Where is 'Bahati Ridge'?

The property is along the Thika-Gatanga Road about 3 km from Thika Road, opposite the Blue Post Hotel.

Who owns Bahati Ridge?

Bahati Ridge Development Ltd owns 180 acres of farm property in Thika. The land is popularly known as Bahati Farm.

What does the client intend to do with the property?

The directors intend to construct 337 low, medium and high density residential properties together with commercial properties (mixed user development) on 90 acres.

Who is on the board of Bahati Ridge Development Company?

Mr. Joseph Kibe is the Chairman; Mr. Gilbert Kibe is the Managing Director of Bahati Ridge Development Limited. Other Directors are, Mrs. Monica Kibe, Mr. Victor Kibe, Ms. Margaret Kibe, Mrs. Josephine Kibe and Mrs. Grace Kibe.

Where is Thika?

Thika town is about 40 kms north of Nairobi, and is the headquarters of Thika District. Thika is well known for the Chania Falls, Thika Falls and the Ol Donyo Sabuk National Park.

What is the population of Thika?

In 1963, the population was 15,000 people and this rose to 23,000 people according to the 1969 census. By 1979 the population had reached 41,000 people and as at 2009, the current population is estimated at 900,000 people and still growing.

What are the land use categories in Thika?

Thika is generally divided into four land use categories: industrial, institutional (schools, hospitals, hostels), commercial and residential (high, medium and low-income residences together with informal settlements). Industrial development was until recently the main employer and income source for most of the population. At present there about 22 major industries and more than 100 minor industries. Thika is currently developing a retail economy.

What industrial activity is undertaken in Thika?

Thika is home to several industries that generate high incomes to investors, workers and the local and central government. These include Del Monte, Bidco, Carnaud Metal Box, Booth Manufacturers, Kenya Nut, Kenya Tanning Extract, British American Tobacco, Thika Motor Vehicle Manufacturers and Kenya Vehicle Manufacturers (KVM). Financial Institutions, include CBA opening soon.

What is the retail and business environment in Thika like?

The retail market and private sector businesses are very active in Thika. They create employment and income generating opportunities for the local community and the environs. Thika is well known as the prime pineapple growing centre of Kenya, and is generally very rich in horticultural products. Tea and coffee and other high-yielding agricultural products keep the economy vibrant.

Are financial institutions available in Thika?

All the major banks and financial institutions in Kenya have a branch in Thika: Barclays, StanChart, KCB, Equity, Bank of Baroda, Family Bank, Consolidated Bank, Housing Finance, EcoBank, Fina Bank, Diamond Trust, Bank of Africa, K-Rep Bank, NIC Bank and Chase Bank. There are also numerous society companies (SACCOs) that provide financial services to their members, for example Muramati Sacco and Tea Farmers Sacco.

Are there informal settlements in Thika?

These are residences for very low-income earners and include Kaindutu and Gachagi estates.

what about city council estates?

These include Starehe, Kimathi and Kamemu estates and are occupied by low to medium income earners.

Are there any site and service schemes in Thika?

The largest is Makongeni and it is the largest housing scheme in Thika. It has 13 phases and is occupied by low to medium income earners. In Phase 13 there is a development of flats by investors for let.

Are there any upper & middle income estates in Thika?

Yes, mainly owner-occupied residences. The trend in the past was for owners to buy the land and then build and design the houses to their own specifications. Examples of such estates are Bendor, Maki and Riverside.

Is there vacant land in Thika?

It is very common for Government Land to be sub-divided and sold as vacant plots. The owners then have to buy the plots, organise for them to be serviced and construct their owner designed houses. Depending on the location of the plots, the price range is KShs 3.5 Million for ½ an acre in Riverside compared with KShs 2.5 Million in Maki and KShs 1.8 Million in Maboromoko Estate.

What are the current market values of upper segment houses in Thika?

A bungalow in Bendor Estate will retail for between KShs 4 and 5 Million. However depending on the standard of housing, a property can easily retail for between KShs 6 and 8 Million. Apartments generally retail for between KShs 2.5 Million and KShs 3.255 Million. Pinnacle Projects currently project manages Flame Tree Apartments (5 phases with the first phase being 96 apartments)

What are the challanges with the above estates?

Roads into the estates are generally poor; Physical and personal security are concerns; Sewer systems (primarily septic tanks) and water supply systems need upgrading; Lack of adequate and organised social amenities; Uncontrolled developments with no standards.

What is 'Bahati Ridges' target market?

Bahati Ridge is a unique, middle income integrated development in Thika on 90 acres of land. The focus of the development is a holistic, wholesome lifestyle that combines residences, shopping, recreational and office facilities. Bahati Ridge is a flagship project for Kenya. The development is designed to set new standards and will be marketed as a destination address.

What is expected population size of 'Bahati Ridges'?

The master plan, road, water and power networks have all taken into account the expected population in both the residential and commercial facilities of the project. The residential population is expected to be about 2,000 people housed in 337 homes while the commercial population will be roughly 500 people: 200 in the school, 200 in the hospital and 100 staff overall. This gives a total population of about 2,500 people. Vehicle population is expected to be about 700 cars for the residences and 100 cars for the commercial population.

What about the community?

The integrated project has been designed with convenience and security consideration. Within the 95 acre gated community are smaller neighbourhoods/courts with additional perimeter security. In close proximity to the development will be a retail centre, nursery school, hospital, chief's camp and police post.

What are some of the design features of Bahati Ridge?

Bahati Ridge's unique features include:

• Man-made lakes by the club house, office block and shopping mall
• Water features and/or green spaces in each court
• Beautifully landscaped common areas and open spaces
• Cabro walkways and driveways.
• Solar powered street lighting
• Electrified environmentally-friendly parameter fence
• 24-hour security patrols & CCTV
• Fibre optic underground wiring
• Intercom systems and panic buttons in each home
• Data and cable-ready homes
• Double entry transition gate into property
• Double entry main security gate with security office
• Double gate into each court with guard house

Overview of 'Bahati Ridge'?

This is an ambitious mixed-user real estate project. It is on 90 acres and is to be developed in four phases comprising of 337 homes.

Who are the team of consultants?

• Project Managers - Pinnacle Projects
• Architects - Dimensions Architects
• Quantity Surveyors - Costwise Associates
• Civil & Structural Engineers - Xenocon Consulting Engineers
• Mechanical & Electrical Engineers - Servconsult
• Physical Planners; Environmental Experts - Townscape Consulting Planners
• Branding & Marketing Consultants - Divergys Limited
• Website Consultant - Ali Hussein
• Advocates - Wainaina Ireri & Mwaniki Gachoka
• Tax Consultants - DCDM
• Graphics Design - Sketches Multimedia
• Graphic Animation – Peter and Simon Dawa