[VIDEO] Housing association sub-divides Kiambu land, offers plots for sale

The rise of property value in towns and infrastructural development by the government into rural areas have seen investors explore property development further afield, with stunning results.

A 400-acre gated community project by Kamuthi Housing Cooperative Society is expected to give a major facelift to Soya, a remote village in Gatanga, Murang’a County, which borders Ukambani.

Dubbed Soya Estate, the project, which is the society’s third project, has already attracted buyers who have already begun reserving plots.

Mr Bernard Maina, who is the society’s chairman, said the project will stand on a land which was once a fruit plantation, and will host 2,300 housing units once complete.

Kamuthi also owns Buffalo Hills and Golf Village, situated in Kilimambogo, Thika East in Kiambu County, a gated community project which is estimated to cost Sh1.8 billion.

The new estate, which is first of its kind in Murang’a County, is situated on the hills overlooking Mt Kilimambogo, and is expected to trigger more development in the semi-arid area.

The project is located a near the proposed Soya Dam, 30 kilometers east of Thika, 10 kilometres from the Great Eastern Bypass and two kilometres from Garissa Road.

It will have residential and commercial plots, as well as space for social services providers.

“On this estate will stand controlled developments set on eighth-, quarter- and half-acre plots that will offer the feeling of a modern living within a countryside setting,” said Mr Maina.

The plots are being offered at a cost of Sh325,000 to members and Sh350,000 to non-members for 1/8 of an acre, and Sh625,000 to members and Sh650,000 to non-members for a 1/4 of an acre. Half an acre and one acre plots are also available.

The society has set aside five acres which will be exclusively sold to an investor to develop a resort.

A five-acre dam with a capacity for 2,000 cubic metres of water is situated within the estate. Its waters will be treated for household consumption.

Mr Stephen Wamae, the project manager, said development will be controlled by the society management, who will provide a limit on the number of storeys one can build per plot.

However, investors who include members and non-members are not restricted on the design of the houses they would want to have as long as they have the approval of the society.