Don't build on that empty land! You will thank me later

An open space can be configured in many ways, and tent makers have been very creative. Movement is less restrictive and photography is much better! [iStockphoto]

Want to make easy money, don’t build up on that empty land or space. Tried getting space for a function like a wedding?  You will pay up to Sh80,000 for a day. Curiously, we love such open spaces, not halls. They give us the freedom we yearn for. True to our roots, human beings belong to outside. After all, we build houses; they were never natural!

Open spaces are popular for another reason: flexibility. A hall just remains just that. But an open space can be configured in many ways, and tent makers have been very creative. Movement is less restrictive and photography is much better! 

The price of open space or land is going up, it’s about supply and demand. How much empty land do you see particularly in urban areas? But the demand keeps going up, courtesy of the rising population.  As we build high-rise buildings, the demand for open space will keep going up. We want to be closer to the “ground,” closer to reality. 

In traditional societies, open grounds or spaces were never scarce. They were kept sacred for ceremonies. Think of Kaya forests or Mt Kenya, among other sacred grounds. The traditional ceremonies have been replaced by modernity, best espoused by churches and mosques, they too need open spaces.

But capitalism without a human face has devoured the open spaces. The popular word is grabbing. We hate to see any open space. Leave a gap between your car and the next for safety reasons, someone will “cut in.”  Own a beautiful house, soon a few rentals will follow. Leave a wide road, kiosks will follow,

Open space also adds to the beauty of a place. Think of Nairobi without Uhuru Park and the Railway Golf Course. We love leafy suburbs because of open spaces. We pay cheaply for crowded places without open spaces. I will not name them. 

The ultimate empty space is above your grave.  That is becoming rare too. Does that explain the popularity of cremation? Or we want to keep the value of land by ensuring there is no grave? 

Economics has come to save open spaces. Law and regulations have failed. If you have an open space, empty land, leave out rental houses, cars washes and kiosks. Just manicure it well. You will never go hungry. Got some open space?  Keep it empty and money will come looking for you. Made money from an open space? Talk to us.