction and interior design industry. With their versatility, ease of installation, and excellent finish, gypsum boards offer numerous benefits that make them ideal for various applications. In this post, we will explore what gypsum boards are, their advantages, types, and tips for installation. What is...

People who want to take the next step toward sustainable living are going for energy-efficient options like cob houses that are inexpensive to build and look aesthetically pleasing.   Cob houses are built using clay, a mixture of sand and straw, lending eco-friendly credentials when compared to modern materials like brick and mortar. Moreover, they are recyclable and...

This is a detailed design layout of a concrete kitchen island. The design includes various labeled components, such as a cast-in counter slab, tap, sink, storage drawers, under-sink cupboard, and a dishwasher. Here are some key dimensions provided in the image:   - Overall length: 3300 mm - Height: 900 mm - Width of each section: 620 mm - Height of the counter slab: 100 mm - Depth of...

Choosing other roof structures with timber trusses has already become the standard choice for building construction, especially for residential buildings. When it comes to the roof, there is no doubt that there is a need for stable and high-quality structure, and the roof trusses offer a number of advantages in this regard, as compared to, for example, traditional rafter solutions. Timber trusses are...

There are three main approval stages in the building plan approvals in Kenya. Namely: A) County Government Approvals B) NEMA Approvals C) Project Registration by National Construction Authority (NCA)   1.COUNTY GOVERNMENT APPROVALS REQUIREMENTS -Architectural drawings behind them a registered Architect/Firm by BORAQS. -Structural drawings behind them a registered Structural...

A lintel beam (or simply lintel) is a structural element placed above doors, windows, or other openings in a building. Its main purpose is to support the weight of the wall or structure above the opening and distribute that load to the sides, preventing the wall from collapsing under the weight.   Lintel beams can be made from various materials such as:   Concrete (reinforced with...

The National Construction Authority (NCA) has ordered the removal of a plane that was installed on a building under construction in Utawala. According to the directive posted on the building's wall by NCA, there was a structure overload with the installation of the plane. In videos and photos doing rounds on social media, the building is a three-storey building with most of the construction work...

  We  offer one of the most innovative building solutions that exist today, known as the geoDOME and geoCABIN.  Our product geoDOME is a dome shape housing solution made of FRP that can be assembled in less than a day, with significantly low costs, but nevertheless lasts for more than 50 years.  They are suitable for...

Although, for building construction requires lots of time and it is tedious work, yet its result is a permanent asset for us. Therefore, care should be taken in building construction process. Before planning, building construction projects must consider important aspects like the purpose of construction, utility, financial proficiency, the demand for work, etc.  As the decision of building construction...

In Kenya, as in many parts of the world, the design and planning of commercial interiors go beyond aesthetics, focusing significantly on functionality, cultural relevance, and user experience. Here's a dissection into how different commercial spaces in Kenya are tailored to meet these needs:   Hospitals The interior design of hospitals in Kenya is driven by the need for efficiency, hygiene,...

When embarking on the journey of building your dream home, one of the critical aspects to consider is the finishing design. This stage not only breathes life into the architectural blueprint but also defines the aesthetic and functional essence of your space.   Here's how the timing of your involvement can significantly impact the outcome: The Optimal Moment: The Initial Brief The best time...