Transforming Riat: A Modern Mixed Apartment Design Worth Kshs 150 Million

1. Introduction

The demand for modern, efficient, and affordable housing continues to grow across Kenya, with urban and peri-urban areas like Kisumu witnessing an upward trend in residential property development. In this article, we delve into an ambitious Kshs 150 million apartment development planned for Riat, Kisumu County. This project, a fusion of thoughtful architectural planning and economic viability, features a blend of studio, one-bedroom, two-bedroom, and three-bedroom apartments, catering to a diverse range of residents. Mixed Apartment Design.

Riat, known for its scenic hilltop views and close proximity to Kisumu’s urban amenities, is quickly becoming a residential hotspot. This article explores the architectural concept, cost breakdown, investment appeal, and the construction process, concluding with why Marble Engineering and Construction Ltd is the ideal partner for this project.

2. Project Overview

The Kshs 150 million mixed-apartment project in Riat is set to redefine urban housing in Kisumu County. Designed with both functionality and modern aesthetics in mind, the development comprises a total of 40 units. The layout includes:

Studio units: 8 units
One-bedroom units: 12 units
Two-bedroom units: 12 units
Three-bedroom units: 8 units

Built on approximately 0.75 acres, the development is structured over five floors (G+4), accommodating spacious parking, green areas, and rooftop communal spaces. The total built-up area is estimated at 3,800 square meters. The design capitalizes on Kisumu’s tropical climate, ensuring natural lighting and ventilation throughout the building.

The project aligns with Kenya’s urban housing goals and is ideal for young professionals, small families, and investors looking for high rental yield properties.

3. Design Concept

This apartment block reflects a modern Kenyan urban architectural style—clean lines, open layouts, and environmentally friendly materials. The design employs a reinforced concrete frame system with masonry infill walls, ensuring durability and seismic resistance.

Each unit is optimized for functionality. Studios feature open-plan living, while the larger units include en-suite master bedrooms, fitted kitchens, and balconies. Large windows and ventilation blocks allow natural airflow, reducing reliance on artificial cooling.

Key design considerations include:

Efficient space utilization
Shared rooftop terrace with panoramic views of Lake Victoria
Water storage tanks and borehole provision
Secure access control and CCTV integration
Provision for solar water heating

This thoughtful design ensures long-term durability, aesthetic appeal, and low maintenance costs.

4. Unit Breakdown and Cost Analysis

The construction budget of Kshs 150 million is distributed strategically across the different unit types, site works, approvals, and contingency reserves. Here is a breakdown of unit specifications and estimated costs:

Unit Type	No. of Units	Size (sqm)	Estimated Cost/Unit	Total Cost
Studio	8	30	Kshs 2.5M	Kshs 20M
One-Bedroom	12	45	Kshs 3.5M	Kshs 42M
Two-Bedroom	12	70	Kshs 5M	Kshs 60M
Three-Bedroom	8	90	Kshs 7M	Kshs 56M

Total Estimated Unit Construction Cost: Kshs 178M

To align with the Kshs 150 million budget, cost-saving techniques such as value engineering, local material sourcing, and design optimization will be employed. Provisions for shared facilities (e.g., stairs, corridors, lobby, and utility areas) are integrated into the design cost.

5. Approval and Statutory Costs

Developing in Kisumu County involves various approvals and statutory payments. The following are typical costs involved:

Architectural and structural approvals: Kshs 400,000
Environmental Impact Assessment (NEMA): Kshs 150,000
National Construction Authority (NCA) Registration: Kshs 50,000
Fire and Public Health Approvals: Kshs 100,000
Sewer and water connection (Kisumu Water and Sanitation Company): Kshs 200,000

Total Statutory Approvals: Kshs 900,000 – 1,000,000

Approval timelines in Kisumu typically range from 6 to 12 weeks, depending on document preparedness and review schedules. A professional team led by a registered architect ensures a smooth approval process.

6. Site and Location Advantage

Riat Hills is situated less than 15 minutes from Kisumu’s Central Business District. It offers a strategic blend of tranquility and urban convenience. Key location benefits include:

Proximity to Kisumu International Airport
Nearby institutions: Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital, Maseno University campus
Access to shopping malls, schools, and recreational areas
Scenic views of Lake Victoria

The elevation in Riat provides better air quality, cooler temperatures, and excellent drainage, which significantly reduces long-term maintenance issues for residential buildings. Moreover, the area’s growing popularity means significant appreciation in land and rental values.

7. Market Appeal and Return on Investment (ROI)

This project is strategically positioned to appeal to various demographics, including:

Young professionals seeking affordable studio and one-bedroom units
Families needing spacious two or three-bedroom apartments
Investors looking for consistent rental income and capital appreciation

Estimated Rental Income:

Unit Type	Monthly Rent	Total Monthly Income	Annual Rental Income
Studio	Kshs 12,000	Kshs 96,000	Kshs 1,152,000
One-Bedroom	Kshs 18,000	Kshs 216,000	Kshs 2,592,000
Two-Bedroom	Kshs 28,000	Kshs 336,000	Kshs 4,032,000
Three-Bedroom	Kshs 38,000	Kshs 304,000	Kshs 3,648,000

Total Annual Rental Income: Kshs 11,424,000

With an estimated payback period of 11–13 years and annual property value appreciation of 6–8%, this project is financially attractive. Investors may also benefit from mortgage or rent-to-own financing models.

8. Sustainability and Amenities

In line with modern construction practices, the development incorporates several sustainable features:

Solar Water Heating: Reduces electricity bills for tenants
Rainwater Harvesting: Supplementary water supply for non-potable use
Energy-Efficient Lighting: LED lighting in common areas
Waste Segregation Zones: Promotes recycling

Planned Amenities Include:

30+ Parking slots (with shade provision)
Rooftop terrace (usable for events or leisure)
Children’s play area with soft landscaping
24-hour security, CCTV surveillance, and access control

These features not only enhance livability but also improve the property’s long-term marketability.

9. Challenges and Risk Mitigation

Every construction project faces unique challenges, and this is no exception. Potential risks include:

Construction Delays: Mitigated through tight project scheduling and experienced contractors
Budget Overruns: Controlled by using a fixed-price Design and Build contract
Market Fluctuations: Minimized by focusing on high-demand units and diversified tenant base

Appointing a professional project manager and using tools such as Building Information Modeling (BIM) can significantly reduce these risks.

10. Why Choose Marble Engineering and Construction Ltd

Marble Engineering and Construction Ltd is a trusted name in Kenya’s construction industry. As a Design and Build company, Marble provides seamless integration of architectural design, engineering, approvals, and construction. This model reduces project costs and accelerates timelines.

With years of experience delivering residential, commercial, and institutional projects, Marble guarantees:

Detailed feasibility studies
Innovative yet practical design solutions
Timely project delivery
Quality finishes and materials
Ongoing maintenance support

Clients benefit from a single point of contact, eliminating coordination gaps common in traditional design-bid-build models.

11. Mixed Apartment Design: Call to Action

Are you looking to bring your apartment or estate vision to life? Trust the professionals at Marble Engineering and Construction Ltd, a leading Design and Build company with a proven track record across Kenya.

We provide end-to-end solutions—from concept design to approvals, construction, and handover. Let us help you Design, Build, and Deliver with excellence.

📞 Call us today on 0724481087 or 0789217685

📧 Email: info@marbleengineering.co.ke

🌐 Visit: https://marbleengineering.co.ke