Former President Mwai Kibaki family says real estate project on course

Plots in scale of 1:2500 advertised for sale by former President Mwai Kibaki. Kibaki's family has welcomed the "tremendous interest from Kenyans" eager to invest in a multi-billion shilling real estate project it is undertaking in Nakuru. (PHOTO: COURTESY)

Retired President Kibaki's family has welcomed the "tremendous interest from Kenyans" eager to invest in a multi-billion shilling real estate project it is undertaking in Nakuru. 

Through his son Anthony Kibaki, the family said it was also grateful for the support from the county government for the planned development in Gingalili Farm in Bahati, Nakuru County.

Kibaki, however, clarified that the total acreage of Gingalili Farm (1968) was 643 acres and not 10,000 acres as reported in The Standard yesterday.

He explained that about 200 acres had been earmarked for the development of the gated community and progress was on to sell the portions of land to Kenyans willing to invest in the area.

"The site proposed for development of the gated community will not be more than 200 acres. This is Phase One of the project which is ongoing," said Mr Kibaki.

He explained that in the first phase, they plan to put up a gated community with social amenities which include a nursery, primary and secondary schools, shopping and social centre and a medical clinic for residents.

Mr Kibaki said it will involve construction of a hotel jointly with private investors on the land overlooking the Menengai crater.

"So far everything is going on well and we are happy for the support we have received from the county government," he said.

He said the media will be invited during the ground breaking ceremony and briefed on the project.

Land buying and selling agent authorised by the Kibaki family to dispose off the first portion of the land said they had received good response from interested clients since the matter became public.

"People have shown more interest especially after the sale was published in newspapers," said George Kamande, an agent at the site office located at Maili Saba near the farm on the Nakuru-Nyahururu highway.

Buyers who have been streaming at the site office, were required to make a 20 per cent deposit and the balance is supposed to be cleared within 90 days.

Those interviewed said the property location was conducive and ideal for investment or putting up a family home.

"The Nakuru-Nyahururu road will soon be a dual carriage highway," said Mary Wairimu, a potential buyer.