Owning a house in Kenya is one of major landmarks in an individual’s life. It does not matter whether one is rich or poor when it comes to dreaming of owning a house in Kenya. Kenyans take pride in their houses. Even those who are paid peanuts build mabati houses for their use. However, there is another route to take that can enable you get the house you previously only imagined living in. Mortgages in Kenya are fairly new phenomena. This is surprising given that a good number of Kenyans pay huge sums in the form of rent. But as more Kenyans take measures to achieve their resident goals, more banks and companies in Kenya are expanding their mortgage lending.

Kenya Commercial Bank is at the forefront when it comes to mortgages in Kenya. It partners with various companies in Kenya to provide not only loans for plots but also loans for construction of houses anywhere in Kenya. The KCB loans in Kenya available include home loans, mortgage plus, commercial loans, special scheme loans, estate development loans, investment group loans and Diaspora home loans. This caters for individual, groups and companies needs. The repayment period of the KCB loans in Kenya usually stretches up to twenty five years.

KCB in Kenya has gone a step further to help its clients achieve their goals. A mortgage agent is in place to talk to Kenyans who want to apply for a mortgage. The KCB website in Kenya, kcbbankgroup.com, is full of intensive information on the application process and the various requirements of the different types of mortgages available in Kenya. KCB also provides the names and contacts of various construction companies in Kenya willing to construct your dream house under the mortgage repayment. Up to 80 percent financial loan in Kenya is offered in many cases.

The beauty of KCB mortgages in Kenya is that they are not rigid. KCB understands that Kenyans may face trying times that may dissuade them from repaying their mortgage loan as stipulated. Sudden death, accidents, sickness or school fees may interfere with repayment plans of the KCB loans in Kenya. When this happens, Kenyans are advised to talk to their KCB agent in Kenya to chart a way forward and find a more suitable payment solution.

So how does one go about getting a KCB mortgage loan?

The first step of getting a KCB mortgage loan in Kenya is doing your research on the qualification process. Some types of loans in Kenya require minimal stipulations while others have more requirements. The second step is deciding how much your home is likely to cost in Kenya. This is of course according to your preference. Once you decide on the cost, talk to a construction company of your choice in Kenya or one listed on the KCB website in Kenya to find out whether they can work with you. Talk to a KCB mortgage agent in any KCB bank in Kenya and go over your mortgage plan. This is the point where you ask questions related to your mortgage loan in Kenya.

The next step of course is to wait for your dream home to become a reality. Yes, owning a home in Kenya is made possible through the provision of mortgage loans. Why not visit a KCB branch near you or the KCB website www.kcbbankgroup.com to find out more information? Remember, you should not wait until you are much older to start thinking about owning your own house in Kenya. In fact, with a twenty year repayment plan in Kenya, the sooner you start the faster you will own your own home in Kenya.

In Kenya, people live with the fear of being victims of thieves. This is especially the case in Nairobi town. When you live in Kenya, you quickly discover that not everyone has good intentions. There are those who thrive in stealing from fellow Kenyans. Thieves in Kenya are a nuisance, and the rise in mob justice in Kenya signifies that Kenyans are tired of waiting for the police to act. It may be a lack of evidence or lax laws in Kenya, but somehow soon after a thief is caught he is released back into the society. If you have been on the receiving end of a thief’s actions in Kenya, then you know how much it hurts when something is taken from you by someone who has no right to even touch it in the first place. Harsh economic times in Kenya and increase in criminal activities signal a need to remain vigilant in spotting thieves in Kenya. Some of the thieves in Nairobi even carry shap objects to cut peoples handbags and clothes to access your property. Fortunately there are some signs and places you can look out for especially in Nairobi.

Forget about the face

There is a lot of misconception in Kenya on what a thief is supposed to look like. This misconception is spread in movies and television shows, where thieves are shown to have ugly or mean looking faces. Do not look at the face of someone and assume he cannot be a thief in Nairobi because he is clean-shaven or nice looking. This is one of the areas where looks can really be deceiving. In Nairobi, the experts of stealing are actually very smartly dressed people- especially the new trend in Nairobi is men in suits.

The dress type

If you spot a young man wearing many t-shirts then you should be on alert. You can easily spot this by looking at the neck area. Usually you will see a t-shirt peeping out from under another t-shirt. Thieves in Nairobi wear many layers of clothing so that they will be able to quickly remove the one they were spotted with once they turn a corner. The individual may also have a hat that will most likely cover his facial features so that he cannot be identified.

Type of shoes

Running shoes are the shoes of choice for thieves in Kenya who like to snatch and run. This is because running shoes are light, comfortable and will not cut into their soles when they run from the crowd in Nairobi. The shoes will usually be dirty or well worn as the thief will have spent many hours wearing them. The clothes may be very clean, but the shoes will cause you to wonder why such a smart man would not take care of his shoes.

The stance in Nairobi

A thief in Kenya will be scouting out the area in search of the perfect prey. He may stand as if waiting for someone in a corner that will give him an advantage to see what is going on. His eyes will be darting from side to side as he searches for his prey. Once he identifies his prey, he will then embark on a little stalking as he waits for the opportune time to strike.

What to beware of in Nairobi

Beware of thieves who work in groups. In Nairobi, one person in such a group will suddenly walk up to you and start asking you questions or directions to a place. Then another person will sneak up on you and snatch your property before you realize what is happening.

Another stealing scenario in Kenya is when you are in a matatu. There are those thieves who wait for unsuspecting Kenyans to enter a matatu, and they snatch their bags or phones through the window. This is especially common around Ngara area in Nairobi. During traffic, the street boys and thief keep criss-crossing the roads in search of phones or tablets to snatch and run with. This happens almost every corner of Nairobi. Nairobi residents should beware of the stealing tactics being employed by Kenyans.

Another scenario is when you alight from a vehicle in Nairobi. This is before you arrange your property well or focus on your bearings, a thief snatches some and runs off with them. Areas such as Muthurwa, GPO, Railways roundabout and Tom Mboya Street are areas you need to be especially alert as thieves prefer such crowded areas in Nairobi.

A good way to avoid falling victim to crime in Kenya is to always be on guard in Nairobi. Be aware of your surroundings and the people in it. Be alert to changes but do not become so completely immersed in an unfolding scene that you forget to be alert. It may end up just being a distraction. You may genuinely want to help a person in distress in Kenya, but you should take caution as thieves have developed elaborate systems where they play victims before pouncing on Kenyans. Stay alert and stay safe and remember, if after all your vigilance you are cornered by criminals, your life is worth more than your property at all times.

The current growth of towns that is collectively referred to as urbanization is one good but studies have shown that the faster growth of towns is affecting Kenyans in a number of ways. Many residents that leave the rural areas and move to urban regions end up getting a lot of problems along the way making it hard for them to cope up with the daily busy schedules of life. The following are some of the major challenges that come with urbanization in Kenya.

Lack of Jobs

The larger the number the few chances of securing employment in the largely growing industrial areas of Nairobi and other major towns in Kenya. It has come to the attention of many people that most end up quitting good ideas in the rural centers and moving to urban regions with the intention of finding good well paying jobs. The market is flooded making it hard to get vacancies in the various companies involved.

Air Pollution

Urbanization comes with the growth of industries. It has come to the attention of many people that most industries release a lot of harmful substances to the environment making it hard for the sustaining of plant and animal species. It is advisable that companies and industrial area get better ways of controlling pollution by educating people how to take care of the environment.

Crime

Most people that stay in the urban regions lack good jobs and business that can help them make money and earn a living from their sweat. It is due to the above reasons that many people are ending up in criminal activities and eventually stealing from innocent parties. Crime is more frequent in urban centers and ways need to be derived on how the rate can be controlled.

Diseases

Staying in urban centers can be as well a challenging experience as new residents may end up getting infected with infectious diseases leading to many becoming sick and not having the best medical attention. The physical activity of a person will often change when they move to the urban centers and majority will be forced to have unhealthy nutrition diets.

Buying land in Kenya has been hindered by a lot of factors probably because the respective buyers employ poor mechanisms when it comes to purchasing land. It is important that one becomes careful when looking for ways of purchasing land. From the above, there are various ways that can be considered when buying land at any place in the country. The practice is important in facilitating the measures used to protect innocent people from purchasing unsafe products.

Price

The price of land keeps appreciating each and every day in life. However, some people have gone ahead to take advantage of the practice and ensure that they reap much from innocent Kenyans that have other important things to do and carry out. One should consult with experts from the real estate firms to be sure of buying land at a good price.

History

People should check out on the history of a particular farm for the purposes of ensuring that they surrender the money to the correct people. There has been the growth of huge trends of exploiting and cheating people hence making them buy land that has for a longtime been proven to have a lot of scandals.

Location

Avoid buying large pieces of land in places that have poor levels of security. One should go for places that have stable security and that farming or building around the areas will not be a bad idea for one to invest in. The location should also not be far from the very location areas away from the police departments and urban centers.

Public Receipts and Title deeds

The above documents are important as they act as crucial determinants in identifying the owners of a particular farm. It is therefore important that one should be persistent in demanding  the documents so that they can act as security for land and be used to prove further details in the future.

Voyager beach hotel is a great hotel located in Nyali along Mount Kenya Road off links road, the rooms are spacious and beautiful, the view of Mwanamkuu beach and the sea from the hotel is amazing for space lovers, there is no need to operate the AC in the rooms for breeze is enough in the room, the rooms are spacious and they are attended by cleaners daily. The location of the hotel gives an easy access to sporting facilities, historical and cultural attractions and the hotel hosts entertainment in the evening. The hotel is close to shopping malls like Naivas, close to bars and eateries. For booking call: +254 20 4446651 or visit their website at [email protected].

Kenya Bay beach hotel, it is located in Bamburi beach in Mombasa city. The hotel has 106 superior rooms which are well furnished, each room gives a breathtaking view, the hotel serves variety of buffet every day, it gives the guests a good experience, there is a swimming pool and the staff is welcoming and caring. Kahama hotel, its official postal address is 10626- 80101, Bamburi Mombasa, the rooms of Kahama hotel are very spacious, clean and beautiful, the food is wonderful, the swimming pool is clean and warm, the staff is very professional and caring.

Sarova white sand beach resort it is located along Malindi road in Bamburi Mombasa, the rooms are wonderfully finished with everything you could want for comfortable rest and entertainment, you get a closer view of waterfalls, sandy beach, swaying palms and beautiful gardens. The food is delicious served for breakfast and dinner, the hotel offers evening beach games and live entertainment at night, to book this wonderfull beach hotel call: +254 412 128 000 or email: [email protected].

Sentido palm beach resort the hotel is located along Malindi road in Bamburi beach Mombasa, the rooms have a clear view of the beach all the rooms are well furnished, the rooms have different sizes to suit your need, they are attended daily to ensure cleanliness, Karibu cottages are more spacious and the rooms at the back are quieter. Makwetu resort, it is located in Moyne Bungalow road in Nyali Mombasa. The hotel has big rooms with homely set up, there are one bed roomed rooms and two beds roomed, the rooms are customized to suit the needs of the guest, there are standard rooms with fridge, air conditioners and hair dryers, there are also comfort rooms which contain all that is in standard rooms plus a plasma television and tea and coffee served at your convenience. The food is wonderfully prepared and the experience in the hotel is memorable.

Traveler beach hotel and club, the hotel is found along Malindi road in Bamburi Mambasa city, it is a good choice for those who like peace which comes with quietness, the rooms are lovely with a traditional touch in their finishing and the hotel gives a home experience which is unforgettable. The accommodation has luxurious facilities, telephone, split conditioner and balconies. The food served is very delicious; the hotel staff is friendly and caring for your comfort ability in the hotel.

Outer Ring Road in Nairobi connects Thika Road to Airport North Road at Allsops and Taj Shopping Mall in Nairobi respectively. The Outer Ring Road stretches well over 13 km and serves at least 2 million Nairobi residents. There are many housing estates in Nairobi located along Outer Ring Road. These estates in Nairobi situated along Outer Riing Road in order of location, are:

Ruaraka Estate Towards Thika Super Highway in Nairobi

Ruaraka Estate along Outer Ring Road in Nairobi houses middle class income earners in Kenya. Ruaraka Estate in Nairobi can also be accessed via Thika road and is located approximately 8kms from the City Center of Nairobi. Ruaraka Estate is located close to the Allsops stage in Nairobi.

Kariobangi South Estate in Nairobi

Kariobangi South Estate is located further away from Thika superhighway in Nairobi. Kariobangi South is a rather low income housing estate with both slum dwellings and apartments in Nairobi. Kariobangi south estate was developed shortly after Kariobangi north estate in Nairobi.

Umoja Estate in Nairobi

Umoja Estate in Nairobi is a middle income residential area along Outer Ring Road and it has been divided into 3 sections. There are Umoja I estate, Umoja II estate and Umoja Inner core estate all located along or near the Outer Ring Road in Nairobi. Umoja I estate in Nairobi is located along Outer Ring Road, Umoja II estate, a little inwards off Outer Ring Road while Inner Core estate in Nairobi is furthest from the Outer Ring Road.

Buruburu Estate in Nairobi

Buruburu estate in Nairobi has Phase I estate which is also located along Outer Ring Road, opposite Umoja Estate in Nairobi. The two estates, Umoja and Buruburu Phase I, are divided by the road and the famous Mtindwa market in Nairobi. Single bedroomed houses rent from KSH 7,000 and above depending on the condition of the rental house in Buruburu part of Nairobi.

Tena Estate in Nairobi

Just next to Umoja I estate, there is Tena estate in Nairobi which is a rather small and young housing area. There is no clear cut demarcation as to where Tena estate in Nairobi begins or Umoja I estate ends along the Outer Ring Road in Nairobi.

Donholm Estate in Nairobi

Donholm estate in Nairobi is a middle income residential area that stretches from Manyanja Road, off Outer Ring Road just past the Jogoo Road round about towards Nairobi River. Donholm Estate  in Nairobi consists of other smaller housing subdivisions such as Greenfields estate, savanna estate and Harambee estate in Nairobi.

Pipeline Estate in Nairobi

Pipeline area in Nairobi makes up part of the greater Embakasi area with estates such as Tassia and Fedha. Pipeline and Embakasi are both low and middle income housing estates in Nairobi. Tassia estate in Nairobi mostly has single room and one bedroomed houses while Fedha estate in Embakasi consists of one to three bedroomed apartments.

The Outer Ring Road is expected to be upgraded in the near future so as to better serve residents of Nairobi directly linked to it.

Land is solid surface of the earth; it is a dry land which is not permanently covered by water. Kenyan land is owed by Kenyan citizens and government. Land is viewed as along investment. It is cheaper to buy a vacant land than a developed land; investors have maximum flexibility to use the land the way they want. Owning land is very empowering many of the richest men in the world are known to own big lands like Kenyan president Uhuru Kenyatta who has significant part of his wealth invested in land.

Foreigners are only permitted to purchase land or properties located within municipality or town otherwise they can lease land or property in Kenya. Foreigners and companies whose share holders are not Kenyans are restricted from owning Agricultural land unless the transaction has been exempted by law.

Kenyans are advised to use reputable lawyers while purchasing land, this ensures that you follow the legal procedure and receive the legal advice. All the cash should be channeled through the lawyer to avoid being conned. The following are the legal steps you should follow.

Identify the land you want to buy, this can be done through referral of someone who is aware of land being sold somewhere, land on sale adverts is another guidance to identify a land. You should be clear on what you want in terms of the size of the land and location. Once you identify a land on sale conduct a brief research about the land, enquire from neighbors if the rains are enough in that area and if the land floods in cases of heavy rain.

Conduct land search in the land registry; get a copy of seller’s title deed which is a requirement for land search. Fill a search application form at the land registry which is located at Ardhi house; attach a copy of the title deed. The process of land search will take about three days. The land search will give more and clear details of the land, details of the real owner of the land, the size of the land, information of any loan guaranteed by the land and court cases against the land.

A legal land for purchase should be clear on the owner who should be the seller; it should be free from any loan and court cases. Draft sale Agreement at this stage, you need a lawyer who is a professional in drafting property sales agreements. The sale agreement should specify the transaction procedure, most sale agreement state that the transaction should be finalized by the 90th day. The stamp duty should be paid at this stage and the agreement stamped by the lawyer. The stamping is very important in case land disputes arise the agreement will be valid before the court.

The land is transferred after the successful agreement and transaction, the buyer advocate should prepare a transfer which should be signed by the seller and his advocate, the buyer and the seller should provide their identification cards, PIN certificates, the original title deed, land rates/ rent clearance certificate, the valuation of the land and passport size photos.

The new owner should finally conduct a valuation and register it and pay the required fees.

 

Nairobi being the capital city of Kenya hosts the tallest buildings in the country all of which serve the needs of its citizens. The city has 10 buildings that have a height of over 80m.History of building tall buildings started becoming active in the city around the years of 1960 period that included the first skyscraper boom. It is during the period that many other buildings started to be constructed and continuing to expand till the present time. The following list provides some of the tallest buildings in Nairobi Kenya.

Times Tower

Also referred to us New Central Bank Complex, it is the tallest building in the country. Found in the interior Nairobi areas, the building is 140meteres with a total of 38major floors. It started to be constructed around the year 1997 and its today being used as a place for many business transactions. The building was further constructed by the help of good experts that have since seen it grow and serve the people of Kenya.

Kenyatta International Conference Centre

It is located in Nairobi and believed to be the second largest in the country. The building is 105meters with a total of about 32floors.It was constructed around the year 1974 and continues to be used for many public functions. Many music and drama festival activities take place inside the room. Furthermore, many international meetings also take place there.

Social Security House

Has a total of 28major floors with a height of 103m.The building’s construction commenced in the early years of 1973 and has continued to develop and many other modern day features are being incorporated into the building. As the name suggests, the building was constructed to be used for issues basing on security.

KCB Plaza

Located in Nairobi, the building has a total of 23floors and continues to develop each and every day. More modern ideas are being installed to make the building march with the standards of modern day construction. It commenced in the year 2001during which its construction began. The building is 99m high and serves the needs of people in the banking system.

Nyayo House

Also found in Nairobi, the building has a total of 27floors with a height of about 84meters.It started to be constructed around the year 1982.The building has since been used to accomplish major projects in the country hence serving and attending to the needs of Kenyans.