Homes expo to the rescue of real estate
Kenya Real Estate
The 17th edition of the Kenya Homes Expo opens its doors from May 23 and runs through May 26. It will be officially opened by Nairobi governor Evans Kidero.
The Kenya Homes Expo has been running for eight years and has grown to become one of the largest housing forums in East and Central Africa, where industry stakeholders meet on one platform twice a year.
The coming edition will run under the theme, “Aiming Higher”. The focus is to generate higher sales and to attract a larger prospective customer pool as more exhibitors express an interest in the expo.
This is particularly important as the exhibition will be staged amid reports of fallen sales, stalled constructions, and stagnated rents. This has happened because towards the end of last year, stakeholders were unsure of the political climate that would emerge after the elections in March. Many of them held back, according to the event founder and organiser, Mr Daniel Ojijo.
“The first quarter of 2013, especially in the run-up to the elections, saw house prices stagnate across most developments, with only standalone houses recording a slight price rise of 1.2 per cent and town houses and apartments recording a 1.5 and 0.2 per cent decline in prices,” he says. The statistics are according to the Hass Consult first quarter report for 2013, which says the rents for standalone houses saw a 2.1 per cent rise. Generally, the report indicates, potential customers adopted a wait-and-see stance in the wake of the highly charged political climate.
The biannual four-day Kenya Homes Expo is scheduled for the Kenyatta International Conference Centre.
The East Africa Portland Cement Company will be the title sponsor, with the Standard Chartered Bank, Hotpoint Appliances, and Wananchi Group as the Gold sponsors, says Mr Ojijo.
The expo has come of age since the maiden forum in 2005 when about 40 exhibitors took part. More than 130 exhibitors have confirmed their participation in the May edition.
The expo is expected to be the largest in the history of the event, with the organisers having already taken up the Tsavo, Aberdare, and Lenana halls and the courtyard at the KICC to meet the demand for space, according to organisers.
The forum may be popular this year because it is an opportunity to re-energise real estate buying, financing, and development consulting, and generally to bring the industry back to life, according to Mr Ojijo.
Indeed, if the story of Ms Anne Njeri speaks for many, then the expo has a way of inspiring activity in the housing and property market. Ms Njeri, 36, became a developer in Ruai in the outskirts of Nairobi after attending the October 2012 edition of the Kenya Homes Expo.
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via Homes expo to the rescue of real estate – DN2 – nation.co.ke.
Beach Holidays
Beach Holidays
Everyone loves beach holidays! The little ones can dig in the sand and splash in the lapping waves. The older ones can swim, get a tan, or just relax. The inquisitive types can explore for sea life, tide pools, and drift wood. The warm breezes and natural beauty are invigorating and restorative. Any trip, however, can cause discomfort if you do not plan well. Here are things you can do to make your beach holidays easier, safer, and more meaningful.
In many parts of the world, people head for their beach holidays in the family car. When planning a trip, it’s always a good idea to give the car a good cleaning out first. This will give you more room for your luggage. Stock you glovebox, too, with a few first aid and comfort items, such as sunblock, acetominiphen for headaches, a roll of antacids, a few cough drops, and a few bandaids. Don’t forget a couple of scrunchies or pony-tailers for long hair. Get the tires checked and replace any that are likely to go flat. Get an oil change if it’s getting close. Road trips are not much fun when they include breakdowns. And whatever you do, make sure you have a map and a place to keep it handy.
Travelling with kids is always a challenge. They may be particularly excited and impatient when they know they are going on beach holidays. Make sure they have cool water bottles and healthy snacks to munch. Try a simple car game to make the time pass. Many kids like looking for letters of the alphabet on signs. If several people get involved it can be quite fun.
With beach holidays particularly, there is always a need to provide for skin safety. Be particularly careful about being in the sun for long stretches of time between 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. Use a sunblock with a high SPF rating and replace it after getting wet or drying off with your towel. The towel you choose can make a difference too. Thick towels get heavy and tend to trap a lot of sand. You may find you like thin towels at the beach. Wear sunglasses to protect your eyes and some sort of foot protection to keep your feet from being burned on the hot sand.
With a little preparation your beach holidays can be enjoyable and problem-free. When you arrive home you will be relaxed, refreshed, and ready for work. Take a minute to unpack and get your laundry going. It won’t belong until the kids will be shouting, “When can we go on beach holidays again?”
Alliance Naro Moru River Lodge
Alliance Naro Moru River Lodge
Set in the shadow of Mt. Kenya, the Alliance Naro Moru River Lodge is an exquisite study of greenery and tranquility. Imagine waking up in the morning to the beautiful sight of the snow-capped peaks of Mt Kenya, stepping out of your cozy cabin with a crackling fire in the fireplace, taking a deep breath of the crisp mountain air and going for a walk along the Naro Moru river. Sounds like your dream vacation? It is!
Located on the outskirts of the Naro Moru township, the Alliance Naro Moru River Lodge is an ideal getaway for couples and families as well as for those who want to take a relaxing break from the punishing pace of everyday life. Also, if you’re in Kenya to climb Mt. Kenya, then you’re in the right place. Spend a night at the lodge, acclimatize yourself and enjoy your last night in comfort before you undertake the grueling journey to the peaks of the mountain!
The Alliance Naro Moru River Lodge is uniquely crafted to fit into the surrounding environment with self-contained log cabins that contain every convenience required by guests. It contains 34 rooms, of which 12 are standard, 10 superior and 12 deluxe. Apart from these, there are 7 cottages names after the local points of pride and 5 country homes. Also provided are bunk beds and campsites for backpackers. Cottages have self-contained kitchens, if you wish to make your own meals with fresh groceries from the Naro Moru town.
Dubai, United Arab Emirates | TheHotelscanners
Dubai, United Arab EmiratesLocated on the sun-soaked Persian Gulf coast, Dubai is described as a glitzy and glamorous city. With myriad shopping malls, flamboyant hotels, a dizzying array of hip clubs and bars, it’s certainly a city to spoil yourself in.With its ultramodern skyline, it’s easy to forget that Dubai, part of the United Arab Emirates, was once a small town of Bedouin traders. Now the old mixes with the new: At the Nad al Sheba racetrack, camels race by day; thoroughbreds at night. High fashion and electronic stores are as popular as the gold souk. A sampling of the 400-plus restaurants gives you a taste of Dubai’s ethnic diversity. Come enjoy the beaches, golf, historic sites, night life and renowned tax-free shopping of Dubai…
Kenya elections: Ballots held aloft to prove transparency
Kenyans are awaiting results in their country’s presidential election, after millions cast their votes on Monday.
With about a third of polling stations reporting, Deputy Prime Minister Uhuru Kenyatta held an early lead over his main rival, PM Raila Odinga.
The BBC’s Sophie Ikenye reports from Nairobi, where every ballot paper has been held aloft try and ensure the election’s transparency.
BBC News – Kenya elections: Ballots held aloft to prove transparency.
