Kenyan builders building capacity - Winsley Masese

The construction industry is one of the fastest growing in the country and with increased government spending the outlook can only get brighter.

With focus shifting to development of infrastructure in the devolved government, contractors are upbeat that this will increase their revenue streams and experience.

Treasury recently said it would seek Parliament’s approval for Sh3.4 billion in supplementary budget to finance setting up offices and assemblies for county officials.

“This presents us with a key source of income and opportunity to gain experience to serve clients better,” said Mr Dennis Busienei, a director of Mobek Works Company Ltd, based in Bomet.

Though lack of technology is cited as cause for losing out to foreign contractors, especially roads, Mr Timas Gasaya of Gasen Construction Company has a different view.

“Lack of equipment cannot be blamed for not securing a tender as witnessed before as there are equipment for hire.”

The difficult bit, Mr Gasaya points out, is when a contractor is required to finance 5 per cent of the project cost.

To help the sub-sector, the government has approved the formation of a National Construction Authority, through the National Construction Authority Bill, which aims to regulate the sector.

The Bill, to be tabled in Parliament soon, proposes setting up of a fund to support upcoming contractors. The National Construction Authority is expected to replace the National Housing Corporation.

[caption id="attachment_1475" align="alignnone" width="640" caption="Many contractors are said to have weak technical capacity to undertake works of the scope that they are engaged leading to poor quality and unsafe buildings being constructed - Source: Daily Nation"][/caption]

Local contractors argue that they have lost out to foreign contractors as their countries support them financially.

“We do not get support from the government to buy equipment as foreign counterparts and this gives them a competitive advantage,” said Mr Busienei.

Besides, he adds, foreign contractors are given favourable terms as investors with their equipment attracting lower tax as opposed to Kenyan firms importing the same.

During a conference in Nairobi for contractors, Public Works Permanent Secretary Prof John Lonyangapuo said local contractors are notorious for delaying works.

“Those found with delaying projects, ballooning the costs beyond the variation provisions will have their tenders terminated,” he warned.

However, Mr Gasaya said the government must take a share of the blame.

“Every contractor is assigned a quantity surveyor to supervise the work and in case there is poor workmanship or failure to complete work within the stipulated project period, he or she should be held responsible,” he said.

Architectural Association of Kenya chairman Steven Oundo blames the government, consultants, developers and contractor.

“There is poor enforcement of existing building laws and regulations and weak technical capacity in local authorities, corruption and impunity, on the government’s side,” he says. Developers, he says, prefer to use unqualified persons over professionals.

Source: Daily Nation

Rise of the Gated Community - Eagle Plains Estate off Mombasa Road

[caption id="attachment_1470" align="alignnone" width="640" caption="Image of Eagle Estate coutersy of The Standard"][/caption]

Hidden off Mombasa Road, about 50 metres behind Panari Hotel, lies Eagles Plain — a breathtaking residential housing estate. It is in close proximity to the city centre and industrial area in a mixed zone and on the way to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport. According to the architect, Andrew Kimani of FNDA Architecture, the estate is erected on a 28-acre plot that holds 307 units.

The single-storied houses have four spacious bedrooms with three bathrooms and a master ensuite. They also have a lounge, dining area, fitted kitchen with a pantry and a detached servant’s quarter. The houses are being sold at Sh11 million up from the initial price of Sh6m. Those who want to rent will have to part with Sh50,000 or more every month.

Surrounding commercial centres like Capital Centre, Panari Sky Centre, Nakumatt Hyper, Nakumatt Embakasi and Metro-Stores along Nairobi-Mombasa Highway caters for major shopping. There is a small shop within the estate for fast moving commodities like milk and bread. Plans are in place to build a commercial centre within the estate.

Each house sits on a 24 by 10 metre space and has cabro worked driveways and a back and front yard. The gated estate has concrete block paving and well-lit landscaped pedestrian walkways. It also enjoys a 24-hour security, which is reinforced by a police post right outside the gate.

Accessing the estate, however, is a challenge and many residents are forced to use a small footpath from Mombasa Road via Nakumatt godown. When it rains it becomes impassable. The main entrance is either through Road C off Enterprise Road or Road C off Likoni Link Road just before Parkside Towers on Mombasa Road. The residents are waiting for the completion of Enterprise Road which begun in 2008 but has since stalled.

By Wangeci Kanyeki - Standard Media

Battle for Vice Chairmanship as AAK goes to the polls

The Architectural Association of Kenya members will be electing a new governing council before their 44th AGM to be held on Friday, 25th March 2011. Incumbent chairman, Arch. Steven Oundo, is largely expected to retain his seat for a second term with indications that he will be running for the seat unopposed. Arch. Oundo has been largely credited for having spearheading reforms in the construction sector and has been at the forefront in the fight against unfair procurement procedures that AAK members have been subjected to in the past.

The race has thus shifted to the position of vice chairman, with three strong contenders for the post. This is seemingly the most strategic position to hold for those seeking to take over after Arch. Oundo clears his second and final term as AAK chairman in 2013. Those in the race are Arch. Waweru Gathecha - immediate former chairman AAK Architects Chapter, Arch. Maxwell Suero - immediate former chairman of AAK Mombasa branch and QS Festus Litiku - the incumbent vice chairman. QS Litiku is facing a daunting task to retain his seat.

This election also brings to the fore the voting procedures for the association. Currently, the association sends ballot papers to all its eligible members via post. These members are then required to fill up the ballots and return them to the secretariat before a set deadline. This procedure, besides being too costly for the association, is also prone to irregularities. A member is planning to move a motion to have the elections conducted via the association's website which was recently upgraded.

The election results will be announced on 25th march at the AGM.