This archive report was first published on 7 August 2019.
Service Charges in Mombasa's Gated Communities: A Growing Concern ¶
Published on August 7, 2019
For those who can afford it, living in Mombasa's gated communities can be a luxurious experience. With amenities such as golf courses, fitness centers, and swimming pools, these communities offer a lifestyle that is hard to resist. However, with the increasing cost of living in these communities, service charges have become a growing concern for many homeowners.
According to various developers, service charges in Mombasa's gated communities can range from Sh3,000 to Sh30,000 per month, with some homeowners paying as much as Sh48,000 monthly at Vipingo Ridge. The charges cover services such as security, garbage collection, maintenance, repairs, and keeping the neighborhood clean.
At Vipingo Ridge, the general manager, Mr. Mike Round-Turner, explains that the service charge covers a wide range of services, including mowing the grass, land rates, and the drainage system. He also notes that security is crucial to the development, with security personnel on the payroll, including an international company that manages the security.
However, the high service charge can be a deterrent for some potential homeowners. Paul Kinoti, a director at ACL Real Estate Consultants, notes that the more services on offer, the higher the service charge. He argues that for those who can afford it, it is considerably cheaper to live in such gated communities than in their own compound, especially in 'multi-family' concepts, since some costs become a shared responsibility.
But the high service charge is not the only concern. Mr. Kimani Thambo, CEO of Himaya Heights Investment, notes that the service charge does not reduce as more units sell, and in some cases, the charge is collected but the services are not rendered, leading to degradation of the premises. He advocates for regulation to the ever-rising and arbitrary service charges.
With the increasing cost of living in Mombasa's gated communities, it is essential for homeowners to understand the service charges and what they cover. By doing so, they can make informed decisions about their living arrangements and avoid any potential pitfalls.
