NAIROBI,Kenya July 21 – The government has been urged to expedite the process of providing a permanent solution for sectional titles, which are issued to owners of houses in shared apartments.
During a keys handover event to homeowners in Almond Height, Kibuchiku in Kiambu County, the Managing Director of Almond Estate Ltd, Chrispus Wachira, emphasized that while sub-lease documents are currently permissible, sectional titles are essential for confirming homeownership.
“The sectional titles are a great initiative and crucial documentation for a homeowner, even though they currently face challenges. I urge the government to fast track the process of finding a solution,” Wachira said.
Wachira also encouraged investors to consider shared apartments, highlighting their role in supporting the government’s food security efforts by allowing more houses to be built on one piece of land, thereby preserving more land for agricultural activities.
“For instance, this particular quarter-acre land hosts sixty houses, which would not have been possible if all sixty homeowners had built on individual plots,” he reiterated.
He called on the government to support such projects by lowering taxes on construction materials, adding that private companies are complementing the government’s housing agenda. Wachira also praised financial institutions for assisting investors by lowering mortgage interest rates.
His sentiments were echoed by investors who were elated to finally receive their houses. Humphrey Karanja, whose daughter in the diaspora had bought one of the houses, said that the future of homeownership lies in shared apartments. He urged the government to clarify laws regarding the separation of agricultural land and investment land.
“Going forward, I foresee a situation where this kind of investment will be the norm, and the government will need to clarify which land should be used for agriculture and which can be used for such investments,” he said.
Jacqueline Radido, another investor, emphasized the reliability of real estate investment. She bought three houses with the intention of renting them out.
“You can never go wrong with this kind of investment, which is why we bought three of the houses. The key is to check whether the location aligns with your interests and to find a trustworthy company,” she said.
