Kenya Homes Expo opens today

By Ferdinand Mwongela

As the 10th edition of the Kenya Homes Expo kicks off today (Thursday) at the Tsavo Ballroom, KICC, Nairobi, the real estate market can firmly attest to being a major player in the country’s economy. It contributes billions of shillings with investors ranging from farmers to executives in multi-national companies, all fighting to be part of the sizzling action.

The exhibition is organised by the bi-monthly property magazine, Homes Kenya, which is a division of Mentor Holdings, the expo’s sponsors. It will run for four days till Sunday.

The Kenya Homes expo seeks to bring together players in the industry with prospective clients at an open forum where they can interact under a somewhat informal setup yet achieving the same results if they were to be seated in their offices.

"This expo provides a platform for stakeholders in the real estate industry to showcase their products and inform the market on the trends in the industry," say the organisers.

Impressive turnout

Despite the current economic challenges that face the country, real estate and property development continues to gather momentum as homes are not just shelter but viable investment options for many.

The first edition of the Kenya Homes expo was held at the Sarit Centre in 2005. At that time, property ownership was viewed as the preserve of the rich. Five years down the line, the Kenya Homes Expo is the country’s leading property exhibition drawing exhibitors from banking institutions and other service providers to dealers in different products that range from cement to tiles and household items.

Judging from the impressive turnout at the last edition early this year in the wake of the post-election violence that destroyed properties worth million of shillings, the industry continues to rise. More than 15,000 visitors attended the expo and more than 80 exhibitors participated. This time round, the participation is expected to be even higher. Real estate players have never been more optimistic.

Developers currently working on mega developments in both residential and commercial development will be at the expo to showcase their projects and sell to clients.

Daniel Ojijo, the executive chairman of Mentor Holdings, says the property market has become more open and accessible compared to 15 years ago when real estate agents were regarded with suspicion.

He says this has become possible through the exposure the industry has received over recent years. The Kenya Homes Expo continues to play a crucial role in the market and is key towards opening up the real estate market and providing a networking forum for sector stakeholders and their clients.

Prizes to be won

This year’s show has attracted many new exhibitors among them Consolidated Bank, Co-operative Bank, Mimosa Designs as well as international solar equipment dealer Soleambiente.

As the expo opens its doors to the public, the stage is set for the continued development of the industry with more banks joining the field of mortgage provision.

The theme of this month’s expo is ‘Good Home Better Living’. Its lead sponsor is Mentor Holdings. The Silver sponsors are East African Portland Cement, Multichoice, Pampa Churascaria, Ken Global, Ideal Ceramics and HomesKenya Magazine who are also the gift sponsors.

Prizes to be won include furniture, holiday and dining vouchers, Dstv subscriptions and HomesKenya magazine subscriptions.

Housing Minister Soita Shitanda is expected to officially open the exhibition accompanied by Minister for Nairobi Metropolitan Development, Njeru Githae.