As Kenya continues to urbanize and the demand for housing in up-and-coming areas grows, regions like Riat in Kisumu County are gaining prominence. Perched on scenic terrain with panoramic views of Lake Victoria and proximity to Kisumu’s central business district, Riat presents a strategic location for real estate investment. This article explores a proposed Kshs 150 million apartment development in Riat, featuring a thoughtfully planned mix of studio, one-bedroom, two-bedroom, and three-bedroom units. Mixed Apartment.
This article feature dives into the design concept, cost breakdown, statutory approvals, market analysis, and the potential return on investment. It also highlights why working with a seasoned Design and Build company like Marble Engineering and Construction Ltd ensures project success.
Project Overview
The proposed apartment project is a mid-sized residential development designed to cater to a broad market—young professionals, growing families, and investors seeking rental income. With a construction budget of Kshs 150 million, the project includes a total of 40 residential units structured as follows:
- Studio units – 8 units (approx. 30 sqm each)
- One-bedroom units – 12 units (approx. 45 sqm each)
- Two-bedroom units – 12 units (approx. 70 sqm each)
- Three-bedroom units – 8 units (approx. 90 sqm each)
The apartment block will be built on approximately 0.75 acres and rise up to five floors (G+4). The development includes shared amenities such as parking for 25–30 cars, a rooftop lounge, children’s play area, and security infrastructure.
Design Concept
The architectural design emphasizes functionality, aesthetics, and efficiency. The modern style integrates clean lines, expansive windows for natural lighting, and carefully selected finishes that strike a balance between elegance and affordability. Each unit is thoughtfully planned to maximize usable space without compromising comfort.
Key design features include:
- Reinforced concrete frame structure with masonry infill for durability
- Balconies and terraces for two and three-bedroom units
- Natural ventilation systems to reduce energy costs
- Contemporary interiors with open-plan kitchens and tiled finishes
- Pre-cast components to accelerate construction timelines and reduce costs
The development is ideal for a Design and Build model, ensuring the design phase aligns seamlessly with construction goals, timelines, and budgets.
Unit Cost Breakdown and Financial Analysis
Here is a detailed look at the cost distribution across the 40 units:
| Unit Type | No. of Units | Size (sqm) | Cost per Unit (Kshs) | Total Cost (Kshs) |
| Studio | 8 | 30 | 2.5 million | 20 million |
| One-Bedroom | 12 | 45 | 3.5 million | 42 million |
| Two-Bedroom | 12 | 70 | 5 million | 60 million |
| Three-Bedroom | 8 | 90 | 7 million | 56 million |
| Total | 40 | – | – | 178 million |
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Since the project is budgeted at Kshs 150 million, value engineering will reduce construction costs without compromising quality. Approaches include:
- Sourcing locally available materials to cut logistics expenses
- Adopting modular design and construction techniques
- Simplifying structural elements to reduce steel and concrete quantities
- Using a Design and Build contractor for integrated planning and savings
These methods can cut total costs by 15–20%, bringing the total within budget.
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Approval and Statutory Costs in Kisumu County
Before any construction begins, developers must navigate Kenya’s building approval process. In Kisumu County, these include:
- Architectural and Structural Plan Approval – Kshs 400,000
- Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and NEMA Licensing – Kshs 150,000
- NCA (National Construction Authority) Project Registration – Kshs 50,000
- Public Health, Sewerage, and Fire Safety Permits – Approx. Kshs 100,000 – 200,000
Estimated Total for Statutory Approvals: Kshs 700,000 – 1,000,000
Approval timelines vary but average between 2–4 months if all documentation is submitted correctly and simultaneously.
Why Riat, Kisumu is a Strategic Location
Riat is fast transforming from a semi-rural suburb to a prime urban enclave. Key factors contributing to this include:
- Proximity to Kisumu CBD (15 minutes)
- Accessibility to Kisumu International Airport
- Close to universities, schools, and hospitals like Aga Khan and JOOTRH
- Attractive elevation offering lake views and cooler climate
Increased infrastructural investment by Kisumu County and growing middle-income demand have made Riat an ideal location for affordable luxury apartments, with steady value appreciation.
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Market Demand and Return on Investment (ROI)
The Kenyan housing market is evolving, with increased demand for rental units due to urban migration and changing lifestyles. Here’s an estimate of monthly rental incomes for the proposed units:
| Unit Type | Monthly Rent (Kshs) | Annual Rent per Unit | No. of Units | Total Annual Income |
| Studio | 12,000 | 144,000 | 8 | 1,152,000 |
| One-Bedroom | 18,000 | 216,000 | 12 | 2,592,000 |
| Two-Bedroom | 28,000 | 336,000 | 12 | 4,032,000 |
| Three-Bedroom | 38,000 | 456,000 | 8 | 3,648,000 |
| Total | – | – | 40 | 11,424,000 |
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ROI Estimate: With Kshs 11.4M annual income, the ROI timeline is approximately 13 years. Factoring in appreciation, this can reduce to 11 years. The area’s growth trajectory may increase rent rates within 3–5 years.
Amenities and Sustainable Features
Today’s tenants and buyers are eco-conscious and seek convenience. This development incorporates:
- Solar water heating systems to reduce electricity bills
- Rainwater harvesting tanks for landscaping and cleaning
- Energy-efficient LED lighting in common areas
- Waste segregation system and composting
- On-site amenities:
- Gated entry and security cabin
- Rooftop leisure deck or co-working space
- Green landscaping
- High-speed internet and cable TV readiness
These features enhance the property’s long-term value and tenant retention.
Related Post: A Kshs 180 Million Apartment Design in Kikuyu, Kiambu: Studio to 3-Bedroom Investment Opportunity
Risks and Mitigation
Every real estate development carries potential risks:
Construction Delays – Mitigated through clear timelines, penalties for contractors, and experienced project management.
Budget Overruns – Controlled using Design and Build approach, real-time cost tracking, and bulk procurement.
Market Fluctuations – Addressed by designing flexible unit mixes and targeting diversified tenant segments.
Approval Delays – Minimized through engaging local consultants familiar with Kisumu County processes.
Why Choose Marble Engineering and Construction Ltd
Marble Engineering and Construction Ltd is a trusted Design and Build company with over a decade of experience across Kenya. Their integrated project delivery ensures faster construction, lower overall costs, and higher quality output.
Benefits of working with Marble Engineering:
- Single point of responsibility from design to construction
- Expertise in cost control and quality assurance
- Timely delivery through structured project schedules
- Transparent communication with clients
- Diverse portfolio of residential and commercial projects nationwide
Whether you’re an investor, SACCO, or private developer, Marble Engineering ensures your vision becomes reality—on time and within budget.
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Mixed Apartment Design: Call to Action
Are you ready to develop your dream apartments in Kisumu or anywhere in Kenya?
Partner with Marble Engineering and Construction Ltd, Kenya’s premier Design and Build contractor, trusted for delivering excellence in residential and commercial projects.
📞 Call Today: 0724481087 or 0789217685
📧 Email: info@marbleengineering.co.ke
🌐 Visit: https://marbleengineering.co.ke
Let’s build something extraordinary—from design to delivery.
Keywords: apartment design Kenya, Kisumu real estate, Riat apartments, construction in Kenya, property investment Kisumu, Design and Build Kenya, studio and one-bedroom apartment Kenya, Marble Engineering Kenya, rental income property, Kisumu County housing project, NCA approvals Kenya, EIA Kenya real estate
Related post: Transforming Riat: A Modern Kshs 150 Million Mixed Apartment Development in Kisumu
Related post: Transforming Riat: A Modern Mixed Apartment Design Worth Kshs 150 Million
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