By MANGOA MOSOTA
The fourth Kisumu Homes Expo starts Friday, with the property market showing an optimistic surge four years after the post-election skirmishes that wrought damage on the lakeside town.
The organisers of the event, Novic Communications, said there will be 45 exhibitors, with about 15 of them participating for the first time. The theme of the event is âUnveiling Potentialâ.
"The exhibition has gained acceptance by many firms which want to showcase their products and services," said Aba Eban, Novicâs team leader. Crown Berger and Ounga Agencies are the main sponsors.
Medical Services Minister Anyangâ Nyongâo is scheduled to officially open the exhibition to be held at Aga Khan Hall.
New exhibitors
Among the new exhibitors are Shelter Afrique, Kisumu Water and Sewerage Company, All things Beautiful and the Kenya Power and Lighting Company.
Samson Murethi, an investment analyst for special projects at Shelter Afrique said Kisumu is underfunded in terms of financial support to the property market.
"There is a high demand for housing but underfunding is an impediment. I feel the event will make our prospective customers realise how much they can benefit from us," said Mr Mureithi, whose organisation has been operating in Kenya for the last 30 years.
Shelter Afrique funds affordable residential houses through provision of loans covering up to 60 per cent of any given project.The minimum funding Shelter Afrique can provide is Sh90 million, while the maximum is Sh630 million.
Kenya Union of Saving and Credit Co-operative (Kusco) Managing Director George Ototo says they will also display their products to potential clients.
"We have been in the market for the last 38 years, providing individuals in Saccos with loans to purchase affordable and decent houses," said Mr Ototo, adding that they recently completed one block of 14 three-bedroom units at Milimani. Besides, Kusco constructs and then sells office blocks to Saccos.
