A beautiful building is not necessarily a safe building.
The recent building collapse tragedy in Eastleigh, Nairobi, is a painful reminder that property development comes with a responsibility that goes far beyond constructing apartments and selling units.
As Nairobi continues to grow, with new residential and commercial developments transforming areas such as Kilimani, Westlands, Kileleshwa, Parklands and Eastleigh, we must start paying closer attention to the quality and safety of the buildings we occupy and invest in.
For property buyers, investors and developers, location, pricing, design and amenities are important. However, structural integrity, professional supervision, approved building plans and quality construction should never be compromised.
The responsibility also lies with buyers. Before purchasing a property, especially off-plan, investors should ask questions about:
- Approved architectural and structural plans.
- NCA project registration and contractor credentials.
- Qualifications of the architect and structural engineer.
- Quality of construction materials.
- Independent professional inspections and completion documentation.
These checks are essential in protecting both lives and investments. Kenya's National Buildings Inspectorate provides building safety inspections and structural integrity assessment
State Department for Public Works
My takeaway as a real estate professional: We should not only compete on who builds the tallest, most luxurious or most attractive apartments. We should compete on who builds the safest, strongest and most reliable homes.
Because property is not just about buying square footage. It is about investing in people's lives, families, security and future.
Let's build Nairobi, but let's build it right.
By Mercy Wangeci | Real Estate Professional