BUILDesign Magazine Issue 019

MAY / JUNE 2016

Karen Enkaji House Re-interpretation of the traditional Maasai homestead in the 21st Century

6 166000 086117 >

Applying soul to design - Architect Urko Sanchez Conferencing Renaissance - Boma Inn Eldoret Sustainability of Konza smart city Buildesign Magazine | Issue 019/2016

www.buildesign.co.ke

Buildesign Magazine | Issue 019/2016

CONTENTS

CONTENTS 08

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MAIN FEATURE Karen Enkaji House

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ENVIRONMENT Sustainability of Konza Smart City

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FEATURED ARCHITECT Urko Sanchez

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BUILDING REVIEW Boma Inn Eldoret

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ARCHITRAVEL Mogadishu

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EDITORIAL

W

elcome to the June issue of BUILDesign Magazine.

This issue comes in the wake of another building collapse in Huruma, Nairobi.

Possibly the worst in recent times as the fatalities topped 50. As it has become the norm, we were treated to the usual theatrics where everyone who could have done something to prevent the disaster found a reason why they did nothing. In the end, they gave stern warnings and made promises on what will be done to curb the scourge. As the magazine was going to press, the temperatures had cooled down, the dead were already buried and the media had already picked up other stories. Everything is back to where it was, that is until the next building collapses.

The untimely demise of the iconic Zaha Hadid hit us amidst preparation of this issue. The sad news broke the internet with close friends and admirers of her design prowess streaming their condolences on social media. Daring is just one word to describe her and her architecture.

She had a rare kind of courage and determination. Zaha’s striking work transcends gender and biographical detail.

Her architectural wonder will remain remarkable and her global feminine influence in the world of design will forever be felt. May her soul rest in eternal peace.

BUILDesign has published special features on carefully selected beautiful designs that explore innovative ideas for most of its history. We are always looking for distinction in all kinds of designs irrespective of size, category or location of a building. So when we were offered a chance to review the residential design of Karen Enkaji house by Otto Mruttu and Partner Architects, it was no brainer that the luxurious award winning project designed with a strong connection to its surroundings would make for the main feature in this issue. Find the complete story of how the architect reinterpreted traditional Maasai homestead in the 21st century language to create the timeless masterpiece on page 8.

With regard to minimalism, BOMA Inn Eldoret fitted as the perfect complementary to the Karen Enkaji house and hence the co-featuring. Serving as the major conferencing destination in the Western Kenya, the four star hotel has been fitted quietly in a predominant residential neighbor-

Publisher: Architecture Kenya Media Ltd Howse & McGeorge Centre Factory Street, Industrial area P.O.Box. 60540-00200, Nairobi info@architecturekenya.com Distributors: Jetsam Distribution Ltd Mai Mahiu Rd, Off Lang’ata Rd info@jetsamdistribution.com www.facebook.com/BUILDesignKE www.twitter/BUILDesignKE Copyright ©: Architecture Kenya Media Ltd

hood allowing the guests a serene and equally relaxing experience in the facility as would be in their own homes.

Read more about its design story in this copy.

In our architect’s profile, we are more than glad to bring you the multi award winning Spanish designer whose creative impulse found home in Kenya since 1993. Architect Urko Sanchez is a familiar name in the tongues of sustainable architecture across Africa and beyond. As you will see in his story, there is something very peaceful about his structures that just scream purity and appeal.

Sustainability is a slippery subject with mixed meanings and interpretations depending on who is talking, listening, or taking action. Applying to urban planning, our expert Prof. Omenya reviews the socio-cultural, ecological and institutional sustainability of Konza smart city. Capture his thoughts in the pages ahead on what it will require to achieve this milestone.

Our architravel feature unravels the immense business potential in the recovering Mogadishu city. Architecture in the Somali Capital is taking shape and it’s a great time to invest in the country before an economic surge occurs.

We have more features and products reviews that we hope you will find educational and inspiring.

Enjoy your read!

Martin Tairo

Editor:

Martin Tairo tairo@architecturekenya.com

Technical Assistant:

Brian Munene brian@architecturekenya.com

Editorial Assistant:

Wendy Kinya wendy@architecturekenya.com

Contributors:

Marketing Executive:

Felister Mugambi felister@architecturekenya.com

Stephen Lutta Eric Loki Alfred Omenya Steve Ted Gome Chandresh Raithatha Samuel Kerongo

Design & Layout:

Raphael Mokora dockrapho@gmail.com

Photos:

George Ogutu Ogutu geopixmedia@gmail.com Leah Kanda leahkanda@gmail.com

Advertising:

(+254) 722 387 110 (+254) 720 650 898 (+254) 725 075 993

DISCLAIMER No part of this magazine may be reproduced in any form or stored on a retrieval system without the permission of the publisher.

The publisher cannot accept responsibility for any errors that may appear or for any consequences of using the information contained herein.

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ADVERTORIAL

The Progressive Success Story of GROHE Now establishing Grohe-Dawn as the leading brand in Africa

G Jai Deep Menon - Grohe-Dawn Regional Director for Business Development in East and Central Africa

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ROHE took a majority shareholding in the Dawn Group about 18-20 months ago with the objective of bringing a high level of quality, technology and design into the African market. Grohedawn is now the umbrella under which the brands GROHE, Cobra, Isca, Vaal, Libra & Plexicor operate in the region. This combination of brassware, ceramicware and acrylicware will enable stakeholders in the building industry to look at things from a holistic perspective and take advantage of the cost efficiencies on distribution, logistics and supplies.

In this context, it is important to note that GROHE is itself part of the LIXIL Group of Japan, which through LIXIL Water Technology (LWT) is the number one global market leader in water technology products. In recent years, the century-old company GROHE has fared well worldwide - in large part by dramatically boosting its presence in emerging markets. The pedigree of Grohe-Dawn, therefore, is impressive.

Headquartered in Johannesburg (South Africa), Grohe-Dawn is now the biggest brassware (sanitary fittings) manufacturer inside Africa. This will eventually enable a vision of “Made in Africa, By Africans, For the World” to become reality, Jai Menon, Grohe-Dawn’s Regional Director for Business Development in East and Central Africa asserts. “The LIXIL Group is focused on Africa in a very positive light. The opportunities are immense and the growth curve can be strong. There is a powerful synergy of interests and opportunities all coming together at the right time in a society that is rich culturally and socially.”

After hardly a year into the East African market, Grohe-Dawn is providing the entire spectrum of brassware in the GROHE, Cobra and Isca brands, ceramicware from Vaal, and acrylicware from Libra and Plexicor. The objective of the company is to provide solutions at every point of water delivery. The East African office of Grohe-Dawn already has considerable experience doing this with the Grohe brand since 2011.

“Before GROHE established an office in Kenya, the brand was present in the market but invisible. The strategic objective was to make GROHE the go-to brand in the minds of specifiers within the East Africa region (including Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda,

ADVERTORIAL

Rwanda, Burundi, DRC Congo, Eritrea, Ethiopia and Somalia). The idea was to make the brand visible and its presence felt in these markets in the shortest time possible, instilling the brand’s values to the market at a cost that is affordable - which I believe we have successfully done,” Jai remarks.

Globally renowned as the most reliable brand for sanitary fittings, GROHE highly identifies with affordable luxury. As a single source supplier, the company has a wide range of products with exceptional pricing. Having carefully built the brand for over a century, GROHE has grown overtime to ensure that quality, technology and design are never compromised. “We are committed to offering value for the client’s money. As the custodian of this prestigious brand, it is my responsibility to continue to uphold the noble reputation in the position entrusted to me and with the partnerships we have created with other high profile organizations. I have a double duty and I try to fulfill it.” Jai notes.

From a poor perception of GROHE as an expensive and top market brand with sophisticated products that were hard to install, the regional team has demystified the myth through direct engage-

ments with stakeholders and today, both consultants and consumers are very comfortable with GROHE products. “We have a responsibility not only to sell but to be honest with the people that we engage with in terms of advice and how we guide them,” adds Jai. As far as the market situation is concerned, Jai points out that “while a responsive market like that of Kenya is very well exposed to the global scene, the system does not yet exist to facilitate a seamless integration and an interaction with other markets around the world. But I am convinced that such challenges are universal in different economies and positive government facilitation is what enables change and growth across societies. This is happening in Kenya too, as well as in Tanzania and other countries – each at its own pace”.

Since 2012, GROHE has established a significant market presence in East Africa and today, the brand is well recognized. “Everything that is needed for the company to move forward is in place. Our team has become more Kenyan; the group in the Nairobi office is fully Kenyan including the regional account managers which is very fulfilling for me.” Jai concludes.

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MAIN FEATURE

The Karen Enkaji House – A 21st Century Interpretation of the traditional African architecture

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nkaji is a Maasai name for a house, traditionally built on a simple frame structure, the shape of a loaf, using materials like twigs, soil, cow dung and grass. The Enkaji’s frame was made of timber poles fixed directly into the ground. These were interwoven with smaller branches and twigs placed closely together to form a matrix. Hard wood from Oiti tree would be used, because it resisted termites (destructive insects) and grew in both highland and lowland areas. The Enkaji’s flat roof was overlaid with dried grass. Soil, cow dung and ash were mixed together to form a plaster for the interior and exterior of the house. Social setup of an Enkaji was organized around a central space leading to the cooking area, sleeping and storage among others. The entrance consisted of a short hallway, perhaps 6 feet long, which sharply turned into the main area of the home. A wood fire would be lit at the center of the main area for cooking.

The fire would stay lit at all times to warm the home and

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prevent snakes from entering the house.

With a client that desired to re-interpret this traditional Maasai homestead in a contemporary 21stCentury architectural language, Otto Mruttu + Partners architects were offered a unique opportunity to infuse two seemingly polarized ideas. Deviating from the ordinary forms of Plantation and Victorian style of architecture in most of Nairobi’s modern residential projects, this design called for several precedents including study of the Maasai and traditional African architecture in response to time and place hugely inspired by the likes of Djenne Mosque in Mali, ancient Benin houses and closer home, the African Heritage house in Nairobi. The building was to be grounded in its time and place whilst honoring the client’s love for the Maasai & traditional African architecture. This unique request transformed what could have been a simple residential project into an award winning design solution.

Site Features Interestingly, most of the site discoveries were positive

MAIN FEATURE

developments. For instance; while the trial holes on site had revealed that there were about two meters of black cotton soil on site, it was later found that the black cotton soil was only 1.5 meters. This allowed the contractor to use the traditional strip foundation system as opposed to the framed structural foundation with ground beams and hence reducing the number of columns that were initially required.

Another positive development was that manually dug water well produced water at a depth of 30 meters and this meant that landscaping needs could be addressed economically.

Design Based on an in-depth study of the Maasai homestead amongst other case studies, the house takes a parabolic shape organized around a covered terrace as the focal point with centralism as the main concept borrowed from the traditional planning of the Maasai Enkaji. Initially, the stair case was designed as the main circulation space but mid way design stage, a semi-outdoor terrace was incorporated and hence became the central area of the building to which all the other spaces relate. The curved stare case connects the public spaces at the ground floor with the private spaces on the upper floor hence stands out in the vertical circulation of the house.

Clasico Builders (K) Ltd.

Forest Road,Nairobi

P.O. Box 38637 - 00623, Nairobi, Kenya.

Tel.+254-722-791314 E-mail: info@clasico.co.ke

We are proud to be associated with Karen Enkaji residential project as the main contractor

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Ground Floor Plan

Terrace

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Other salient features incorporated in the design, symbolic of the ancient African architecture include use of threshold and circulation spaces as living areas as well as a recessed oblique entrance with a covered porch creating an inviting reception space as you access the building. Traditional Mali architecture is richly expressed by use of exposed longer than usual rafters echoing the exposed timber beams and framing openings with thick piers as in the traditional houses. The thick piers serve a dual purpose of framing the windows as well as encasing the rain water downpipes. Concrete tiles on the exposed timber rafters of the roof are symbolic of the traditional earthen poles from the elongated roof structure.

The low pitch butterfly roof allows the building to maintain its flat roof aesthetic, whilst harvesting the rain water through a central gutter. This feature roof also provided more space for the architect to work with, taking away the tinged high pitched roof design typical in most of the neighboring houses. Slit windows were incorporated in the design for the stair case area and the lavatories whilst large windows have been fitted in the rooms.

Traditional African architecture was a direct evocation of its physical environment, and took its style not from abstract aesthetic notions but from the basic

MAIN FEATURE

need and image the building has to serve. Combined use of recessed defined curtain walling, openings framed by thick piers, cantilevers, and strong vertical and horizontal earthen textured facades give the building a very a contemporary 21st Century interpretation of traditional African architecture.

Materials Structural work combined masonry and reinforced concrete columns, similar to the vertical timber posts used as structural supports in the Maasai Enkaji. Thermal glass has been used in four main facades and glazing on the windows. Some walls are plastered with earthy finishes reflective of the African mud architecture which is very distinct in the holistic design. Exposed natural stone has been incorporated to echo the natural unrendered look common in traditional African architecture. Similarly, exposed timber rafters have been used to mimic the exposed timber beams.

Just like Oiti tree would be used in Maasai Enkaji for its long lasting properties, the client had desired to use cedar cladding in certain areas of the building but he later learnt that building with cedar was illegal in Kenya. This is because the indigenous soft wood tree is no longer sustainable to harvest as timber in the country. Naivasha yellow stone was therefore used in place of cedar.

Granito and ceramic tiles have been used on the flooring in the wet and high traffic areas whilst mvule

The curved staircase timber boarding is used in other areas. The roof structure is built using timber and clay tiles. Gypsum bulkheads with concealed colour changing LED tape lights have been used extensively throughout the house.

The unique cantilevered staircase was built in reinforced concrete and finished in mvule timber treads. Both the staircase risers and an adjacent feature wall are finished in Duracoat’s metallic Arsenal Antico textured effect paint.

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MAIN FEATURE

Elevation

Project Data GSPublisherEngine 0.21.100.100

Client

Karen Enkaji

Architect

Otto Mruttu +Partner Architects

Main Contructor

Clasico Builders

Quantity Surveyor

Costek Alma

Civil & Structural Engineer

Abba & Wandu Engineers

Electrical & Mechanical Engineers

Rex Consultants

Sustainability Karen Enkaji house is luxuriously designed to modern green building standards incorporating sustainable use of materials, energy efficiency, BMS and rain water harvesting among others.

Large glazed facades are incorporated as a nod to the 21st century and a practical means to trap heat and prevent extremely cold night temperatures so as to provide comfortable ambient temperatures in the house. The main faรงades of the building face East and West, contrary to conventional planning in Nairobi where the larger side of a building is positioned to face North and South. This was intentionally done to facilitate passive thermal control, capturing and retaining sun heat leading to stable temperatures throughout the house. This was made possible by positioning of an external glazed curtain wall in front of ordinary masonry walling.

To counter excessive heat gain during extremely hot seasons, the semi-outdoor terrace space allows sufficient flow of air in and out of the building.

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Rain water is harvested for domestic and external use into an underground storage of 144 cubic meters below the garage which collects 144,000 litres whilst the garden facing downpipes direct water to recharge the well used for gardening purposes.

The building uses solar power for water heating and exterior lighting. Photovoltaic panels have been mounted on the roof to tap solar energy, generating 1kVa of electricity capable of lighting all the external bulbs for at least 48 hours. The house utilizes energy efficient LED lighting with some of the rooms having colour changing atmospheric mood lighting. Notably, all the light fittings are energy efficient LED. Smart building system has also been incorporated in the building remotely controlled in a computer program to monitor certain features in the house including lighting fixtures, audio visual, security and lawn irrigation among others. All these units are integrated into a computer system which allows for IP based remote control from one module using computerized devices such as laptops or mobile phones.

The system is also controllable on site through the wall mounted switches. The technology also allows CCTV access of the property from a mobile phone.

Otto Mruttu + Partners architects was commissioned design, construction and fit out of the building in the year 2012. Design took fourteen months and the project was taken to site in September 2013.

Construction was completed in December 2014 and the building officially handed over in February 2015.

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Site Layout

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ELECTRICAL SUBCONTRACTOR FOR THE KAREN ENKAJI RESIDENTIAL PROJECT EDWARDS ELECTRICAL SERVICES LTD KAMUKUNJI WOMEN GROUP BUILDING, GROUND FLOOR SHOP NOS. 3 & 5 AMBIRA ROAD. ELECTRICAL CONTRACTORS.

INDUSTRY

Poolwise Lighting

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ove at first sight with a swimming pool depends on the shape, the interior finishes and lighting, especially at night. From the previous feature, we continue with pool lighting and other pool fittings Pool lighting is an important feature which allows pools to be seen and used after dark. Aesthetically pleasing quality and safe placement of pool lighting is highly recommended.

Unfortunately, most community and school pools do not install lighting and therefore, pools are generally closed off at 6pm. Curtailing pool hours from use in the evenings does not make sense. With today’s busy lifestyles, many people have time to swim only in the early mornings or evenings. In hotels, guests check in and make use of hotel facilities primarily at the end of the day. In our climatic conditions pool temperatures are warmer at the end of the day. Adequate lighting allows for pool usage to extend further and allows pool owners to maximize the benefits of the pool.

Proper lighting depends on the quality and quantity of lighting fixtures. To meet minimum safety guidelines, one light for every thirty square meter is required. Given that lighting fixtures are not easily removable or replaceable; the best quality lighting should be used. On the Kenyan market, English Certikin and Spanish Astral Pool (Astral owns Certikin) brands are highly recommended. As always cheaper options are available and are utilised without longterm consideration.

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Chandresh Raithatha

The common types of lights available are the lights with niches and which are placed into pool walls at the time of construction. Usually, these do not protrude into the pool and are much safer as there is a minimal chance of falling off, unlike the surface mounted, dish-type cheaper nicheless lights.

The niche type of lights, must be placed at the time of construction and at a depth of between 500-750 mm. The nicheless lights are fixed on top of the final finishes. For both of these types of lights, a cable leads to a deckbox placed on the pool surrounding which supplies power into the lights.

Less common on the Kenyan market is fibreoptic cabling and star lighting. This is expensive as it requires an optic generator, control box and the placement of these star lights difficult.

For safety, the recommended voltage into a swimming pool light is 12v (twelve volts) only. Therefore, stepdown transformers for 240v-12v are required.

Given that the light is low voltage, the cable should be oversized to allow for the higher amperage.

Energy efficiency is an important consideration.

The traditional lights from Certikin & Astral for example all are with 300w, 12v par 56 bulbs. Coverage of these 300w lights is usually 300 square feet or approximately 30 square meters. However, if these lights are kept on overnight throughout the year, a consumption of 1404 kilowatts is estimated and simply very expensive to operate.

Given the development of the LED market, 144 LED, 252 LED and 512 LED replacement bulbs are available. The 252 LED bulbs provides on par performance to a 300w bulb. A rule of thumb to adequately

INDUSTRY

light a pool would be 1 watt or 1 LED per square foot.

A well-lighted pool should have between 1.25 to 1.5 watt /LED per square foot. A 252 watt LED bulb would only consume about 20 watts and would provide a 90% cost saving on the 300w bulbs. LED bulbs are very competitively priced. With the LED nicheless lights, should they blow, generally you need to replace the complete light unless they have bulbs, therefore the LED nicheless lights are not recommended because of the replacement costs and the fact they protrude into the pool.

Beyond lighting, various other fixtures are available for pool operation. Including Water fountains and jets. With any additional water features, of importance is that additional suction features are introduced to allow for the opening of the water features.

A variety of waterfalls, water showers, water spouts and jets are available locally to enable customization of your pool.

A popular pool fixture for both smaller and larger pools is counter swim or counter current unit. Two types are available; jet and fan counter current units.

The jet is a more gentler current whilst the fan type strong for professional swimmers. In simpler terms, a counter swim unit provides a current enabling a swimmer to swim in place similar to a treadmill for

walking or running. Installing a swim treadmill or counter current units allows construction of smaller swimming pools in residential applications and users to enjoy endless swimming.

In the next issue, Pool Wise will concentrate on Pool finishes.

Chandresh Raithatha is the Operations Director of Waterwayss Africa and has Been in the Swimming pool and leisure Industry since 1991.

Contacts are waterways@kenyaweb.com & office GSm + 254 -722-511-438 or +252-733-511-438 0r +254-737511-438 or 254-738- 511-438 Direct line line 0706511438 (Sms only).

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PROFILE

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APPLYING SOUL TO DESIGN Architect Urko Sanchez 16

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orn and raised in Madrid, Spain, Architect Urko Sanchez interest in travel was sparked at an early age by his pilot father who flew the family to different countries during holidays. Fueled by a serious case of wanderlust, Urko has since traveled in more than 40 countries.

“Travelling helps me to gain a deeper compassion, understanding, and appreciation of people beyond borders. Travelling with passion and purpose allows you to appreciate cultures, love the world, and have great experiences. If I were not an architect, I would be a traveler.” Urko remarks.

Consequently, travel has informed much of his life and his work – all of the colors, the art, people and cultures he’s been exposed to adding to a sense of what Urko wanted to build for himself and for others.

The multiple award winning Spanish architect first came to Kenya in 1993 on a brief visit after participating in a rugby match at South Africa. A friend had suggested to him that Lamu, an island town in the coastal Kenya, was a great holiday destination and so Urko made a point of passing by the town on his way back to home. “I instantly fell in love with the serenity of the place and I was sure I would like to visit Lamu again” Urko expresses.

Urko would then return to Spain and enroll into a university. “I’m in architecture by chance. I always loved mathematics, physics and drawing but I did not think I would study architecture until the time I joined university. I had applied for geology and business administration and my father had suggested architecture. Surprisingly, I was selected for the architectural course which I did not really like at the beginning. I actually tried to drop out twice but eventually I came to love it.” narrates Urko. It is therefore no wonder that the six year course took Urko ten years. He began his architectural studies in 1988 and completed in 1998! A natural nonacademic, Urko always appreciated experiences and practical training more than theory since his passion for travelling would not even allow him to stay in school consistently. As part of his studies, Urko thus began collaborating with NGO’s on his trips to help in their missions, participating in different architectural endeavors in Spain and Nicaragua as a volunteer.

Upon graduating in 1998, Urko continued to offer his expertise in different conflict zones, including Bosnia, El Salvador and Angola where he spent two years. His participation always revolved around the field of architecture, building camps, schools and clinics. “One of my assignments was at the border of Somalia and Kenya, ’’ he remembers. After seven months serving in Northern Kenya, Urko decided to revisit the coast of East Africa and hence making his way back to Lamu “It was a completely peaceful break from all of the high-conflict countries I’d been working in. I decided to set up a base there with the idea that I’d live on this island and then go off to

PROFILE

SOS Village Djibouti different places to work. But I really didn’t want to go anywhere else, so how could I make my living in Lamu?” he continues, “I came up with the idea of Lamu House Hotel in 2001, and then got a group of friends together to buy the plot. We started working on the architectural planning and just when we were ready to begin building, September 11th happened.

Everything stopped. So I went back to Spain for a year to work for a construction company.” Back at Spain, Urko was involved in very special, up market projects like renovation of the Real Madrid Stadium, interventions in the Cathedral of Salamanca and private houses.”

As the world grew more stable in the aftermath of 9/11, Lamu called Urko back ‘home’ in 2003 to start building the hotel. It took two to three years to complete the first phase of Lamu House when the architect, who wanted to keep working on his projects, started building for other clients. “Lamu had started experiencing a boom; more tourists were appreciating the beauty and serenity of Lamu town and even buying property,” Urko says. He started getting clients who wanted their houses either renovated or designed afresh. It was creating spaces that fit the needs of the people without losing the character of the traditional Swahili architecture that set Urko apart. That combination of features rendered his projects a lot of beauty and fascination for the users. And that’s how Urko began to expand

Swahili dreams - Lamu Apartments his specialty, gravitating more and more into Swahili architecture with a modern twist. He observed how the Swahili community built using Makuti and other locally available materials and the feeling in the spaces. It did not also take him long to adapt to the African culture as Spanish traditions and culture are largely related to those of Africa. “Spain is more like an African European country since it falls on the

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PROFILE

Vipingo Club House

Swahili Gem - Tudor Apartments

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south very close to North Africa.” Adds Urko After living in Lamu for eight years, operating a construction firm, Urko decided to move to Mombasa. The city opened up to him with more opportunities to practice architecture at large scale and hence Urko realized the need to work on the legal requirements to establish himself as an architect. He enrolled for a two year short course at the University of Nairobi to learn about the practice of architecture in Kenya and the regulations after which he sat for the BORAQS exams and was registered an architect in Kenya.

Urko then went back to Mombasa and established his firm Urko Sanchez Architects, an award-winning Kenya and Spain-based boutique architectural firm renowned for excellence in design, master planning, construction management and quality control. “I like to create a comfortable environment for people to live in and remember while contributing to the beautification of an area. In all cases, however, the focus is on the client and the context, with a tailorcrafted approach to interpret their vision. One of the most important things for good architecture is the client. Regardless of the place, size of the project or budget, the method of approach to design is a deep process that involves concept analysis to develop the best ideas for the building. A close relationship with the client therefore ensures an architect of their trust and cooperation. This helps to develop mutual understanding through the complex process of design and construction which requires a lot of patience in order to get a unique and functional building with its own identity, adapting to the client’s personal values and environmental requirements.

Unfortunately, many clients do not often understand

PROFILE

The Red Pepper House that an architect cannot just come up with ideas; initial design and concept can take several weeks or months before the actual design of how the building will eventually look is complete.” Urko explains.

Combining his training from Spain and the experience he has acquired overtime, Urko is the brain behind some of the most remarkable edifices in the Coastal region of Kenya including the multiple award winning Red Pepper House, Lamu Apartments, Vipingo Club House and Tudor Apartments. He has also done projects in other countries including Spain, Bosnia, Germany, Djibouti and Angola. Experiences from travelling and interactions with the local communities inspire most of his work. In the recent past however, most of his inspiration has come from the internet since he no longer travels as much as he used to due to family responsibilities and work load.

His projects have bagged numerous awards globally; to mention but a few – Vipingo Club House as the best golf development in Kenya in the International Property Awards, Architectural Association of Kenya and the Red Pepper House as the best hospitality project in the French Association for Young Architects in Africa and in the AAK Excellence Awards 2015. Urko Sanchez projects have also been recognized on several publications and international platforms including the African Design Magazine, Architectural Digest, BUILDesign Magazine, Huffington Post, Design Boom, The Telegraph UK, Architecture Lab and Arch Daily among many others. His works have also been exhibited in France, Spain, Italy, South Africa, Namibia and Morocco. Hallmarks of all of Urko Sanchez projects include both his

impeccable design prowess and contemporary twists on traditional architecture; a green aesthetic that harnesses wind and solar power and recycled water; leveraging passive elements of design to showcase natural light, frame private gardens and open courtyards. “Sustainability comes at a very early stage of any project and every architect should incorporate it in their core values. It is possible to create a habitable environment minimizing the need for artificial energy. Consider the cultural roots of the structure, and how the building will be best integrated into its environment; the view, the indigenous materials and the flow of the surroundings. You have to consider the human environment as well. Study the factors that can influence the comfort of the people who will use the building and the neighbors. Water is another key factor; you have to determine where to get the water for the use in the building and how to capture rain water, the means of storage and recycling.”

Urko notes. “With the modern trends, especially the use of glass and steel in the tropics, we have to ask ourselves, what are we developing towards? Is it a better future? When we answer that question, we will then pull the wheel of development in a different direction and try to develop in order to improve the environment. The future depends on the present.” He asserts.

After another eight years in Mombasa, Urko has now moved to Nairobi since 2015. His offices in Spain and Mombasa are still operational.

“Every eight years, I feel the need to explore a new place. I believe that this is a vital cycle in life and a necessary challenge to be able to express my style of architecture in a highly developed and diverse city using new materials and technology as well as exploring new possibilities.” He says.

Establishing a base in Nairobi will also allow Urko to partner with the universities and share his experience and skills with the students. For instance, being a great architect does not necessary equal to a great business. Urko admits that he has made some losses comparing the amount of work and resources he puts in his projects to the income that he gets. “Running a business is something I was not taught in the architectural school. I only learnt how to design buildings and I think schools should incorporate courses on business administration. It is also important to understand that computers do not create, they only facilitate your creative process and a designer cannot forego the use of pen and paper,” he adds. “This is why I would like to interact with the younger generation of architects especially students as a mentor and hopefully pass on what I have learnt from my experiences.”

Moving forward, Urko hopes to work on fewer but bigger projects. “I love to dedicate enough time to one project with minimal distractions until it is fully completed. With technology, I can also work from different locations and with lesser workload; I can travel more and spend time with my family back in Spain.” He concludes.

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BUILDING REVIEW

Conferencing Renaissance in the Rift - Boma Inn Eldoret

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nitially named as the Red Court Hotel, Boma Inn Eldoret was the name given to the facility after rebranding and expansion of the franchise. The 4-star hotel in the up-market Elgon View area of Eldoret abstracts the Rift Valley with its tensions, shears and water features. Located 13km (15 minutes drive) from Eldoret International Airport, 5 Km (7 minutes drive) from Eldoret city centre and 340 Km to Nairobi Central Business District (CBD), the Boma Inn Eldoret easily stands out as the main hotel and architectural address in the North Rift.

Brief In 2009, The Kenya Red Cross approached Morphosis Architects for the design, construction and fit out supervision of a boutique hotel following the successful execution of the Boma Nairobi Hotel. The client wanted a conference hotel for both the guests and their personal meetings since conference tourism was picking up in Kenya at the time and the client, Red Cross Kenya also hold conferences regularly. Eldoret is also a fast growing town in the Western Kenya with massive business potential hence it’s a serene and convenient location for business meetings outside the city.

Architects Response Boma Inn hotel is the tallest building in its neighborhood surrounded by low level residential houses overlooking rich forested views in the area. The facility is built in the serene suburb of Eldoret whose residents had initially

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opposed construction of a commercial building in the area but later embraced it due to the value that it added to the neighborhood. Interventions by the client The Kenya Red Cross would then see execution of the timeless masterpiece whose design creates perfect harmony with the surrounding architecture.

Although the neighboring houses are distant, the architect tried to focus the hotel building as far away as possible from the homes to offer maximum privacy to the neighbors. Some rooms face the road and rooftops of the neighborhood while the social spaces are focused around the centre where there is a garden and a swimming pool.

Orientation of the building ensures that the sun faces the major spaces to provide natural light and heat. The swimming pool is also strategically located to allow the sun’s rays into the pool area thus avoiding shading.

Design From a study done on Eldoret, the region emerges as a boiling pot of interesting social, historic and physical features like the Great Rift Valley, which inspired the design language. The shifting movement of tectonic plates is symbolized in the cascading levels organized around sunken alternating points. Socially, agriculture is a major social activity in the area hence incorporating the green scenery was typical.

The intention was to create a modern minimalist building by use of materials and colours that blend with the environment. The architect chose dark brown as the pre-

BUILDING REVIEW

Ground Floor

vailing colour for a look that would be harmonious to the surroundings. The glasswork on the windows, doors and parts of the walls has also been done using tinted bronze thermal glass which helps regulate heat as well as to give privacy to guests in the rooms. This gave the building a perfect fit within the calm, green residential neighborhood.

The architect also played with views to create inter-connecting spaces such that, from the reception, one can see right into the atrium, have a glimpse of the restaurant & bar and also peak into the gym yet still maintaining privacy to the individual spaces. The centrally placed atrium has been designed to serve as a connecting feature to the bar, the conference rooms and accommodation such that one is not restricted to pass through the reception to access either of the areas from within the building. It is also a feature that brings in the outdoor atmosphere into the building.

The interior designer maximized on inbuilt features including artistic walls, inbuilt seats and a backlit reception desk. The concept of the line as a design element, in relation to the rift valley fault lines was explored throughout. The feature headboards with grooved lines in the rooms, furniture and fabric selections are all ripped to emphasize on this. The fault line concept has consequently been translated in several other parts of the building including the counters, pergolas, roof and doors.

Materials Marble, granite, onyx stone and granito tiles have

been used in the public spaces while terrazzo and ceramic tiles used in the back of house areas. The conference area, lounges and the accommodation spaces are all carpeted for acoustics. Exterior walls are cladded with a combination of glass, alucobond and painted plaster. A polycarbonate roof covers at the atrium.

Various design features incorporate the use of veneer cladding on walls & ceilings. The restaurant ceiling is designed with pergolas forming crates, fixed to create an alternating pattern. The doors are made of timber and glass.

Solar water heating for the rooms is a key sustainable feature that helps save use of electricity in the building. The large windows in the rooms also ensure enough natural light into the spaces as well as natural ventilation. The building also uses a combination of LED light fittings and rope lights on the walkways fitted within the gypsum ceiling.

Challenges Space and location had an impact on the architect’s freedom to explore. The master plan fits a tad the edge of the site allowing only the circulation space by planning regulations. There is no space for expansion horizontally. The architect also wanted to build around the existing trees on site but the scale of the project could not allow. They however managed to retain the trees on the boundary wall and planted others in the new landscaped areas.

For the interior design, the main shortcoming was

Buildesign Magazine | Issue 019/2016

BUILDING REVIEW

in achieving the required quality of finishes for the hotel as well as abandoned design features initially intended for the hotel.

Like many projects, time constraints was a major challenge. There was a two year stall period followed by a limited time frame to fit out and hand over the premises. The project which started in 2009 was completed in 2013.

Capacity With conferencing as the main drive of the hotel, all the spaces are designed to support this key business. The hotel offers a choice of five meeting rooms and two executive boardrooms equipped with smart boards, state-of-the-art audio- visual equipment and high-speed internet. The larger conference room can accommodate at least 300pax and the smaller room can accommodate 150 people.

The Conference Centre accessed from its own entrance, encompasses a business center, break out areas and a spacious outdoor lounge overlooking the swimming pool where delegates can brainstorm during the session breaks after a long meeting.

The reception opens up into a coffee bar at the atrium which leads to the main bar on one side and the restaurant on the opposite side overlooking the swimming pool. There is also a resident’s lounge within the rooms block. The four storey facility has 68

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accommodation rooms including paraplegic rooms, two governor suites and four deluxe rooms.

The health club houses a gym, aerobics studio, a Jacuzzi, steam, sauna & massage rooms. Other amenities include a gift shop, concierge, airport transfers, taxi services, valet parking or self-parking and currency exchange services at the reception among others.

Project Data Client

Kenya Red Cross

Architect

Morphosis Limited

Project Manager & QS

Zimaki Consult

Electrical Engineers

Servconsult

Civil & Structural Engineer

Armitech Consulting Engineers

Mechanical Engineers

Edson Engineers

Geokarma Construction Ltd is proud to have constructed the Boma Inn, Eldoret and the Access Road

Buildesign Magazine | Issue 019/2016

MATERIALS

Metal Roofs: Aluminium vs Galvanized Steel Roofing Eric Loki David, Architect.

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luminium roofing sheets are about 1/3 the weight of steel roofing sheets of the same thickness and experience very little corrosion. All steel faces are hot dip galvanised or Aluzinc coated and painted to provide the required appearance and durability. Aluminium is supplied with a mill or painted finish. Aluminium roofing sheets tend not to hold paint very well but failure to repaint does not significantly affect the ultimate life of the material. Aluminum, copper and zinc roofs actually do not need to be coated.

Fastening screws/nails used for Aluminium roofing MUST be stainless steel for aluminum to avoid galvanic corrosion of the aluminium where dissimilar metals touch or get close to each other. Steel roofs on the other side need to be coated with a special

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protective (galvanic) coating to prevent corrosion.

Galvanized and Galvalume steel roofing systems are pre-coated by the manufacturer and do not require any further coating. The downside of galvanized steel (G-90, and especially G-60) is that it can corrode, eventually, especially when exposed to moist salt spray environment such as in close proximity to coastal areas. The properties of Aluminium make it one of the best metals to use for roofs located in coastal areas, where there is a heavy presence of salt spray in the environment which speeds up corrosion.

Thermal Performance Aluminum thermal conductivity is 205.0 W/m K, compared to Steel whose thermal conductivity is 50.2 W/m K. This means that Aluminium is a BETTER conductor of heat than steel, and therefore heats up much faster, and when the heat source is removed, cools down much faster. That is why the material is

MATERIALS

Curved standing seam roof in painted Aluminium

showed that two coats of gloss white paint kept the specimen temperature at about 40°C compared with 60°C for an untreated specimen surface. A major drawback of solar reflective roof surfacing is that it rapidly deteriorates due to dust and fungal and other discolorations. Koenigsberger et al. (1974) found that in the cases they examined in a typical tropical climate, corrugated steel, unless repeatedly painted by lime or white paint, was a very poor roofing material for tropical towns. The high maintenance requirement of a solar reflective roof coating makes it an unfeasible roof enhancement option.

Cost The most expensive and premium metal roofing materials are copper and zinc. Aluminum is the second most popular used material after steel. It is however more durable and longer lasting than steel, but only costs a fraction of the price of premium metals, such as copper or zinc.

Environmental Impact Only 5% of original energy used to produce Aluminium corrugated sheet is needed for recycling and the material can be recycled for generations without limitations. Steel is however still the most recycled material on the planet, more than all other materials combined. Steel retains an extremely high overall recycling rate, with values close to 90 percent.

often used as a heat sink because it’s a great conductor of heat. Meaning it absorbs and loses heat at a very high rate. For this reason, Aluminium roofing in hot climates require thicker insulation compared to steel roofing.

The main driving force for heat intrusion into occupied space is absorbed solar energy at the external surfaces of the roof system. This can be significantly reduced by the use of solar reflective coatings on the sunlit roof surface, the cheapest and most effective method being white-painting of the roof surface.

Investigations have found that white building surfaces can reflect more than 75 % of the incident solar energy (Reagan and Acklam 1979) and, due to a high emissivity, are capable of keeping the temperatures of sunlit surfaces close to that of ambient (Givoni 1981).

Tests on sunlit galvanized steel specimens

Life Cycle Cost Metal roofs such as aluminum or steel can last for 50 years and often longer, while copper and zinc roofs can often last well over 100 years. This means that a typical metal roof will last about 3-7 times longer than a typical asphalt shingles roof, which usually needs to be replaced every 12-17 years. Due to exceptional longevity, metal roofs therefore have a very low life cycle cost. This means that while you may spend more upfront on a good metal roof, in the long run you will actually save money, because you may never need to repair or replace a metal roof again.

Eric Loki David, Architect. M.Phil (Environmental Design in Architecture) Cantab, B.Arch (Nairobi), LEED Green Associate

Buildesign Magazine | Issue 018/2016

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TECHNOLOGY

Zenith pioneering the multi-storey Steel building technology in Kenya

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stablished over 38 years ago, Zenith Steel Fabricators has evolved from a small fabrication workshop to take up all types of steel structural work across the region predominantly in warehousing, foot bridges and churches. Recently, the company introduced multi storey steel building systems in their product and service range, a relatively new technology in the East Africa although it has been in existence in Europe since 1930s.

Contrary to using reinforced concrete method of building, the multi-storey steel fabricated structure is designed and assembled in a workshop. The minimum onsite labour and the short period taken in construction translates to lower costs of construction, saving the developer 30 to 40% on time and cost. In addition, fewer columns are erected when setting up the structure because steel allows for longer spans

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than concrete due to its strength properties.

Zenith applied the technology in construction of Sifa Towers in Kilimani, Nairobi which took seven months for the structural steelwork frame to be completed. The entire project took one-and half-years to be complete; including the civil works, interior design, plumbing and electrical installations. The iconic structure is an ultra-modern commercial complex with 11 floors assuming a hyperbolic form.

The Kithiki tower in Mombasa, also erected by Zenith Steel Fabricators is another of the sturdiest buildings in Kenya today. The Managing Director, Raheem Biviji offers that the fabricated steel building technology is a trend that is fast gaining pace in Kenya as it seeks to replace brick and mortar.

Zenith is also the craft behind the Quality Centre in Dar es Salaam using the same technology. With over 70 shops and restaurants under one roof including Uchumi Supermarket, Quality Centre is one of Dar es Salaam’s biggest shopping malls and is set to make a difference in shopping and relaxation in Tanzania. In the pipeline is Africab building, also in Tanzania.

The process of a multi-storey building starts by laying the foundation first by the civil contractor.

This serves as the foundation of the steel columns, which are erected vertically. Once the columns are in place, primary steel beams are placed horizontally.

Another layer of beams is added to form a grid. The fifth step involves drilling of steel floor decking sheets to the grid to get the building’s first floor. The flooring is done by steel decking sheets. They are strong and of high intensity making them resistant to cracking, warping or splitting. They are never affected by changes in temperature or humidity and can even withstand earthquakes. After the decking sheet layer, concrete is spread on it. The process of erecting columns and laying beams is repeated for the remaining floors to have a building’s steel frame.

With efforts to conserve the environment and especially trees in top gear, the technology comes in handy. Kenya has a very low forest cover and environmentalists have been urging the government to embrace afforestation and forest conservation.

According to Raheem, adopting multi-storey steel construction is one way of reducing the use of timber during construction.

The beauty of building using steel is that the steel can be recycled and re-used. The technology is ecofriendly especially considering that Africa is going green in a bid to conserve the environment.

Kenyans have been concerned over steel being prone to corrosion due to rust. However Raheem says

TECHNOLOGY

that all precautionary measures have been put in place to ensure the safety of buildings. He reveals that a special paint is applied on the steel to ensure that it is not affected by rust.

With recent cases of collapsing buildings in Kenya, use of steel in construction is highly recommendable as a way of enhancing their strengths. It is a technology that comes handy especially in the wake of collapsing buildings. In Kenya for example, officials from the National Construction Authority have been forced to halt construction on sites due to safety reasons. According to Raheem contrary to concrete where a contractor has less control on the quality of construction, in steel building quality is assured.

Zenith is also engaged in offering affordable housing using alternative building materials in Kenya. Apart from being instrumental in constructing commercial buildings, Zenith is also helping in the construction of residential structures in Nairobi, Mombasa, Kericho and Eldoret.

Although the uptake of the multi-storey steel building technology is impressive in the country, a weak shilling is derailing the pace at which Zenith steel fabricators intends to grow. “We import the steel. Obviously if the shilling is weak it means that we get the material at a higher cost and this de-

termines the ultimate cost of a building,” explains Raheem.

But this has not deterred the company from remaining afloat in an industry that is gripped with stiff competition. Zenith’s top notch design mind, blowing innovations, the adoption of computer Aided Designs and newly launched state-of-art automized steel fabrication processing plant has continued to ensure that the company remains top in the market.

Raheem now urges Kenyans to fully embrace the use of steel in construction adding that contrary to timber that can be destroyed by fire, steel is fire resistance. Additionally, he says that steel does not promote the growth of moulds.

In the near future, Raheem discloses, Zenith plans to spread its wings not only in East Africa but also across the African continent and beyond. A leading steel fabrication company and ISO 900:2008 certified company; Zenith is taking the steel fabrication industry in Africa by storm. Currently, it operates in Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Zambia, Malawi, Rwanda, Southern Sudan, Ethiopia, Democratic Republic of Congo and Ghana, specializiling in the erections of go-downs, stadia, petrol stations, churches, towers and bridges.

Buildesign Magazine | Issue 018/2016

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OPINION

Double Standards being applied when charging professional fees for consultancy services for building projects

Patrick Kanyue

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esign and Supervision of Construction of buildings whether in the Public or Private Sector is controlled by an Act of Parliament namely the Architects and Quantity Surveyors Act Cap 525, Laws of Kenya.

This Act clearly prescribes the fees applicable for varied categories of buildings.

The Conditions of Engagement and Scales of Fees for professional services applicable to Government projects makes the categories even more clearer in relation to the Scales of Fees applicable.

This different structure of Scale of Fees is allowed for in Cap 525 for fees charged by consultants undertaking commissions for Government projects only.

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Several attempts to merge Cap 525 and the Government Scales of Fees have been made by the Ministry of Works and Housing Departments concerned but have never come to fruition.

The policy by foreign donors to Kenya on all building construction projects is that consultants must be selected through a bidding process. The logic the Donors follow is that the bids must be open to international consultants even when they are well are aware of the fact that Kenya is self-sufficient with Architectural Human Resources to handle building projects of fairly significant complexities. In fact I dare say all complexes of buildings!

If Kenya has its own Acts of Parliament to regulate the conduct of Architects including their remuneration, why do the Donors impose in the bilateral agreement that only their procedures must be followed?

Yet in all the consultancy agreements on building construction there is always a Clause which reads “ This contract its meaning and interpretation and the relationship between the parties shall be governed by the Laws of Kenya!� Is this not a contradiction? Why are we having these double standards? As far as Architectural Works are concerned, the Laws of Kenya mean Cap 525, which govern the work of Architects and Quantity Surveyors.

This Act prescribes the fees chargeable by Architects. When bidding processes are imposed on Kenya by Donors, are Architects in Kenya not being subjected to Double Standards of charging fees. This amounts to Hawking for professional services. But is it healthy? I do not think so. Kenyan Architects and Quantity Surveyors are of course doing this bidding or hawking illegally. I dare say to BORAQS and AAK that they have not addressed this matter seriously with the office of the Attorney General and that it is high time that they did!

Architects have painfully been forced year after another to these international bidding procedures which require bidders to submit Technical and Financial proposals which is not only in complete contradiction of Cap 525 but are designed to favour Architects from other countries which are not registered to practice in Kenya.

Only recently, the Ministry of Public Works and

OPINION

Housing agreed with the Public Procurement Authority that Bidding for Fees for Building Works (Financial Proposals) was not necessary-hence the discontinuation of this requirement. Inspite of this clearance some Government Departments and Parastatals and even Private Developers are still practicing this form of procurement of consultancy services for Building Works. When members of the Public are subjected to hawking for professional services, they feel comfortable at their own risk! It could be very temporary comfort.

Cap 525 Laws of Kenya is explicit that persons who are not registered in this Country as Architects or Quantity Surveyors are guilty of professional misconduct if they engage in unauthorized competitions.

It also prescribes that for any foreigner to practice in Kenya he/she must have had professional experience in Kenya for at least (1) year to the satisfaction of the Board.

Architects from other Countries not registered as Architects in Kenya have conveniently circumvented this procedure by ensuring that they team up with registered local architects for purposes of ‘Hawking’ professional services for building projects. Cap 525, prohibits a Registered Architect from practicing with an unregistered Architect thereby making them guilty of professional misconduct. Foreigners will get away with this!

Architects and Quantity Surveyors who are doing this in the name of International ‘business’ are definitely in contravention of Clause 3 (i) of Cap 525 Laws of Kenya.

While AAK places so many hurdles to our local young men and women to sit for BORAQS professional examinations they are at the same time making it easy for architects who are not registered in Kenya to have it the easy way.

Have BORAQS and AAK ignored the fact that for local architects to practice in Europe, America or Australia etc, they are required to be registered as Architects under those countries statutes?

As stated earlier, Kenya is now self-sufficient in the Architectural human resources required to deal with complex building environment. Kenya has scores of experienced Architects, Engineers and Quantity Surveyors who have proven experience in handling complex building situations.

Back to the bidding; quite often bidding procedures attract hardly more than (10) teams of consortia unless they are very ‘juicy’ in which case they may attract up to (15) or so teams. The question is, is the bid process the right procedure for selecting an architect or a consortium? Those in authority have a perception that bidding removes tribalism, nepotism etc etc and is the best procedure of selecting an Architect. I refuse! On the contrary, these ‘isms’ have been encouraged through bidding procedures! Whilst the Public Procurement Oversight Authority (PPOA) intentions are good, Government Departments, Parastatals, County Governments and members of the Public have exploited these ‘double standards’ to the full. Bidding or competition must be regulated by

AAK as stipulated in cap 525.

The resultant effects on lack of proper procedures in competitions, are falling standards of professionalism in the building industry to the extent that in the recent past collapse of multi storeyed buildings has been witnessed in the recent years. The most recent one being the Huruma Multi Storey structure which killed innocent people and injuring hundreds of others.

Why have fairly serious Architects who had very successful practices in the past abandoned their practices to go to farming or real estate while others have simply given up? The Country is slowly but surely killing the professionalism in the Building Sector.

The Architectural Association of Kenya and BORAQS are doing little to avoid the slow death of professionalism and falling Building Standards. The members of the Public, the National and County Governments have almost totally ignored the Building Code!

BORAQS and AAK; you need to search your souls and tell the public where you are leading the Building Industry.

Arch. Patrick E. Kanyue is a practicing architect. He has previously served as Chief Architect, Ministry of Public Works and Chairman of BORAQS.

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LANDSCAPING

Landscape design for a Sustainable Neighbourhood Samuel Kerongo

Proposed Landscape design for a Neighbourhood, Source: Author

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sustainable neighbourhood is one that has value as a place to live over many generations.

This entails four key areas: safer streets and living place, a greater choice of homes, environmental features that add value to living in a new neighbourhood and healthier and stronger communities. A sustainable neighbourhood encompasses the following attributes: neighbourhood definition, neighbourhood compactness, neighbourhood completeness, neighbourhood connectedness and neighbourhood connection to nature. The focus of this article will be on how the neighbourhood can be connected to nature.

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Humans within a neighbourhood can be connected to nature through provision and design of open spaces. The open spaces can be at building scale, neighbourhood scale and also at a citywide scale.

Humans can be connected to nature at an individual building scale through interior plantscaping, green roofs and green walls. This is with a view of improving air quality and building energy efficiency, water management, space efficiency, sound insulation, Increasing roof/wall lifespan and vertical urban Farming.

Interior plantscaping is the practice of designing, arranging and caring for living plants in enclosed environments. Similar to outdoor landscapes, interior landscapes provide spaces with ornament, colour, sculptural elements, focal points and overall pleasant environment. Interior plantscaping can be achieved

LANDSCAPING

Part plan of the neighbourhood, Source: Author through the following: Pot plants in buildings, indoor living walls, including pots within a frame, indoor planted vegetation, such as atriums and large planted installations. This is with a view of reducing illness increasing productivity and improving air quality in the building and neighbourhood at large.

Sustainable neighbourhoods can also be connected to nature by incorporating green roofs in the design of individual buildings. A green roof is a roof of a building that is partially or completely covered with vegetation and a growing medium, planted over a waterproofing membrane. There are two types of green roofs: intensive green roofs which are characterised by soil deeper than 200mm and vegetation up to the size of trees. They are heavier and require more maintenance. On the other hand extensive roofs are shallow, with soil up to a maximum depth of 200mm.

They are lighter than intensive green roofs and require minimal maintenance.

In addition, green walls play a fundamental role in ensuring a sustainable neighbourhood at and individual building scale. This is by connecting humans to nature through vertical landscapes. A green wall/ vertical garden/living wall is a wall partially or completely covered with greenery that includes a growing medium, such as soil. Green walls may be indoors or outside, freestanding or attached to an existing wall,

Part plan of the neighbourhood, Source: Author

Source: greenroofs.com, Extensive green roof, Source: futurecapetown.com

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LANDSCAPING

Interior landscape, Source: planterra

Green wall, Source: gsky-living-green-wall-atlanta.com

Green verge, Source: nation.co.ke and come in a great variety of sizes. The vegetation on the green wall can be directly attached to infrastructure (such as ivy), panel systems with substrate (such as pre-planted panels with soil), and container or trellis systems.

Green wall, Source: gsky-living-green-wall-atlanta.com In order to achieve sustainable neighbourhoods, it is imperative to design the open spaces within

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the buildings and transportation corridors. This can be achieved through provision and design of green verges within the neighbourhood. Green verges are strips of grass or plant material located between the roadway edge and the boundary of the road. This is basically the articulation of the street to connect humans to nature. Green verges can be achieved through: street trees and canopies, shade planting for buildings, green streets and alleys that create cool pervious greenways, rain gardens and bio-swales integrated into stormwater management plan and green permeable sidewalks. This is with a view of encouraging walking, and cycling, reducing building cooling energy use, stormwater management and food production.

Lastly, provision and design of green islands within a neighbourhood goes a long way in ensuring humans are connected to nature. Green islands include: urban parks and gardens placed close to transportation routes, community farms close to homes, residential backyards and lawns and gardens (public and private). These spaces if well designed; they encourage walking and cycling, ensure food production and increase community cohesion.

The ultimate reason for provision and design of open spaces within a neighbourhood is to connect humans to nature and thus ensure sustainability.

There are however other benefits such as increase in property value, revitalised urban environments, reduction of urban heat island effect, improved air quality, improved microclimate, sequestered carbon/ reduced greenhouse gas emissions, increase in biodiversity, improved water cycle management, amenity provision, enhanced well-being, stress reduction, provision of recreation and reconnection with nature, revitalised cities and enhanced tourism.

The author is a Landscape Architect/Urban designer at Landtek Studios (Nairobi/Mombasa). He can be reached via landtekstudios@gmail.com.

ARCHITRAVEL

Recovery of the lost modernism Mogadishu City

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Stephen Lutta

Turkish Quarter Buildings

he sound of bullets that was once so common in Mogadishu has been replaced by the noise of construction. New buildings and businesses are emerging from the carnage and lawlessness that pervaded the East African country for more than two decades. With so many people from the diaspora coming back, demand for properties and accommodation far exceeds supply, tripling rental prices in the prime areas of the city.

Mogadishu is the Capital of Somalia. Its name is derived from the Persian Maq’adi Shah, meaning the Seat of the Shah, alliteration to its link in the past with the Persian dynasties that once conquered and settled it. It is also known locally as Xamar (Hamar in English), and has served as an important port on the Indian Ocean for millennia.

History Southern Somalia, including the Mogadishu area, was inhabited very early by hunter-gatherers of Khoisan descent. Most of these early inhabitants are believed to have been either overwhelmed, driven away or, in some cases, assimilated by later migrants to the area. They were later supplanted by various

Cushitic pastoral agronomist groups who are now the demographic majority.

The ancient city of Sarapion is believed to have been the predecessor state of Mogadishu. It is mentioned in the Periplus of the Erythraean Sea, a Greek travel document dating from the first century AD, as one of a series of commercial ports on the Somali littoral. According to the Periplus, maritime trade already connected peoples in the Mogadishu area with other communities along the Indian Ocean coast.

The Sultanate of Mogadishu later developed with the immigration of Emozeidi Arabs, a community whose earliest presence dates back to the 9th or 10th century. This evolved into the Muzaffar dynasty, a joint Somali-Arab federation of rulers, and Mogadishu became closely linked with the powerful Somali Ajuran Sultanate.

For many years, Mogadishu stood as the pre-eminent city in the Bilad-ul-Barbar, meaning “Land of the Berbers.” By the time of the famous Moroccan traveler Ibn Battuta’s appearance on the Somali coast in 1331, the city was at the zenith of its prosperity. Ibn Battuta described Mogadishu as “an exceedingly large city” with many rich merchants, which was famous for the high quality fabric that it exported to destinations including Egypt. He added that the city was ruled by a Somali Sultan, Abu Bakr ibn Sayx ‘Umar who was

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ARCHITRAVEL

the Federal Government of Somalia established in August 2012, with the Somalia Federal Parliament serving as the government’s legislative branch. Yusuf Hussein Jimaale has been the Mayor of Mogadishu since October 2015. Villa Somalia is the official residential palace and principal workplace of the President of Somalia, Hassan Sheikh Mohamud.

Historical buildings Arba’a Rukun Mosque is one of the oldest Islamic places of worship in the capital, built circa 667 (1268/9 AD). The Mosque of Islamic Solidarity in Mogadishu is the largest masjid in the Horn of Africa region. On the other hand, Mogadishu Cathedral was built in 1928 by the colonial authorities in Italian Somaliland in a Norman Gothic style, and served as the traditional seat of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Mogadiscio. The National Museum of Somalia is based in Mogadishu and holds many culturally important artefacts. The National Library of Somalia is undergoing a $1 million Somali federal government funded renovation, including a new library complex.

New ofice building in Mogadishu originally from Berbera in northern Somalia and spoke both Somali and Arabic with equal fluency.

The Sultan also had a retinue of Wazirs (ministers), legal experts, commanders, royal eunuchs, and other officials at his service.

The Portuguese would subsequently attempt to occupy the city, but never managed to take it. In his journal of an expedition to the region in 1497-1499, the explorer João de Sá, who accompanied Vasco da Gama on his famous voyage, wrote that Magadoxo (Mogadishu) was controlled by Moors. A big town surrounded by four towers, it had houses several storeys high and large palaces in its center.

The Hawiye Somali, however, were later successful in defeating the Ajuran Sultanate and bringing about an end to the Muzaffar rule. The city later became the capital of Italian Somaliland (1889-1936) in the colonial period. After the Somali Republic became independent in 1960, Mogadishu became known and promoted as the White Pearl of the Indian Ocean.

After the ousting of the Siad Barre regime in 1991 and the ensuing civil war, various militias fought for control of the city, later to be replaced by the Islamic Courts Union in the mid-2000s. The ICU thereafter splintered into more radical groups, notably Al-Shabaab, which fought the Transitional Federal Government (2004-2012) and its AMISOM allies. A change in administration saw government troops and their military partners succeed in forcing out Al-Shabaab

by August 2011. Mogadishu has subsequently experienced a period of intense reconstruction.

Status in Somalia As Somalia’s capital city, many important national institutions are based in Mogadishu. It is the seat of

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Context in Somalia Mogadishu is situated on the Indian Ocean coast of the Horn of Africa, in the Banaadir administrative region, in southeastern Somalia. The city is administratively divided into the districts of Abdiaziz, Bondhere, Daynile, Dharkenley, Hamar-Jajab, Hamar-Weyne, Heliwa, Hodan, Howl-Wadag, Karan, Shangani, Shibis, Waberi, Wadajir, Wardhigley and Yaqshid. Features of the city include the Hamarwein old town, the Bakaara Market, and Gezira Beach (also Jazeera Beach). The sandy beaches of Mogadishu have vibrant coral reefs, and are prime real estate for the first tourist resorts in many years. The beaches have great tourism potential and investments towards this end are already being carried out

by Somalis in the diaspora and those making their way back.

Mogadishu traditionally served as a commercial and financial centre. Before the importation of massproduced cloth from Europe and America, the city’s textiles were forwarded far and wide throughout the interior of the continent, as well as to the Arabian Peninsula and as far as the Persian coast.

Its economy has grown rapidly since the city’s pacification in mid 2011. The SomalFruit processing factory was reopened, as was the local Coca Cola factory, which was also refurbished. In May 2012, the First Somali Bank was established in the capital, representing the first commercial bank to open in southern Somalia since 1991. Additionally, the Historic Central Bank was regenerated, and the Moumin Business Center is likewise under construction.

Other Developments Somalia’s elegant colonial villas were left in ruins by two decades of street fighting among warlords, and the seaside capital Mogadishu was dubbed the most dangerous city in the world.

But now, new housing estates are being built

ARCHITRAVEL

Government building Mogadishu amid an economic boom as diaspora Somalis return and newly wealthy businessmen capitalize on the relative peace in the city. Some seven kilometers (four miles) outside Mogadishu in a formerly largely rural area, new homes are springing up, with almost 50 houses now ready on an estate dubbed the Darussalam City. The estate offers all amenities thinkable, top of which is security.

The galvanization of Mogadishu’s real estate sector was in part facilitated by the establishment of a local construction yard in November 2012 by the Municipality of Istanbul and the Turkish Red Crescent. With 50 construction trucks and machines imported from Turkey, the yard produces concrete, asphalt and paving stones for building projects. The Istanbul Municipality was also scheduled to bring in 100 specialists to accelerate the construction initiative, which ultimately aims to modernize the capital’s infrastructure and serve it over the long-term.

Most professionals working in Somalia are local Somali, Kenyan, Ethiopian, Turkish and Chinese, most of them working on projects funded and run by organizations domiciled in the respective countries.

The scene is changing though, with the government getting more established and encouraging professionals from neighbouring countries to partner with them to ensure the rebuilding efforts amount to something concrete.

A huge amount of funds have been provided by the Government for social amenities like the Mogadishu University, The Somalia National library, The Mogadishu Stadium, The Central Bank of Somalia and many more such institutions. Roads are being rebuilt to facilitate ease of movement, both for security

Tawakal tower

Central Bank of Somalia agencies as well as private citizens and tourists doing business in the Capital.

The Aden Adde International Airport (MGQ) has been rebuilt, with regular flights from Turkish, Jubba and Qatar Airlines, and other infrastructure like the Somalia Petrol Company’s depots are all beginning to take shape. There has never been a better time to hit a market as it is now. For professionals feeling the heat of competition locally, maybe better fortunes await in Maq’adi Shah.

The writer is a graduate architect and a travel enthusiast at Africana travel Company. info@africanatravel. co.ke

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ENVIRONMENT

Sustainability of Konza Eco-City Prof. Alfred Omenya

I

Prof. Alfred Omenya

n 2009, the Konza Techno City project was initiated with the procurement of a 5,000 acre parcel of land at Malili Ranch, 60km south east of Nairobi along Mombasa-Nairobi Highway in Kenya. It was conceived to capture the growing global Business, Processing, Outsourcing and Information Technology Enabled Services (BPO/ITES) sectors in Kenya. According to government estimates, BPO/ITES business produced US$110 billion in revenues in 2010. Revenues from this industry were expected to increase three-fold to US$300 billion by 2015. Africa attracts about 1% of the total revenues accruing from this growing industry. Only a few African countries, including South Africa, Egypt, Morocco, Ghana and Mauritius, have developed their BPO/ITES industries. In 2009, the Government of Kenya hired the International Finance Corporation to advise on the development and implementation of a technology city, which would grow the BPO/ITES and other technology industries in Kenya.

There are plans for an electronic manufacturing plant, an international financial centre and a convention centre. The targeted sectors which will drive the growth of the city include BPO, Software Development, Data Centres, Disaster Recovery Centres

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and Light Assembly Manufacturing Industries. The proposed Government Data Centre will complement the existing facility, which currently links government ministries, departments and agencies.

Service provision is being addressed in various ways. State-owned Kenya Railways is already putting the infrastructure for the km/h (110 mph) rail network between Mombasa and Malaba through Konza.

Meeting the city’s estimated water demand of 100 million litres per day will not be easy. The in-progress Thwake water and sanitation projects has been redesigned to accommodate Konza city, which will require 60 KM (37 miles) of water pipeline, a section of which will require pumping over the Kilungu Hills.

Around two million litres per day will be provided by local boreholes, the drilling of which is presently underway. In terms of electricity, the city is projected to have a peak electoral demand of 675 MVA (so at least 675 MW). It is suggested that the city can be supplied via the planned high voltage between Mombasa and Nairobi.

Sustainable City or Green Wash?

The idea of Eco-City has been around for a long time, focusing more on ecological, environmental and economic sustainability. According to Register (2006), an Eco-City is “an urban environmental

ENVIRONMENT

Overall layout of Konza TechnoCity system in which input (of resources) and output (of waste) are minimized”. Joss et al, (2013) defines the Eco-City on the basis of reduction of carbon emissions, global climate change and urbanization processes. Although sustainable urban development is much debated, it is generally understood to have the four aspects economic, socio-cultural, ecological and institutional.

Economic sustainability refers to both green jobs and green economics driven by enterprise that have great environmental benefits. It further refers to initiatives that improve the economic well being of the local populace. At a very general level, it makes reference to sustained economic development or growth.

Socio-cultural sustainability refers development initiatives that promote, protect and advance sociocultural aspects of people’s well being. These include traditional cultural practices, e.g. religion, ethnic rituals, etc. They also include contemporary social aspects of people’s lives that contribute to their well being, in terms of development of their identities.

Ecological sustainability refers to protection of the ecosystem and the environment. It includes physical aspects of sustainability, including: reduction of the green house gas emissions in a development, clean environment, greening, sustainable use of water, clean energy, clean sanitation and waste management, energy efficiency and renewable energy, natural ventilation systems, protection of fauna and flora and so on.

Institutional sustainability refers to adequate and appropriate structural and institutional systems that support and enable cities to achieve all aspects of sustainable urban development. It includes appropriate policy, legal and legislative frameworks, appropriate governance and management systems, and appropriate institutionalized structures and operations.

The Government of Kenya commissioned a Strategic Environmental and Social Assessment, Legal and Regulatory Due Diligence, and a Demand Assess-

Initial Radial Layout of Konza TechnoCity ment. The initial feasibility and concept master plan was prepared by Deloitte and Pell Frischmann, a United Kingdom based consultancy, which proposed the establishment of Konza, a technology park with infrastructure that will be “sustainable” and have inclusive growth as key drivers.

Sustainability was considered in the land use.

Konza was planned as a mixed-use, high-density walkable city that accommodates a diversity of programs and districts. By avoiding superblocks and auto-orientated roadways, Konza is intended to be a liveable urban environment that encourages highvalue development and discourages sprawl. Planning was intended to take cues from successful global

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ENVIRONMENT

Konza TechnoCity Smart City Concept

Malili Town urban centres, yet be specific to the needs of Kenya and the region. The master plan was intended to set the framework for a city that function globally and locally, today and in the future. These concepts of liveability, density, and walkability were incorporated in the Local Physical Development Plan approved by the Ministry of Lands on February 2013.

The master plan follows a “stitch” framework, composed of a mixed use “bar” that runs east- west off Mombasa Highway and is intersected by a series of program “bands” that run north- south. These bands include a university, residential, science and tech, and an office band. The intersection of the bars and the bands create vivid connections, where special programs and higher density developments occur. These intersections become points of interest that seed neighbourhoods of distinct character. The stitch master plan also contains a series of neighbourhood parks, located throughout the city with varied orientations. Most parks are connected to the green boulevard, a 60-meter parkscape and public transit corridor.

Konza city will cause loss of habitat and grazing area and the displacement and disturbance of wild-

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life currently located onsite, especially the migratory wildebeest, antelope and zebra. A 2km buffer zone and 6.2 sq km wildlife corridor are intended to minimize the negative effects. The adequacy of these measures have not been verified scientifically. Other impacts on the wildlife ecosystem have not been convincingly dealt with.

The growth of the city will result in the creation of large amounts of construction, commercial and house hold waste, if this is not disposed off appropriately then it could result in a moderate negative impact on the environment inform of air, ground and water pollution. Konza Technology city therefore should include the provision of waste transfer, sorting and recycling centres and measurers for the promotion and education of workers and residents in the means of reuse, and reduction of waste. This calls for the need to explore alternatives means of waste disposal other than conventional landfill in quite good time.

Smart City Concept Konza city is intended to be a smart city. Smart cities concept has been attributed to the need for future cities to be able to provide quality of life drawing from environmentally sustainable and efficient practices. Oberti and Pavesi (2013) define smart cities as those cities that integrate environment, people and technologies efficiently. Smart cities have also been loosely used to refer to cities that incorporate digital technologies as is intended in Konza City.

As an ICT city, Konza is intended to have an integrated urban information and communication technology (ICT) network that supports delivery of connected urban services and allows for efficient management of those services on a large scale. Specifically, a smart city framework will integrate the following four key city services: Infrastructure services (transportation, utilities, public safety, environment) Citizen services (access and participation)

ENVIRONMENT

Commercial District of Konza TechnoCity City services (city information, planning and development) Business services (supportive services for local commerce) As a smart city, Konza is intended to gather data from smart devices and sensors embedded in the urban environment, such as roadways, buildings, and other assets. Collected data is intended to be shared via a smart communications system and analysed by software that delivers valuable information and digitally enhanced services to Konza’s population.

For example, roadway sensors will be able to monitor pedestrian and automobile traffic, and adjust traffic light timing accordingly to optimize traffic flows.

Konza’s population is meant to have direct access to collected data, which may include traffic maps, emergency warnings, and detailed information describing energy and water consumption. The availability of data is intended to enable Konza’s population to participate directly in the operations of the city, practice more sustainable living patterns, and enhance overall inclusiveness. It is hoped that by leveraging the smart city framework, Konza will be able to optimize its city services, creating a sustainable city that responds directly to the needs of its residents, workers, and visitors.

Konza planners believe that smart city framework should start with development of a comprehensive ICT infrastructure. Konza plans to learn from other cities in various parts of the world that have successfully incorporated smart city frameworks, including Santander and Barcelona, Spain; Singapore; Amsterdam, the Netherlands; and Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Konza city claim to sustainability is tenuous.

It definitely does not meet the requirements of economic sustainability, ecological sustainability, socio-cultural sustainability or even institutional sus-

tainability. This was not expected in the first instance because the city was not conceived as a sustainable city.

Konza mainly emphasizes the technological aspects of smart cities. The people referred to in Konza about are not Kenyans – they are caricatures of human beings from the West. It is questionable whether Konza will even be able to attract the specialised human resource that would be needed to run such a specialised ICT programme in the city.

Will Konza be sustainable, while ignoring Kenya’s socio-economic and political context of the interventions? Definitely not! It will take an army to protect Konza from the daily socio-cultural, and political practices predominant in the Kenyan society in generally, and Kenya’s urban context, in particular.

References Makau A. M. (2013) Parameters for a Successful Technology Park – A Comparative Analysis of Konza ICT City and International Best Practices, pg 37-40. University of Nairobi, Nairobi.

Rapoport, E. & Vernay, A. (2011) Defining the Eco-City: A Discursive Approach. Published Conference Proceedings. CIB, Working Commissions W55,W65,W89, W112; ENHR and AESP. Register Richard (2006) EcoCities – Rebuilding Cities in Balance with Nature. Berkeley Hills Press.

Oberti, I. & Pavesi, A. S. (2013) The triumph of the Smart City.

TECHNE-Journal of Technology for Architecture and Environment , Volume 5, pp. 117-122.

Konza TechnoCity Website: http://www.konzacity.go.ke/. Cited April 2016

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OPINION

Traditional campus set up and the emerging models

Steve Ted Gome

Albano University Campus Stockholm, Sweden-illustration

U

ntil recently, tertiary and higher education has been offered at designated established institutions around the country and region. A well planned established education institution has all the traditional elements of administration, teaching and research, accommodation, health, recreation spaces and facilities. Traditional set up of such institutions need a lot of land for balancing of the required architectural elements and open spaces. Environmental psychology research has identified that architecture can affect human health through stimulation. Open and recreational spaces are very integral in a wholesome campus experience. It has also been widely accepted that an open and informal atmosphere can stimulate creative expression. In the campus life, a well-designed open space shall create an integral blend of private space for concentrated study and

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public space for collaborative exchanges. Open spaces located between buildings and working as joints of surrounding environments, provide a sense of direction in a campus by integrating and organizing different places and elements; they also can provide an esthetic sense by involving attractive surroundings and creating visual surprises. Many creative and innovative ideas occur in outdoor environments, away from formal classes and discussions. The natural scenery and a relaxing atmosphere in open spaces encourage impromptu meetings and discussions, and provide fresh air for stressed scholars.

The last decade has seen rapid rise in expansions of universities and acquisition of offsite premises to cope with growing need for higher education. The expansion has not just been experienced through upgrading of middle level colleges and institutions into universities but has also explored the virtual model. Critics have described the expansionist trend as that which will flood the market place with degree

OPINION

Typical campus layout holding products at the expense of technical skills.

The proponents support the idea of access of higher education for all through public funding and selfsponsorship. The opponents have even proceeded to describe the phenomenon as commercialization with key admission requirement being the ability to pay the prescribed fees. The rapid trend has sometime experienced withdrawal of charters and closures of remote campuses for lack of meeting the bare minimum infrastructure. The bare minima in most of the cases has been reduced to existence of administrative spaces and classrooms; this level falls short of sense of place for a traditional campus environment From an objective standpoint, the contemporary learning ‘campuses’ ,both newly acquired(in 6th and 7th floors) and the virtual schools need further interrogation as to whether they imbue the intellectual environment as the traditional campus set up.

Having emphasized the role of open spaces, I leave it to sociologists & anthropologists to establish the role of College accommodation, common meeting and recreational spaces in wholesome higher education. I’d imagine especially in the Kenyan context that accommodation enables students from various backgrounds ample time to share, live, experience and learn each from another hence national integration. It’s probably high time for universities to enter into a pact of sharing key essential facilities for even the virtual programs students to have a feel of wholesome campus experience.

The author is a partner at Whintto Architects Mombasa

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ADVERTORIAL

Crown Paints Unveils a new plant for the Western Market

Crown Paints Kisumu- Factory Head, Shailesh Patel (Middle) demonstrates to the Governor of Kisumu, Hon Jack Raguma, State Department of industry and Enterprise Development- Principle Secretary, Julius Korir, and the Crown Paints CEO, Rakesh Rao how some of the Paint machines functions.

A

s part of expansion and growth strategy in the market, Crown Paints has established a Ksh 400 million plant in Kisumu County in a strategic move to tap into the region’s robust construction industry. The new plant with a production capacity of 1.2 million litres of paint per month has 70 per cent of its processes automated to ensure quality products.

Group chief executive Rakesh Rao said the installed equipment was similar to that used in advanced industries in South Africa.

The machine which is similar to those installed in advanced industries in South Africa and India is expected to cut down operations costs significantly as it seeks to cash in on the growing real estate market in the Western, Rift Valley and the neighboring Tanzania.

When unveiling of the plant, chief executive officer, Rakesh Rao said the Western region was experiencing high development growth particularly in real estate with a larger number of investors eyeing towns such as Kisumu, Eldoret, Kitale and Kakamega which creates an ideal opportunity for the firm to strengthen its presence to exploit the growing market.

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Since the country enacted a new constitution that embraces devolution of resources, many counties are witnessing growth in the real estate sector with significant investments being made in housing and commercial developments which the Paint manufacturer is eyeing.

The Nairobi Securities Exchange-listed firm has been on massive growth strategy which has also seen it open over five showrooms in the country since last year at a cost of over 100 million.

“This region produces over 40 percent of the company’s sales and establishing a new plant in Kisumu which is very central regionally, will not only enhance efficiency but also improve our sales due to the rapid growth of the region,” Rao added.

Earlier this year the firm introduced a Crown Colour App, first of its kind mobile application in the market that makes it easier for customers to make a more accurate selection of their preferred home interior colour scheme. The App which is available on both the Google Play Store and the Apple Store will help more customers in the region to make colour choices without any difficulties.

The new plant is expected to create hundreds of jobs directly and indirectly to the locals. The Nairobi Securities Exchange (NSE) listed firm with an annual turnover of more than KSh 6 Billion is expected to use the new machine as a launching pad into the wider East African market particularly Tanzania. “ As part of our continuous innovation, setting up of this plant which we are referring as the ‘Greenfield project’ for manufacturing paints in Kisumu will cater for the Western region and also export to our neighboring Tanzania”, Rao noted.

The firm’s performance in Tanzania has been difficult due to high operation costs and setting up of Kisumu plant is expected to boost the firm’s sales and market share. “We anticipate revenues from paints and coatings industry in Kenya and Tanzania to rise from USD123.3 million to USD188.5 million by the year 2018, even as Crown Paints expect rapid growth in the coming years due to robust growth of the construction industry which will lead to more employment opportunities for Kenyans and direct contribution to the Country’s GDP”, he argued.

The Principal Secretary State Department of Industry and Enterprise Development, Mr. Julius Korir who graced event together with Kisumu Governor Jack Ranguma called on counties identified by government as special economic zones to hasten the process. The zones were set up in coast area and Nyanza to drive SMEs growth. He said the plan was meant to provide investors unlimited access to local and international markets.

Kisumu Governor, lauded Crown Paints move to establish a plant in county, acknowledging that the paint company was reinforcing the fact Kisumu county was on the right track to establishment itself as an economic hub in the region.

www.crownpaints.co.ke

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