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    Construction Insurances and Bonds: WIBA, CAR, Performance Bond & Bid Bond Explained.

    Insurances and bonds are an integral part of the construction business. This is because construction in Kenya can be a very risky affair and thus result in numerous losses. Some of the most common risks involved in construction are; Safety risks such as accidents or even death. Financial risks...
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    Construction Materials that You Should Always Buy in Bulk

    Recently I went for an interview at a local Chinese company. To my utter surprise, and at the end of the interview, the Chinese lady interviewing me asked why the Indian contractors always price their tenders very low and thus end up winning most projects. (She had seen on my resume that I had...
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    Best waterproofing methods for a flat roof – and their Costs

    Flat roofs have become the new norm in Kenya, especially for residential houses and commercial rental flats. But this type of roof possesses significant water leakages challenge if not well waterproofed during or even after construction. Water leakages can be extremely inconvenient...
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    How to Obtain Construction Approvals in Kenya.

    Before you start a construction project in Kenya, there are specific permits and licenses you should have in place to avoid your site being closed down. The mandatory approvals needed before commencement of the works are; Architectural plans approval Structural plans approval NEMA approval...
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    Time Delays: A Common Phenomenon in the Kenyan Construction Industry

    I was recently watching one of Activist Kebaso Moraro “vampire diaries” episodes and I could relate with one thing he mentioned; Construction time delays. In fact, it reminded me of a project I was involved in as a project manager for the contractor where despite proper initial planning, we...
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    Why It is Like Living in Hell in Some Rental Flats in Nairobi.

    Recently I visited my Friend “Kemboz” who resides in Pipeline, along Mombasa Road. Being the natural adventurer that I am, I was super excited as this was my first time to venture to those areas. Upon reaching there, I utterly disappointed. Instead of decent apartments, I saw vertical, poorly...
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    Cost Overruns: Why Construction Projects tends to Stall / fail

    A cost overrun is when the final cost of a construction project exceeds the budget. It is a cost addition. Let us say you had a budget of KES 4,000,000 but along the way some events make you end up spending KES 4,500,000. Now that is a cost overrun / addition. And these overruns have made many...
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    How a Septic System Works and Why You need one

    I am sure you have come across the words either “septic system” or “septic tank” at some point in your life but don’t know exactly what that is. Don’t worry because you are not alone. For many folks like me who grew up in rural Kenya, the primary sewage system we knew back then was a pit...
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    Why Plastic Tiles Are Gaining Popularity over Ceramic Tiles

    Our main office recently moved into a newly built block at Westlands, Nairobi and could not help but notice that most office floors in that building are finished in plastic tiles. Plastic tiles are now the new vibe and typical of Kenyans, everyone is installing them. I could not help but...
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    How to Easily Become a Slumlord in Kenya.

    Recently, I met my friend called Sam from Darajani and could not help but notice how his lifestyle has changed for the better. If you don’t know Darajani, it is an informal settlement in Kibera. In other words, it is a slum. Slums in Nairobi are many and spread all over the city. They include...
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    Here is Why Gypsum Ceiling is Overrated and How it can ruin a House

    Recently, a heated discussion comparing Gypsum and plaster ceilings erupted between one of these popular online contractors and myself on Facebook. The contractor had posted a video advising people or in his own opinion, potential clients that while building a house, they can save a lot of cost...
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    How to Perform Due Diligence on Land Purchase in Kenya

    Land purchase has made by cousin a very bitter man this festive season. He recently sold a valuable piece of inheritance land at Ruiru and decided to use some of the money to buy another piece of land at a less valuable location and use the rest of the money for other investments. He thought...
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    Costs of building rental flats and returns over the years, is it worth it?

    Despite the rapid population growth and high demand for housing within Nairobi and its environs, there has been speculations by some developers that the current real estate bubble will burst leading to heavy losses to investors. But since this has been just mere speculation, we have decided to...
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    How to improve your rooms using wainscoting – a step by step guide

    Wainscoting can be used in a variety of ways to improve the outlook of your room. Below is a step by step, DIY guide on the same; Settle on the design of the wainscoting There are many designs in which wainscots can be installed. They range from full walls panels, boxed panels, and halfway...
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    Top 10 Reasons Why the Roman Empire Still Dictates Our Daily Lives

    The Roman Empire, one of history's most influential civilizations, has left an enduring legacy that permeates many aspects of modern life. From governance to engineering, its impact continues to shape our world. Here are the top 10 reasons why the Roman Empire still influences our daily lives...
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    Here is why a new Trump Presidency Spells Doom for Ruto

    The idea that a Trump presidency could have negative implications for Kenya—or any other country—largely depends on the specific policies and geopolitical dynamics that a Trump administration might pursue. Here are some areas where such concerns might arise: 1. Reduction in Foreign Aid Trump...
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    Step-by-Step Guide to Installing a Home Garden

    Creating a home garden can be a rewarding way to improve your environment, grow fresh produce, or simply enjoy nature. Follow this step-by-step guide to install a home garden. 1. Assess Your Space Start by evaluating the available space for your garden. Measure the dimensions to determine how...
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    How to Register for SHA and AFYA Yangu

    Social Health Authority SHA- Social Health Authority is a scheme or program is an essential components of the health care system aimed at expanding access to health care services for citizens. SHA registration eligibility. · Low-income households: Families who struggle to meet the cost of...
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    How to Install a Wallpaper in Your Living Space

    A wallpaper is a decorative material used to cover and enhance the appearance of walls in interior spaces. It is often made from paper, vinyl, fabric, or other materials and comes in a wide range of colors, patterns, and textures. Wallpapers are commonly used as an alternative to paint for...
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    Top 5 Ongoing Mega Construction Projects in Kenya

    Kenya is undertaking several major construction projects aimed at enhancing its infrastructure and economic environment. This is both the private and public sectors. Here are the top five ongoing projects: Talanta Stadium Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania are set to host the African Cup of Nations...
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