UAP tower [Photo/nairobiwire.com]
Kenyan developers and government agencies have no alternative, but to start construction of tower blocks of at least 15 floors each if the 1.85 million housing deficit is to be effectively reduced.
Transport, Infrastructure, Housing and Urban Development Cabinet Secretary James Macharia says the country must quit building five or fewer floors for permanent residential houses and instead construct more than 15 storeys for permanent residential buildings. Construction of towering apartment blocks is used in China, Singapore, and Hong Kong to utilize vertical space.
Hong Kong, whose skyline is considered the best in the world, has a shortage of land but has become a center for modern architecture where older buildings are cleared to make space for newer, larger and taller buildings.
Hong Kong has more buildings above 100m and more skyscrapers above 150m than any other city. In China, the optimal height is said to be 18 storeys while in most countries optimal height is eight to 11 storeys due to seismic risks. “Having apartments run as high as possible means less land is used for each living unit and it needs shorter sewerage, water pipes, gas pipes and electricity lines,” says Macharia.
The danger in Kenya is poor enforcement of building standards and corruption that has resulted in deaths of hundreds of construction workers. With safety being paramount, especially due to the rampant collapse of buildings being witnessed, Macharia said measures are being implemented to ensure the safety of buildings.
The State is fronting the use of precast wall panels and pillars that are already being developed locally by several local and foreign companies. Under the EPC model, a developer will finance the full project to be later repaid upon close of the project. The State will also avail parcels of land, site plans and architectural preparations to developers ready to set up.