The construction landscape in Kenya continues to evolve, witnessing the uptake of prefabricated houses technology in the country. Prefabs are slowly becoming a popular route for Kenyans seeking to escape the rising cost of building materials.
These houses are constructed using special technology whereby the skeletons of the house are built at a factory before they are transported for erection at the desired site.
Since the construction of the skeletons happens indoors, much work can be done regardless of the weather. The technology also eliminates the wastage of construction materials and saves a lot of construction time.
Tim Kipchumba, who was crowned constructor of the year by the National Construction Authority (NCA) in 2020, described prefabricated houses as a good way to save on construction costs.
According to a construction company which deals in prefabricated houses in Nairobi, it costs approximately Ksh 1,111 per Square Metre including transport costs and cost of concrete plasterwork, compared to Ksh 1,550 when using natural quarry stones.
“A simple dwelling home can be constructed in one week, while a slightly complex 2-storey building can be finished in 60 days,” a representative of a prefabrication technology firm explained.
Depending on size and design, a 1-bedroom house could cost around Ksh700,000, a 2-bedroom Ksh1.1 million, and a 3-bedroom Ksh3.2 million, which is lower than traditional houses.
Prefabricated houses have become popular globally; however, consumer uptake in Kenya still lags behind as many citizens lack the understanding of how the technology works.
“Kenyans have a problem of security, and many believe that stonewalled structures are the most secure,” construction manager Anthony Meme described.
The biggest beneficiaries of prefabricated houses so far have been large-scale contractors who can benefit from the economies of scale to make large savings.
