This archive report was first published on 20 November 2019.
November 20, 2019, marked a significant milestone for Koto Housing, a company that has been revolutionizing the affordable housing sector in Kenya.
For Mr. Nderitu, the journey began when he was building a house for his mother. The costs kept rising, and the construction work continued at a snail's pace. He couldn't tell the exact cost of the house as the constructors kept varying them.
"The contractor did not complete the house within a year as promised. The cost sky-rocketed, and all family members chipped in funds haphazardly," he recalls.
Mr. Nderitu's experience sparked a business idea - to create a venture that would reduce building costs and make them predictable. His dream turned into reality when he visited Malaysia on a business trip and learned about the Expanded Polystyrene Building System (EPS).
EPS technology allows for the construction of residential and commercial buildings within seven days at far cheaper costs. Mr. Nderitu obtained franchise licenses and, upon his return to Kenya, began discussing the idea with his business associates.
His colleagues warmly received the idea, and the result is the current Sh500 million Koto Housing EPS factory at Mlolongo, on the outskirts of Nairobi.
After setting up the business, a team from Malaysia came to Kenya to train workers on EPS technology, which produces lightweight concrete panels.
Mr. Nderitu personally supervised the putting up of the first houses for private individuals, who kept referring their friends to the firm.
"EPS panels are not for temporary buildings but permanent buildings. They are easier to put up and cost-friendly since the entire building's walls can be done at the factory and the house be up, ready for occupation in two weeks," he adds.
Mr. Nderitu believes that the housing deficit in the country could be adequately addressed if contractors observed timelines and kept costs as minimum as possible.
"It is very frustrating to pay more than the agreed amount to a contractor only for the quality of the building to be compromised and more money spent to correct glaring errors after a year," he says.
Mr. Nderitu's company, Koto Housing Kenya, made a major breakthrough three years ago when it was contracted to put up 200 units for police officers at Kamulu in Machakos county and at Migosi in Kisumu.
"We have been building the four-floor apartments for police officers using EPS technology that has been approved by the National Construction Authority and we promised to deliver the same for occupation in three months. We are now encouraging Kenyans to engage us in putting up houses that are affordable," he added.
