Topical Feature: Essentials of a Real Estate Feasibility Study in Kenya; as a Must-Have Tool for Modern Investment, & Weekly Report #33/ 2020

A Real Estate feasibility study in Kenya, or market research studies, is a service research exercise in project development and real estate investments, to advice on the viability of a real estate investment or project development as a whole at the outset. It is a projected analysis of the success or otherwise for the proposed project, accounting for all factors that affect it: economic, technical, legal, financial, and operational considerations. As such, the study advises the investors or developers on potential, positive and negative outcomes of a project before investing considerable time and capital into it.

Real Estate Feasibility Study in KenyaThe Real Estate feasibility study typically addresses the issue of the most appropriate use for a particular property site, the most suitable location for a predetermined use, or the most appropriate outlet for investment funds. The study as well determines if, after all significant factors are considered, whether the project should be pursued; and if so, how the project should be pursued. The feasibility study allows a business or institution to address where and how it will operate, potential risks, and the necessary funding to complete the project, among other important essential aspects of a feasibility study as mentioned below:

Market Research.

The market research and macro-economic feasibility is a detailed investigation into the current market landscape, future market potential, sales projections, competitive landscape, and target market analysis. The market research study also involves a cost-benefit analysis of the proposed project and therefore determines the viability, cost, and benefits associated with the project before financial resources are injected. The market research study serves as an independent project assessment based on market dynamics of supply and demand, whereby it enhances project credibility – helping investors determine the positive market and economic benefits that the proposed investment will provide.

Land-Use Appraisal

The feasibility study on land-use entails appraisal of the development potential of land and buildings. Such analysis is critical, especially when an investor is considering the sale or purchase of a property. The study also involves research into constraints and opportunities evolving from the location, zoning policies for the area, legal and statutory provisions, and physical planning aspects of potential development sites, as well as their physical characteristics.

Project Cost Plan Appraisal

The feasibility study for project cost plan analyses how the project costs shall be allocated, funded, and controlled. A project cost plan study usually involves decisive procedures that will ensure that the project will be executed within the approved budget, as well as within the available resources.

Technical Feasibility

This assessment focuses on the technical resources available to the organization or to the project. The technical feasibility study helps an investor to assess his/her technical capability to carry out the project. It allows investors to determine whether the technical resources meet capacity and whether the technical team is capable of conducting the project. Technical feasibility also involves the evaluation of the labor, materials, logistics, and technological needs, among other technical requirements of the investment.

Legal Feasibility

Legal feasibility assesses the legal and regulatory requirements for the project’s success and the investor’s ability to meet them. The study investigates whether any aspect of the proposed project conflicts with legal provisions; as such, the study reveals the project’s ideal location, legal condition, compliance, and tax obligations.

Construction Management Appraisal

Construction management appraisal is essential for a feasibility study as it analyses the planning, design, procurement, and construction of a project from start to finish. The study helps to prevent challenges such as scope creep, which means that scope is moving past what had initially been planned for, therefore constraining the project’s budget. The appraisal also involves identification of evaluation criteria and benchmark in the project, common once being quality, cost, and timelines benchmarks that need to be met during construction and implementation of the project.

Operational Feasibility

The operation feasibility study involves an analysis of how the investment’s work environment shall be affected post-implementation, how end-users will feel about the new investment or project, and if the proposed investment/project will work in the organization. Moreover, the study analyses and determines whether-and how well-the organization’s / investor’s needs can be met after completion of the project. The operation feasibility study also examines how a project plan satisfies the requirements identified in the operational phase of project development.

Supply Chain Management Appraisal

In Supply Chain Management appraisal, the gaps between different stakeholders in the project are highlighted, enabling an investor to determine if his/her overall investment  capacity can take the strain of executing the project successfully. Through supply chain management appraisal, an investor can decide on whether or not to bring in other stakeholders such as contractors, new team members, or put the proposed project on hold awaiting required resources. Furthermore, the feasibility study and appraisal will help an investor to determine whether the new real estate investment will stress his/her resources, as well as identify the resources required at different phases or stages of the supply chain.

Financial Feasibility

Financial feasibility analyses all the costs that might accrue while executing a real estate project. Through the financial feasibility, an investor is able to tell the overruns to expect and how to plan for them as well as figure out if he/she is adequately capitalized for the project. The study involves the construction of a financial model, which is as outlined below:

Financial Model

The financial model is an essential aspect of the real estate financial feasibility as it gives a detailed financial analysis of construction, operations, and financing to ensure that returns targets are met and that there is confidence in the projected results. The model analyses the property from the perspective of an Investor in the property and determine whether the investment is viable, based on the risks and potential returns. Furthermore, the model is used to calculate the economics and profitability of the project based on property statistics, development costs, financing assumptions, and sales assumptions. Additionally, the model analyses the cash flow to be expected in the project including; the revenue build up, monthly expenses, financing, and levered free cash flows, NPV (Net Present Value), Payback Period, and IRR (internal rate of return) of the project.

Investment Risks Assessment.

The Investment Risks feasibility study assesses the risks and challenges associated with the proposed investment/project. Additionally, the investment risks feasibility study helps identify any constraints the proposed project/investment may face, including:

  • Internal Project Constraints: Technical risks.
  • Internal Corporate Constraints: Cost risks, market risks, and financial risks.
  • External Constraints: Logistics risks, land-use risks, and legal risks.

Moreover, the investment risks feasibility study identifies the risks mitigation and management strategies for the identified risks.

In conclusion, a feasibility study fosters confidence in the project, and signals whether or not the investment is viable. Furthermore, as the scope of the real estate project grows, it becomes more imperative to conduct a feasibility study, particularly when large amounts of money are involved in the investment, and where the quality of delivery are to be put into perspective, as well as where returns on investment are critical to the success of the project.

Buildafrique Consulting Group is a specialist in conducting Real Estate Feasibility Studies in Kenya for real estate investment projects, included Real Estate Finance, Joint Venture Structuring, and Development Project Management and Consultancy.

 

B.) WEEKLY NEWS HIGHLIGHTS

 

            MAJOR ECONOMIC NEWS HIGHLIGHT.

 

i.) Fuel prices shoot up on high import bill

The price of petroleum, diesel, and Kerosene on Friday, 14th August 2020 rose by Ksh3.32, Ksh 2.57, and Ksh18, respectively. A litre of super petroleum, diesel, and kerosene will retail at Ksh103.80, Ksh 94.44, and Ksh 83.48, respectively in Nairobi. The ministry of petroleum and mining linked the expensive fuel to the recovery in crude oil prices, which increased the cost of imported refined fuel.

 

 

 

ii.) The Kenyan shilling plummets to a record low

The Kenyan shilling, on 13th August 2020, weakened to a record low of 108.45 units against the dollar, erasing gains which were made during the week ending 6th August 2020, with traders linking this on demand for the US currency from Safaricom ahead of Sh56.09 billion dividends payout. Wednesday’s plummet marked the ninth straight day of weakening for the shilling after gaining against the dollar, to close July at 107.70.

 

 

iii.) Women, youth SMEs to get Sh600m interest-free loans

A hundred thousand micro and small enterprises owned by youths and Women and impacted by Covid-19 will benefit from interest-free loans, and technical assistance after Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI) and MasterCard Foundation entered into a Sh600 million partnership. According to KNCCI president Richard Ngatia, the goal of the loan is to help Micro and Small Enterprises to survive the economic downturn and to improve their resilience.

 

 

iv.) CMA mulls guarantee scheme to help small businesses raise funds

The Capital Markets Authority (CMA) plans to form a credit guarantee scheme to help small and medium-sized (SMEs) firms raise money without exposing investors, such as bondholders, to potential losses. Director of policy and regulation at CMA, Luke Ombara said in a virtual briefing on 12th August 2020 that the scheme would help lift the waning bond appetite, especially when SMEs seek capital from the Nairobi Securities Exchange (NSE).

 

 

 

 

 

                 CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY HIGHLIGHTS

 

i.) President Kenyatta commissions construction of 3 new Level 3 hospitals in Nairobi

President Uhuru Kenyatta, on 10th August 2020, commissioned the construction of three new Level 3 hospitals in Nairobi’s informal settlements in a bid to increase access to health services for Kenyans dwelling in informal settlements in Nairobi. The President witnessed the groundbreaking for the construction of the 16-bed capacity hospitals at Muthua in Uthiru and Kianda in Kibra as well as a 24-bed facility at Maendeleo Village in Mukuru Kwa Reuben.

 

 

 

 

ii.) National Cooperative Housing Union halts construction of houses as member contributions fall

The National Cooperative Housing Union (Nachu) suspended the construction of houses in its housing project for its members, citing reduced contributions and repayments, hinting at imminent loan defaults due to the Covid-19 pandemic. On 12th August 2020, the Nachu chairman Francis Kamande said that many beneficiaries of its 400 housing units had reported suffering reduced incomes, where some lost jobs and requested partial release of their savings to meet daily expenses.

 

 

iii.) CS Keriako Tobiko seeks to reinstate Nema construction fee

The Cabinet Secretary for Environment, Keriako Tobiko, wants the Treasury to reverse the 2016 directive that banned the collection of impact assessment (EIA) levy paid to the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA). Upon approval of the petition by the Treasury, property developers will resume paying construction levies to the environment State agency. While petitioning through the parliament on 14th August 2020, Keriako Tobiko said that the scrapping of the EIA construction fees paid to the Nema has had an unintended negative impact on the agency’s activities due to lack of resources.

 

 

 

 

iv.) Meru and Tharaka Nithi counties to construct a Ksh 184 million modern market.

Meru and Tharaka Nithi have separately launched the construction of two markets worth Sh184 million, which upon completion, will tilt trade in favour of their regions. Tharaka-Nithi Governor Muthomi Njuki, on 13th August 2020 launched the construction of the Sh70 million two-storey municipality modern market that will accommodate over 3,500 traders in Kathwana Township, the county headquarters. On the other hand, Meru governor Kiraitu Murungi launched the Sh94 million Ntharene modern market in Ntharene. The construction funding is being drawn from the World Bank’s Kenya Urban Support Programme (KUSP) that is targeting municipalities in Kenya counties.

 

 

               COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE HIGHLIGHTS

 

i.)  Prices for Land and houses decline on Covid-19 slowdown

House and land prices dropped in Nairobi and the surrounding counties of Kiambu, Kajiado, and Machakos in the three months to June due to low demand in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic. According to the HassConsult quarterly property house index, which was released on 12th August 2020, house prices dropped 0.2 percent in quarter two, compared to a growth of 3.6 percent in a similar period last year. The firm linked the price fall to an oversupply of homes amid reduced demand related to the Covid-19 economic fallout, which has led to job losses, pay cuts, closure of some firms, and cuts on bank loans and mortgages.

 

ii.) Demand for apartments surge as buyers cut costs

According to a review by the Kenya Bankers association on bank-processed house purchases, demand for apartments doubled in the second quarter of 2020 as buyers moved away from the costlier standalone units. The Kenya Bankers Association’s (KBA) Housing Price Index released on 11th August 2020 revealed that most buyers chose the lower-priced apartments, which saw concluded sales rise to 75.6 per cent, compared to the 33 per cent reported in quarter one.

 

 

 

 

 

iii.) State to offer mortgage at 7pc in September

Kenyans earning Sh150, 000 and below per month are expected to start getting house loans from local banks and saccos at an annual subsidized interest of seven percent as of September 2020. The lower home loan rates are the product of the newly established Kenya Mortgage Refinance Company (KMRC), a Treasury-backed lender, which offers banks and saccos cash for onward lending to households. According to the Chief executive of KMRC, Johnstone Oltetia, the refinancing firm expects to start lending before the end of the third quarter, which closes on 30th September 2020.

 

 

iv) Rent drops significantly in a majority of Nairobi suburbs and satellite towns.

According to quarter two HassConsult Property Index, which was released on 12th August 2020, Donholm posted the biggest quarterly drop in rent at 4.8 percent for houses in Nairobi. The Index further showed that rents in a majority of Nairobi suburbs and satellite towns fell marginally even as the number of tenants seeking relief from landlords rose.

 

 

 

 

 

C.) KENYA REAL ESTATE TRENDS

 

i.) Detached houses continue to generate interest in the upper-mid market

According to a survey by the Architectural Association of Kenya (AAK), which was conducted in the first half of 2020, single-family detached homes generated a huge interest in the upper-mid market, stabilizing the growth in the residential property sector in the stated period. According to the report, the huge interest was an indication of the preferences generated by more people working from home due to disruptions caused by the Covid-19 pandemic. The report further stated that the trend is likely to be experienced even post covid-19, as more people are expected to continue working from home.

The upper mid-end market for detached units recorded a positive change of 1.3 percent as asking prices continued to increase in markets such as Lavington and Ridgeways, due to their appeal to the growing middle class. The total returns came in at an average of five percent, which was an increase from the 4.1 percent recorded at the end of the financial year 2019. Furthermore, according to the AAK report, rental yields grew at an average margin of 0.7 percent.

 

ii.) Apartment market gains preference over other markets.

On preferences, apartments gained dominance at 75.6 percent of the concluded transactions in the first half of 2020, which was more than double the 33 percent reported in the first quarter of 2020. The apartment market continued to record a price correction amidst a harsh economic environment, registering average total returns of 5.3 percent, compared to other units that recorded a 4.6 percent return.

Apartments also registered higher uptake and occupancy, which averaged at 19.4 percent and 86.3 percent, respectively. The high preference for apartments was attributed to price discounts offered by various developers in a bid to sell off old stock.

 

 

D.) GLOBAL REAL ESTATE TRENDS

 

i.) London Property Market Rebounding Unevenly from COVID-19

House prices in London continue to recover from the depths of the lockdown in April 2020, with increases recorded in areas with more family houses and outdoor space. Meanwhile, prices in prime central London are flat or marginally down as international travel restrictions present logistical hurdles. Prices in parts of outer London have begun to recover from their lockdown low-point in April 2020.

On the other hand, property prices outside of London have been more resilient since the market re-opened in mid-May as buyers looked for more outdoor space. Values rose in the £5 million-plus country house market due to the lack of supply and the ability of buyers in higher price brackets to transact quickly. While prime central London has also recovered from the depths of the lockdown, the rebound is not as marked as average prices in prime central London fell 0.1% in July, taking the quarterly fall to 1.7%.

In Kenya, residential price appreciation was uneven in the upper mid-end markets and the lower mid-end markets. The upper mid-end markets, such as Kilimani and Kileleshwa, recorded a negative price appreciation of 0.7 percent, which was attributable to a decline in asking prices. Westlands, on the other hand, recorded an average annual price appreciation of 1.6 percent, attributable to growing investor demand. Dagoretti, Thindigua and other lower mid-end markets recorded a price appreciation of 3.1 percent and 1.2 percent, respectively,

 

ii.) Pending home sales in the US continue to ascend

According to the National Association of Realtors in the USA, pending home sales continued to ascend in the first half of 2020, sustaining two consecutive months of increases in contract activity. Each of the four major regions experienced growth in month-over-month pending home sales transactions. At the same time, the Northeast was the only region that did not record increases in pending year-over-year transactions. On the other hand, pending transactions in Kenya were on the rise in the first half of 2020 as more people held liquid cash.

The Pending Home Sales Index (PHSI), a forward-looking indicator of home sales based on contract signings, rose 16.6% to 116.1 in June. Year-over-year, contract signings rose 6.3%. An index of 100 is equal to the level of contract activity in 2001.

 

E.) COMMON REAL ESTATE & DEVELOPMENT CHALLENGES,  AND SOLUTIONS

 

Establishing the right Sizes (Unit Floor Area) for a Residential Housing development and Space allocation for Commercial Real Estate Project.

 

YOUR CHALLENGE:

 

Real Estate investment Projects, both residential and commercial projects, demand that you achieve the right product for the market in line with demand and supply dynamics of the location or for a particular market. Your challenge comes in establishing the right size (Floor Area) for Residential Housing Units for a residential development, as well as the right space allocation for various commercial real estate developments so as to meet the demand of the market, as well as to design within the optimum size that maximize returns on investment.

 

 

 

THE SOLUTIONS:

 

The right size (Floor Area) for a Residential Housing Units development or space allocation or a commercial real estate project is established through Market Research and Feasibility Study, which is conducted to define the Market Product expected by the Customer or the Target Market.

The Product definition entails defining the right Sizes of the Residential Housing development Units, as well as size of space for commercial development through supply analysis of similar projects in the area, as well as demand analysis of the target market or customer. This exercise also establishes the size of units in a certain market demographic, in relation to market expectations, as well as the optimal unit design size that maximize returns. Among the information on Unit size established through the market research includes:

  1. Overall Floor Coverage for the various Housing Property Types in a project.
  2. Optimum space allocation for the various rooms in the Housing units, such as lounge, dining, kitchen, e.t.c
  3. Optimum space allocation for commercial real estate project, these being size of Hotel Rooms, Size of Office Spaces, Size of Retail Spaces such as shops, as well as size of common areas like restaurant.

 

THE CONSULTANT TO ENGAGE:

 

The Consultant to engage in market research and definition of the Size of Residential Housing Units or space allocation for Commercial Real Estate Product is a Real Estate Research Analysts.

 

 

 

 

 

F.) THIS WEEK ON FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQs), AND ANSWERS

 

QUESTION:

What kind of development projects requires Environmental Impact Assessment, and approval by NEMA?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ANSWER:

 

Environmental Impact Assessment is a professional exercise carried out for various development and infrastructure projects, including real estate projects, to identify the environmental impact of a project prior to decision-making during early project planning and design, so as to reduce or mitigate adverse impact to the environment or to shape the project to suit the local environment.

The Environmental Impact Assessment is therefore a preventive process, that seek to minimize adverse impacts on the environment and reduces risks, so as to allow the management of a safe environment at all stages of a project; from planning, design, construction, operation, monitoring and evaluation as well as decommissioning of the project.

Development as well as Real Estate Projects that are subjected to EIA are specified in the Second Schedule of Environmental Management and Coordination Act (EMCA) 1999 of the laws of Kenya, and includes the following category for projects associated with development and real estate investment:

  1. Any structure or development of a scale not in keeping with its surrounding.
  2. Major changes in land-use.
  3. Project with significant adverse environmental impacts, sensitive, cumulative, and unprecedented.
  4. Projects with Settlement Components.
  5. Projects that may affect an area broader than the sites or facilities subject to physical works.
  6. Urban development designated to new townships.
  7. Establishment of new housing development.
  8. Establishment or expansion of industrial estates.
  9. Establishment or expansion or recreational area.
  10. Establishment of Shopping centers, commercial centers and complexes, business premises, shops and stores.
  11. Establishment of Hospitals; Dispensaries, Health Centers, and Clinics.
  12. Establishment of Hotels
  13. Establishment of new housing estate development.
  14. Establishment of site and service schemes.
  15. Residential Houses (Bungalows, Maisonettes, Flats).
  16. Establishment of places of worship.
  17. Community based and social uplifting project; sport facilities, stadium, social halls.
  18. Community Water Projects including boreholes, dams, and sub-surface dams.
  19. Expansion and Rehabilitation of Markets.
  20. Rehabilitation, maintenance, and modernization projects (small scale).
  21. Schools and related infrastructure.

 

G.) THIS WEEK ON DEVELOPMENT COSTS ANALYSIS – THINDIGUA AREA, KIAMBU COUNTY.

 

This week’s focus on Development Cost Analysis is for Thindigua Area in Kiambu County, this being another fast growing satellite towns in the Metropolitan area of Nairobi. The Development type in this area according to the land-use and county zoning regulations includes Apartment Blocks, and Shopping and Retail Complex.

Below is an analysis of Construction Cost per Square Meter (SM), for the option of procuring the development project through a Building Contractor, or an option of direct procurement of the Materials and Labour through a Labour Contractor for recommended building types.

 

H.) THIS WEEK ON REAL ESTATE PRICE ANALYSIS – THINDIGUA, KIAMBU COUNTY.

 

The Real Estate price analysis focus for this week is on land, sale, and rental prices for a 2 and 3 bedroom apartment in Thindigua – Kiambu County. The data were obtained through surveys, and analysis of asking prices on property listings in Nairobi.

 

i.) Sales price – Apartment and houses

ii.) Rent price – Apartment and houses

 

iii.) Land price per acre (commercial/residential)

 

I.) CENTRAL BANK OF KENYA INTEREST RATE WATCH – (T-BILLS)

The money market remained liquid over the week ending 13th August 2020, supported by government payments, which offset tax receipts.  Commercial banks excess reserve stood at Ksh 28.0 billion in relation to 4.25 percent statutory cash reserves requirement (CRR).

91 day T-bill increased by 0.077 from 6.123% previous week rate to 6.200%. CBK offered a total of Kshs4 billion, and bids amounted to Kshs6.373 billion, of which all was accepted. Volume on bids received increased week on week basis. 182 day T-bill increased by 0.012% from 6.549% previous week rate to 6.561%. CBK offered a total of Kshs10 billion, and bids amounted to Kshs 9.378 billion, of which KSH 6.968 billion was accepted.  The 364 day T-bill increased by 0.062% from 7.455% previous week rate to 7.517%. CBK offered a total of Kshs10 billion, and bids amounted to Kshs6.511 billion, of which 5.306 was accepted.

 

J.) KENYA EQUITY MARKET INDICES

The equity market experienced an increase in activities during the week ending 14th August 2020 as turnover at the NSE rose to Ksh 353 million, with 16.62 million shares transacted in 932 deals.

Nevertheless, the NASI, NSE 25 share index and the NSE 20 share index and the market capitalization plummeted by 0.1%, 0.89%, 0.95%, and 0.098%, respectively. The I-REIT turnover and I-REIT deals decreased by 58.09% and 68.08%, respectively.

 

K.) KENYA CAPITAL MARKET ANALYSIS

The volatility of the capital market remained relatively low during the week ending 14th August 2020. Activity in the banking and telecommunication sector remained relatively high throughout the week with Safaricom (5,272,400 shares), KCB (2,324,600 shares), and Equity bank (2,035,500 shares) being the most traded shares during the week.

Top gainers at the bourse were led by Nation Media Group, whose prices rose 6.85% to KSh 11.70. It was followed by Sameer Africa Plc, whose price rose by 6.38% to KSh 3.50. Other gainers were Housing Finance, whose prices rose 4.99% to KSh 4.00, Britam at KSh 7.16 (4.37%), and Centum closing at KSh22.60, an increase of 3.67%.

The biggest loser was Eveready, whose price declined by 7.48% to 99 cents. It was followed by Nairobi Business Ventures(NBV) at 56 cents, a decline of 6.67%, Uchumi at 29 cents, Bank of Kigali (BKG) at KSh 16.00( 3.03% decline) and Express Kenya Limited whose price settled at KSh 3.80, a drop of 2.56%.

 

 

L.) CURRENCY HIGHLIGHTS

The Kenyan shilling touched a record low in the week ending 13th August 2020 as companies increased demand for dollars, and foreign reserves declined. The Kenyan shilling weakened 0.19% to 108.38 against dollar marking the tenth straight day of weakening for the shilling after gaining against the dollar on 30th July 2020.

The country’s forex reserves fell for the second consecutive week to 9,290 million (5.64 months of import cover) as of 13th August 2020. Nevertheless, that meets the CBK statutory requirement to maintain at least four months of import cover and the region’s convergence criteria of 4.5 months of import cover.

 

M.) FACTORS THAT WILL SHAPE THE REAL ESTATE AND OTHER MARKETS IN THE NEXT ONE WEEK.

 

i.)  The rise in fuel prices

On Friday, 14th August 2020, the price of kerosene went up by Sh18.20 per liter while Super Petrol and Diesel prices rose by Sh3.47 and Sh2.46, respectively. In Nairobi, a liter of Super Petrol, Diesel and Kerosene retail at Sh103.95, Sh94.63, and Sh83.65, respectively.

 

In Kenya, the majority of the population relies on kerosene and gas for lighting and cooking, and diesel for transportation and power generation, making fuel prices a vital determinant of the rate of inflation. The increase will have a far-reaching effect on Kenyans who are struggling to survive due to the negative effects of the Covid-19 pandemic on the economy, as most of them have lost their jobs or have suffered pay cuts. Furthermore, the knock-on effect that the high cost of fuel has on transport will be transferred to the price of goods and consequently impacting households’ budgets negatively. As a result, more money will be spent on food and transportation and less on household expenses such as rent. Businesses at depend on transportation of goods will also have to adjust their cash flows to cater to the expected high cost of production amid a slowed economy attributed to the coronavirus pandemic. As a result, the cost of related items like building materialsill go up, as transporters load the extra charges on traders.

 

ii.) Depreciation of the value of the Kenya shilling

Thought the week ending 14th August 2020, the value of the shilling depreciated against the US dollar, touching a record low of 108.45, thereby erasing gains made during the week ended 7th August 2020. Currency traders linked the plummet on demand for the US currency from Safaricom ahead of Sh56.09 billion dividends payout. The plummet during the week marked the 11th straight day of weakening for the shilling after gaining against the dollar, to close July at 107.70. That means it has lost 0.75 units since August started.

The continued depreciation of the local unit raises the prospects of higher consumer bills for Kenya’s import-dependent economy, especially with the resumption of international flights. The country largely depends on imports for its consumer and capital goods, particularly fuel and construction raw materials and building materials finishes as well as fittings. Kenya’s overreliance on imports means the economy could wipe out any benefits the importers may get from a weaker shilling, leaving consumers in a worse position as importers pass the hiked bill to consumers.

 

N.) UPCOMING REAL ESTATE EVENTS AND TRADE SHOWS IN THE COMING WEEK.

 

i.) Summit: Offsite Construction Summit- The summit will concentrate on reviewing the owner’s blueprint to developing a good Off-Site Construction.

Date: 26th August 2020

Time: 05:30 PM

Venue: Online

Event Organizer: https://www.curt.org/events/event-detail/?EventID=601

 

 

ii.) WEBINAR: The Role & Responsibilities of Contract Administrators- The webinar will cover the role and responsibilities of contract administrators in the construction market.

Date: 24th August 2020

Time: 10:00 AM

Venue: Online

Event Organizer: https://www.vwv.co.uk/news-and-events/events/1098-webinar-the-role-responsibilities-of-contract-administrators?id=1098

 

 

 

 

 

Writer of the Report:

This Report is written by Buildafrique Consulting Group, Kenya multi-disciplinary consultancy, that offers END-TO-END DEVELOPMENT CONSULTANCY, REAL ESTATE, and PROJECT FINANCE solutions through specialized subsidiaries. Among our solutions includes:

  1. Feasibility Studies and Market Research.
  2. Project Finance and Capital Raising.
  3. Project Management.
  4. Investment Design Appraisal.
  5. Quantity Surveying
  6. Construction Cost Consultancy
  7. Physical Planning and Planning Permissions
  8. Environmental Management and Impact Assessment
  9. Real Estate Development and Structured Investment Solutions
  10. Property Valuation
  11. Marketing and Property Sales Agency
  12. Property Management and Facility Management

Our Contacts:

 

Disclaimer:

The information contained in this report is for general information purposes only. While we endeavour to keep the information up to date and correct, we make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability or availability with respect to the information contained on the report for any purpose. Readers are therefore advised in all circumstances to seek the advice of Registered and Licensed professionals in all matters related to Real Estate Investment and Project Development.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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