By Allan Kai
The actualizing of Kisauni's first modern gated residential area progressed with the site clearance yesterday. The project, dubbed Santana by Megna Homes, would be nestled in the heart of Kisauni in the Kwa Sonko area near Bakarani along the Old Malindi Road.
Ahmed Badawy, Megna Homes' CEO, spoke with the media while overseeing the site clearance, highlighting the job opportunities, affordability of the homes, and socio-economic benefits of the project for the area's people.
Heavy machinery clearing the site at at Kwa Sonko area for the Santana Housing Project by Megna Homes. Photo: Courtesy
"Kisauni is known for many problems, such as water, sewer, drainage, and insecurity issues, which this project seeks to deal with," said Badawy.
A police post, a sewer treatment plant, a modern drainage system, and recreational and commercial spaces are among the perks and amenities that the residents of Santana would enjoy. It will include 816 one-, two-, and three-bedroom units.
"We, as Megna Homes, seek to bring about functional living, evidenced by affordable houses that bring value to the neighborhood," added Mr. Badawy.
Badawy dispelled the notion that the houses being built were only for the wealthy and would not benefit the locals of Kisauni. He further assured the residents of Kisauni that the workforce would come from within Kisauni, thereby allowing the unemployed youth of Kisauni to make a living during the duration of the project.
"We are looking for approximately two thousand people to employ within Kisauni for this project. We understand that the problem of unemployment is a big issue in Kisauni, and we will offer both skilled and unskilled job opportunities to the young people there," reiterated Badawy.
Engineers and Megna Homes representatives at the site clearing for Santana Housing Project. Photo: Courtesy
Homes at Santana start at Sh.2.6 million, and the project has partnered with numerous financial and lending institutions, as well as companies seeking staff residents for their employees, to offer reasonable payment and mortgage plans for people interested in owning a home in the area.
Many financial institutions are working with us. We are in the process of signing several MOUs with ABSA, KCB Bank, Stanbic Bank, and many others, who have Kenya Mortgage Refinance Company (KMRC) options, which offer a lower interest rate of 9% for people who wish to own a home," Badawi said.
The project's official launch is scheduled for next week, with the newly appointed Mining and Blue Economy Cabinet Secretary, Ali Joho, expected to be the guest of honor. Joho also served as a Kisauni Member of Parliament between 2007 and 2013.
