Items by ujenzibora
The Ujenzibora Blog
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The Case for Building Regulations in Kenya, Uganda and Namibia
Posted: April 23, 2012, 6:24 pm by ujenzibora
The second blog on this website was done on January 6th 2010 and it highlighted 10 flaws in the Kenyan Building Regulations as follows:
Today, I am very happy that the Government of Kenya has enacted into law the The National Construction Authority Act, Number 41 of 2011 which is is set to streamline, overhaul and regulate the industry in Kenya. It is also very great to note this will also trigger the implementation of New National Planning and Building Regulations which had been proposed in the year 2009
This is expected to finally bring sanity to the Construction Sector and tackle most of the flaws identified as causing bottlenecks. The Act establishes the National Construction Authority (NCA) which has been given powers to regulate buildings, roads, dams and telecommunication apparatus amongst others. Its functions are to generally
- regulate the industry (including maintaining a register of contractors),
- promote the construction industry,
- ensure that quality is maintained,
- accredit training institutions and
- create a construction code.
The Act, Regulations and proposed Authority are in line with Article 10 (c) of the Kenyan Constitution which upholds national values like good governance, integrity, transparency, and accountability. This is a great boost to the Building and Construction Indstry in Kenya and sets it a standard above the rest in reforming the Business Environment.
Uganda and Namibia are also grappling with similar issues of overhauling Building Regulations.
In Uganda, there is a proposed Building Control Bill to tackle the thorny issue of quacks and collapsing buildings. Builders and contractors who breach the law shall be subjected to stringent penalties if the government goes ahead to pass the newly proposed Building Control Bill into law.
The enactment of Better Planning and Building Regulations is the kind of relief many home owners and players in the Construction Industry would love to come take shape. It means among other things
- A building law which is capable of spurring growth in housing, building and construction sector.
- Harmonizing all existing laws scattered across 103 statutes to remove legal and bureaucratic impediments in the sector.
- A law that accommodates the rapidly changing building and construction technologies and appropriate technologies to speed up housing delivery.
- An institutional framework structure for effective implementation of the new law.
Slums in Windhoek Municipality of Namibia
Last year, The Namibian carried a story which highlighted the need for a Construction Council in Namibia to regulate Contractors. The Namibian Engineering Council and other players in the industry are trying its level best to handle the imbalances caused by the former apartheid regime.
Recently, Allafrica.com highlighted a particular scenario very similar to Kenya’s previous flaws in the Building Regulations that we have sought to address. In the story, we learn that
“IN recent years Windhoek has seen an unprecedented growth of informal areas on the edges of the city, yet with more and more people arriving in Windhoek and setting up informal dwellings, the Windhoek Municipality lacks building regulations for such homes.
A spokesperson for the municipality’s building control division has told The Namibian that in order for the municipality to issue a compliance certificate, an essential component in the construction of any dwelling, it must see an agreement certificate approving the building method used in the construction of the dwelling.
According to the official, the approval of the building method is granted in South Africa by a building standards commission.
The spokesperson said since no agreement certificates are issued for dwellings constructed using only corrugated iron, the municipality cannot issue a compliance certificate.
According to the municipal official there are also no regulations guiding the construction of informal corrugated-iron houses.”- Read Full Story
Construction Industry as Indicator of Business Environment
The performance of the Construction Industry is a key indicator of the business environment in a country as one can easily measure the ease or difficulty of dealing with the government acts, regulations and institutions. We hope that the coming of the New Changes will raise the Rankings of Kenya to the best performer on the continent.
Globally, Kenya stands at 37 in the ranking of 183 economies on the ease of dealing with construction permits. The rankings for comparator economies and the regional average ranking provide other useful information for assessing how easy it is for an entrepreneur in Kenya to legally build a house.
We also hope that the enforcement of the Act and Subsequent regulations will bid farewell to the chaos prevalent in the Industry.
Qs.Nahinga David
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Is Specialization for Insects? A random Story from my Life
Posted: April 21, 2012, 2:43 pm by ujenzibora
I want to share 3% of my story with you. I hope it will awaken something in you?
Formal Employment
Ever since i retired from formal Employment, a world that is ever expanding in an upward spiral of opportunities has opened to me. I had written my Resignation Letter on October 28th 2011 after blogging Decisions! Decisions: Leapfrog Theory but i simply could not get enough courage to deliver it.
Looking back, I am so glad I wrote the Leapfrog post because the past would have been lost in oblivion. Its the perfect post that reminds me where i started to “spring up my legs for a leap”.
A leap into the world of self-employment , Business and Investing that would be the theme of the rest of my life!
Self-Employment
I used to serve two hundred masters, My Employer and my errands. There was this particular time where i had to run two offices and a car-hire company and i could not give my entire heart to it!
Then I Quit in December 2011 and retired from being an Employee. I quit everywhere i was suppossedly an Employee and decided to Build only ONE thing. I used to “go to work”, now I don’t. I am surrounded by WORK
When i did quit formal employment, everybody thought i was nuts including my dad and mum.
Photo by Maggie Smith
I felt like cutting the umbilical cord all-by-yourself having no blueprint left by your predecessors must be the hardest thing in the world. Looking back, i think the best decision you can make is to stop feeding on lower order things and start consuming higher value food. That is the real purpose of re-booting your life.
Beginning to Learn
Here are a few things i have begun to learn:
1. You can impregnate the world with new ideas and get a child out of it.
2. “Wisdom CANNOT be taught. But ignorance can be unlearned.” I just read that from James Altucher. That if you want to be Happy at 50 or Not think of committing Suicide at 60, you have to look in the mirror and do stuff that matters most to you TODAY. You must start being happy 1 minute from now and every minute thereafter!
3. You can get absolute Freedom! You can be totally at Peace when working at your dreams. There are enough choking points to snuff out our dreams. We have built many institutions but forgotten to live our life. Like Henry Thoreau said in Walking, there are enough champions for Civilization :” The Minister, The School Committee, The Shopkeeper, The CDF Committee”. I think am proud to join the Walking Class. Sauntering is a great hobby!
4. Is Specialization for Insects? I had confined myself to a strict profession for the last 7 Years. However, when i stepped into the Business World, I had to quickly learn new knowledge. Professor Juan Cano-Arribi, CEO of Plantel Inc was my first teacher when i landed down from formal Employment.
He shared his knowledge of the world of Innovation with me and am very grateful! As an Innovation Consultant in partnership with Plantel Inc. , We consult for companies which fall in Our Services Sectoral Classification. That is approximately 100 Companies located virtually anywhere on earth! I have since worked with companies as far as Rodrigues Island and India. Indeed its a Flat World.
Is your company Innovative? Are you working on the Best Ideas and rewarding your best employees? If the answer is NO…i think you may require to talk to us!…anyway, let us continue with the Story
Joining the Business World and quickly learning its language was a very huge Leap from my CV being in a small cabinet file in a basement of some “Human Resource” Department! Haha! Now the whole world has opened before me…
Photo by AkaraKingdoms
In the words of Robert Heinlein:
“A human being should be able to change a diaper, plan an invasion, butcher a hog, conn a ship, design a building, write a sonnet, balance accounts, build a wall, set a bone, comfort the dying, take orders, give orders, cooperate, act alone, solve equations, analyze a new problem, pitch manure, program a computer, cook a tasty meal, fight efficiently, die gallantly. Specialization is for insects.”
After reading that quote by Robert, we did not only stop at learning but begun to also play with metals at the Ujenzibora Workshop, making Gates, Windows, Chairs, Roof-Trusses, Elevated Steel Tanks, Balustrades, Staircases, Rose Flowers and a 1,000 Other things creating new jobs and employment opportunities. All of a sudden a gravity field begun to emerge and we got skilled men and women seeking employment opportunities at Ujenzibora Workshop.
We are also building a Church for a client in Kenya, a Residential House and a High-End Hotel amongst other Infrastructure Projects.
Did you know about our Lending Project? The Knights Monetary Fund has been experimenting Private Banking using small do-it-yourself contracts….and i think its just a Raw Deal for folks to not try out what they CAN.
Is it Possible we are our own Limitation? How possible did i ever not do this 10 years ago?
I wish to encourage all our readers to maximize their potential. Be the best you can be!
Conclusion: Vote for the Best Business Blog
Every one of the 179 blogs or posts that we have posted on this website has been a labor of love and serves a special purpose to our unfolding Vision. Last week, we were honored to be nominated as the Best Business Blog in Kenya. I wish to make a humble request to all of you reading this to pass a Vote of Confidence on our work.
You are the only ones who can make us win the Bake Awards, this Year and in the Future
I also wish to thank all the 360,033 Visitors to-date to this website. You are a true encouragement and we hope to continue serving you Better!
Together we can Leapfrog and win that Award! You can Vote Here ([bloggers.or.ke] : Best Business Blog)
Key Lesson: Don’t be an Insect You can do all things….by beginning to do the One thing you love the Most!
-Qs.Nahinga David
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How the use of a Project Charter could save your firm money!
Posted: April 19, 2012, 12:58 pm by ujenzibora
The Project Management professional is becoming a key factor in the successful implementation of both Infrastructure projects and other related Real Estate or Business assignments that involve substantive amounts of resources, partners and stakeholders.
In order for the Senior Management or Project Sponsors to define the boundaries for the project in terms of Time, Quality, Quantity and Cost, it is good practice for Project Managers to prepare a detailed document that defines the Scope within which all deliverables must be produced.
What is a Project Charter?
A Project Charter is a document which outlines the purpose of the project, the way the project will be structured and how it will be successfully implemented.
It describes the project:
- Vision, Objectives, Scope and Deliverables (i.e What we have to achieve0
- Stakeholders, roles and responsibilities (i.e who will take part in it)
- Resources, financial and Quality plans (i.e how it will be undertaken)
The Project Charter may also be referred to as a “Terms of reference (TOR)” or “Project definition Report (PDR)”.
In our recent post, we saw how the National Social Security Fund lost millions of Shillings and is still at the verge of losing an additional sum of Sh1.5 billion in a fresh suit where Sololo Outlets is seeking to compel it to honor a pledge purportedly made by a former managing trustee. (Read full story on Businesss Daily)
Could these loses be traced back to poor Project Management and the lack of a Conclusive Project Definition report?
By its nature, the Project Charter becomes a guiding document to guard against excesses in project implementation. Activities should be undertaken outside the defined scope of the project only if a valid “change request” or “”variation” has been approved by the Project Sponsor. This is the Key in overcoming the pitfalls of costly Claims.
Define your project well taking cognizant of all stakeholders and factors, it could save you a dime!
Construction Supply Chain : Is there room for improvement?
Below is a good presentation of the Construction Industry supply chain. I obtained it
from the book “Quantity Surveyor’s Pocket Book” by Duncan Cartlidge
It is clear that the construction industry can do better by optimizing the processes and modernizing it to embrace modern project management. Innovation can play a major role in this.
Innovation could be a major step out of what Sir. Harold Emerson said in 1964, that “In no other important industry is the responsibility for the design so far removed from the responsibilities of production”.
The Role of Architectural Association of Kenya in Project Management
The Architectural Association of Kenya (AAK) is Kenya’s leading professional society for Architects, Quantity Surveyors, Town Planners, Engineers, Landscape Architects and Built Environment Experts.
The roots of Architectural Association of Kenya can be dated back to 1934 when the Architects and Quantity Surveyors ‘ Registration Act was first established in Kenya. The East African Institute of Architects became the Association through which members freely discussed their welfare.
In this respect, the Association is taking a leap forward by introducing the Construction Project Managers chapter in Kenya.
As part of its launch programme, the new Construction Project Managers Chapter is hosting a learning breakfast forum at the Strathmore business school themed “Construction project Managers in the 21st century”
How can Construction Professionals Embrace 21st Century Project Management?
One approach has been to interface the building process from “design” to “production”. At Ujenzibora Investment Limited, the following diagram explains gains of up to 40% in time savings.
We are looking keenly into automating the procurement and procurement procedures used in the building process to realize even greater savings. We are at an advanced stage of completing the next phase of automation which will move beyond e-notification into include e-awarding. We shall be able to undertake online opening of tenders monitoring the process using time-stamps and complying with all procurement regulations. this will reduce the Procurement Costs further to its bare minimum hence help lower the Building Costs by significant time and cost margins.
An “Incomplete Market”
There is a large portion of the construction market that remains “incomplete”, it is my view that Visionaries will complete that part of the market and respond better to the demands of the Construction Industry.
The Construction Management Course organized by Architectural Association of Kenya and Strathmore Business School is a step in the right direction.
- Qs. David Nahinga
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Contractor Compensation : Private victories at the Expense of the Public: (The NSSF vs. Mugoya Construction Case)
Posted: April 3, 2012, 12:32 pm by ujenzibora
Contractor vs. Owner
On March 22nd 2012 the Daily Nation carried an interesting case of Contractor Vs. Owner where the National Social Security Fund (NSSF) lost 830 million shillings. Kenyans never seem to learn from our past mistakes!
In one case, the fund paid Sh342 million to Ugandan businessman James Isabirye of Mugoya construction Company for a project in which the contractor was supposed to build 265 housing units on a plot owned by the fund in Karen.The houses were never built. But the contractor put in claims on the grounds that he had done some basic work before the project was cancelled.
The material facts of this case are similar to a case about 7 Years ago where Dr. Richard Leakey terminated the Contract for Ongata Works. The company sued for irregular termination of the contract and was awarded Sh97,518,081.35 million by the court.
What are the Basic Building Blocks for such Cases?
Generally, the law seeks to compensate the contracting party who has suffered losses because of the other party’s breach of contract. The court does not seek to punish the party that has breached the contract.
Contractors are in business to make gains and obtain better experience. Therefore, common law does not view contract breach as an immoral act that justifies punishment although the courts may award punitive damages for certain types of egregious contract breach.
In such unique cases, the motive is to prevent a repeat of the conduct or to make an example to deter others from similar acts.
Doctrine of Restitution and Expectation:
In the two examples above where the Government lost millions of shillings, the court judgement sought two things:
1. Restitution : to restore the party to the position it occupied before performance begun. Restitution looks backward to the position the parties were in at the time they entered into the Contract
2. Expectation: to place the injured party in the position it would have reached had there been no breach. Expectation looks forward and seeks to determine what would have happened had the parties completed performance.
Weak Defense by Owners, Public Institutions or Employers
In 2011, NSSF defence in court had been that no payments were due because the contractor proceeded to the site before he was asked to take possession of it.
Photo by Arvind Balaraman
In 2004, KWS had cited irregularities in procurement and poor job by Ongata Works. None of this defenses could prevent the courts which are guided by principle and justice to compensate the Contractors! So that Contract Law guards against weak parties against breaches by the owner and in order to promote society in engaging in economic exchanges, it was prudent for the courts to be decisive.
Key Illustrations to serve as Guiding Principles:
Claims by Contractors against owners can arise in many contexts. The principal claims are based on the following:-
1. Refusal of the owner to permit the contractor to commence performance after the contract has been awarded
2. Wrongfully terminating the contractor’s right to performance
3. Committing acts that justify the contractor in ceasing performance
4. Failing to pay the contractor for work performed under the contract
5. Committing acts that increase the contractor’s cost of performance
When the contractor has sued the owner, the ball is usually thrown back to the Owner and it bears the burden of showing that the cost of particular work was unreasonable.
What if the Project Never Commenced?
The contractor can assert Consequential Damages for being denied opportunity to commence performance. He may seek to be awarded damages quantifiable as lost profits on the contract.
Can Profits be futuristic? Absolutely Yes! The Judge can place the burden on the contractor to demonstrate or establish what the profits would be. On a balance of accurate probability and reasonableness, the same can be awarded.
Is it Unjust Enrichment?
The court often tries to balance its judgement on both Expectation and Restitution. In any case, the conduct of the Owner/Employer can trigger a contractor to purchase Equipment and Stores in preparation for undertaking the works.
The contractor can also incur other expenses like Performance Bonds, Insurance for the Works, Risk Policy and Sureties including taking heavy loans the terms of which the Banks may not adjust on the occasion of a breach of contract.
Owners and Employers must mean what they say especially when it comes to legal aspects of Construction.
Photo by Grant Cochrane
A signed contract is as good as money in the Bank bearing the complexity of construction performance.
What Factors are Considered when determining Compensation?
The court may consider the unique facts of the case at hand, the 5 guiding principles stated above and several combinations of the following aspects
a) Damages occasioned by delays
b) Damages due to disruption, loss of productivity, inefficiency, acceleration and escalation
c) Idleness and underemployment of facilities, equipment, and labor
d) increased cost and scarcity of labor and materials
e) use of more expensive modes of operation (due to inadequate specifications)
f) stopgap work needed to prevent deterioration of work already begun
g) shutdown and restarting costs
h) maintenance
i) supervision
j) equipment and machinery rentals and cost of handling and moving
k) travel expenses
l) bond and insurance premiums
m) Interest
Exceptions:
Where the contractor’s claim of material breach by the owner is a tactic to allow the contractor to bail out of a losing contract that resulted from causes that are the responsibility of the Contractor.
Future Reading
1. Legal Aspects of Architecture, Engineering and the Construction Process, 7th Edition by Justin Sweet & Marc Schneier
2. The two Classic Cases above used as Examples.
Closing Remarks
In this post, we considered the case where the Contractor has an Upper Hand. (Contractor vs. Owner). We hope to compile material for situations where the Owner has the Upper Hand i.e ( Owner vs. Contractor)
- Qs. David Nahinga
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Career Guide: The Role, Functions and Responsibilities of a Quantity Surveyor
Posted: March 31, 2012, 11:36 am by ujenzibora
This is a draft document comprising mainly my short notes on the aforementioned subject. It covers the Functions of a QS, What is a Bills of Quantities, The Purpose of a Bills of Quantity, The Career options for a QS, The Skills and Knowledge required for one to practice Quantity Surveying and the Professional Institutions that QSes belong.
Fast Tube by CasperPhoto : Renjith Krishnan
The function of Quantity Surveying (QS) as per the IQSK website is to analyze investment and development for the guidance of owners and contractors. The services of analyzing investment and development include the following services:-
•Estimates and cost advice of building projects.
• Cost planning of building projects.
• Advice on tendering procedures and contractual arrangements.
• Preparation of bills of Quantities for building projects.
• Cash flow budgets.
• Valuation of work in progress and materials on site for interim payments.
• Financial control of building projects.
• Schedule of materials of building projects.
• Preparation of Final Accounts for building contracts.
• Preparation of feasibility studies.
This would be a useful guide to those aspiring to join the Ranks of the Noble profession of Quantity Surveying. It would also assist in demystifying the Role and Functions of a Quantity Surveyor in the Building Industry.The document is available as a download in the Resources Section.
Related Posts:
1. Services of a Quantity Surveyor
Thank You
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Doing Business in Kenya : How to Obtain the Building Permit (CP)
Posted: March 20, 2012, 10:22 pm by ujenzibora
What?
The building permit or CP (Construction Permit) is a document provided by a Local Authority to authorize the construction of a new building, or in a situation to amend or renovate an existing approved building.
Who?
The City Council of Nairobi (CCN) has embarked on an ambitious project of automating Construction Permits. This has several Key Benefits to the Industry
How?
In order to open and run a successful construction business, it is important for one to understand the process that goes into obtaining business permits. Obtaining a Construction Permit is one of the Key Indicators of the Business Environment in a Country.
Those economies with an easier and less laborious process are deemed to be More Competitive. Singapore, Hong Kong(China), Singapore and New Zealand all have more favorable environments than Kenya. Though Kenya is a regional Best Pwerformer in the ease of obtaining Construction Permits, there is still room for improvement in two aspects:
1. Reduce on time taken from 125 days to Global Best Performer (26 Days- Singapore)
2. Reduce on number of Procedures from 8 to Global Best Performer ( 5 Days – Qatar)
3. Reduce the Cost as a percentage of Income per Capita from 160.9% to Global Best Performer (1.1% – Qatar) or at least to the Continents Best Performer of 21.2% (South Africa)
Globally, Kenya stands at 37 in the ranking of 183 economies on the ease of dealing with construction permits.
Generally, the Process is as explained on Page 24 of Doing Business in Kenya Report. You can get it from the Resources Section of this website
The Case of Singapore (Doing Business 2012 Rank : 3/183)
The Case of Kenya (Doing Business 2012 Rank : 37/183)
Areas for Improvement:
1. Reduce non-official costs to the process including Diligence of Officers dealing with the process, transparency and elimination of all forms of compromise on the process
2. Increase or consolidate processes that can take place simultaneously
3. The official costs for obtaining the Construction Permits should be kept at a minimum. Setting a goal to reduce this cost will force the Local Authorities to be more innovative and remove costly redundancies in the process.
4. Automation and embracing Click-through-Procedures which can be executed online
Further Reading:
1. Doing Business in a more Transparent World, World Bank, IFC : 2012 ( http://www.doingbusiness.org )
2. Construction Permits, City Council of Nairobi ([www.ccn-ecp.or.ke])
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Interior Design: Proposed Renovation of Radiotherapy Ward at Kenyatta National Hospital by @_tyTKO
Posted: March 15, 2012, 6:23 pm by ujenzibora
Greetings Ladies and Gentlemen,
It has been an interesting Journey so far since we begun our people-driven campaign against Thyroid Cancer in Kenya. TyTKO is a project that seeks to Renovate the Kenyatta National Hospital thyroid cancer isolation ward as a short-term objective amongst other Goals like:
- Create awareness about thyroid cancer
- Enable easy access to information on thyroid cancer and its treatment
- Inspire hope among cancer patients by creating a solid support group.
- Giving financial support for treatment of less privileged patients
Every day that passes, we get closer in achieving the set Goals and Targets.
Here is a Floor Plan of the existing wards:
Existing Floor Plan : Thyroid Ward (KNH)
We are pleased to submit that the Architectural and Interior Design firm Insignia Design has submitted to the project Team proposed interior design layouts based on the existing floor plan of the Three Wards.
Design and Art in HealthCare
Research has shown that use of design and art in healthcare aids healing by creating a sense of engagement with beauty, unleashing the power of the patient’s imagination to help them envision a future where they are in a better state. We will incorporate the following in our project:
Proxemics: The study and application of personal space zones-how close we like to be to other people.
Ergonomics/Human Factors: The study of how well the space, furniture, and other features fit the human body and how well they facilitate the tasks that need to be done in that space.
Building Codes: Sets of rules that specify the minimum acceptable level of safety for constructed buildings
Green Guidelines: The goal of these guidelines will be to create buildings that nurture the health of not only the patients and staff in the building, but also the surrounding community and environment.
Basic principles: build only what you need, reuse when you can, and use natural resources. Painting, photography, sculpture, and digital artwork will also be incorporated in the in the process
We are much pleased to share the initial Proposed Designs:
This is so much better than the plain, pale walls that remind the Thyroid Cancer patients of much misery and fatalities of the disease.
It is our hope and prayer that we shall achieve our set Vision and Objectives, giving Thyroid Cancer a Technical Knockout!
We continue to call upon more citizens of goodwill to make meaningful contribution towards the success of this project! This shall be a great collective achievement for all of us, the fight against cancer and Kenyatta National Hospital which hosts the only facility of its kind in Eastern Africa!
Kind regards
Qs.Nahinga, For project Team (TyTKO Project)
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The Slowness Of One Section
Posted: March 15, 2012, 10:13 am by ujenzibora
“The slowness of one section of the world about adopting the valuable ideas of another section of it is a curious thing and unaccountable” – Mark Twain
“It was kind of like the tortoise and the hare. We were the tortoise and we won.”- Tim Reid
Is there virtue in Patience?
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Cost Information on Acoustical Ceilings
Posted: March 7, 2012, 8:29 am by ujenzibora
To be able to know the full cost of any component incorporated into a building design, it is necessary to gather as much information about the product as possible.
There are many types of doors though the idea of a door or openings (doors and windows) is unitary.
There are many types of roofs, finishes, roofing materials et cetera but the building elements are singular. The key in making effective cost comparisons therefore lies in obtaining the Cost Information of a particular product or element. The purpose of this post is to provide cost information concerning Acoustic Ceilings.
General Requirements in Regulation for Roofs /Ceiling
The ceiling is considered a sub-component of the Roof. The Building Regulations provide 4 basic general requirements for roofs. The roof of any building shall be so constructed that it will :-
- resist any forces to which it is likely to be subjected
- be durable and waterproof
- not allow the accumulation of any rainwater upon its surface; and
- as part of a roof and ceiling assembly provide adequate height in any room immediately below such assembly
Those are the basic considerations for roofs and ceilings.
Acoustical Ceilings
Acoustical ceilings are often used in office and commercial space to reduce unwanted noise while providing the desired aesthetic appearance.
Source: http://www.acousti.com/acoustical/7.htm
This type of ceiling is also frequently used in residential finished basements. Use of acoustical ceilings allows access to wiring, piping, and ductwork, and makes it easier to reconfigure space in the future.
One of the biggest challenges with acoustic tile installations is coordinating all of the other trades, such as HVAC and electrical, that will be installing related items.
Acoustical ceilings can act as a support element for these items:
- fire sprinklers (supported on grid or by independent means)
- light fixtures (recessed lights within the framework or independently)
- speakers (supported on the grid system or independently)
- signs (supported on the grid or independently)
- Signs, light fixtures, and speakers can all be relocated with relative ease in the event of future reconfiguration of the space.Selecting Ceiling Tiles
The type of ceiling tile that is installed is usually predetermined by the architect, designer, or owner. Many types of ceiling tiles are manufactured, some with stringent design specifications. The room or building use will dictate whether any building code requirements apply.
Sound Transmission
Ceiling tiles are used for their acoustical property of reducing the amount of noise in a room or building. There are standardized tests for sound transmission specifications that are given for each type of ceiling tile. This is measured in Sound Transmission Class (STC).
Acoustical performance is also described in terms of NRC (sound absorption reduced reverberation) and CAC (Ceiling Articulation Class, or reduced sound transmission from adjacent spaces, such as the activity on the floor above or from noise from pipes and ducts, electronic devices, etc.).
Architectural Design
Ceiling systems can be very plain and inexpensive, or can be elaborate and cost many times more than a standard fissured tile system. Generally, the product manufacturer will be able to provide a catalog of products.
Source: Reed Construction Data
Related Posts:
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A Brief History of Kenya’s Construction Industry
Posted: February 29, 2012, 8:15 am by ujenzibora
by Barrack Obaga
Background Information on Kenya
The country known today as Kenya was created by European colonialism in Africa, which lasted from the mid-1800s to the 1960s. Kenya was a British protectorate from 1895 to 1920 and a colony from 1920 to 1963. The Imperial British East Africa Company (IBEAC) was the administrator of Kenya and was given a Royal Charter to exploit Kenya commercially.
The Construction Sector
The construction sector in Kenya is set in an environment that has fuelled the myriad changes it has undergone in such a relatively short history. The factors that are in the sector’s environment have either slowed down or speeded up the pace of sector’s growth in the country. These factors, in a glimpse, include:
- Politics of both the Pre-Colonial Period and Post-Colonial Period
- Sustainable Development (Environment, Society and Economy)
- Economic and Financial Services including Credit Availability and Accessibility
- People and Culture
- Tenure and Legal Framework (Titles, Mortgages, Easements, Secure Legal Rights)
- Fiscal Policies (Expansionary and Deflationary)
- Land Use and Environmental Control – (Policies, Spatial Planning, Control of Land Use)
All these factors have in one way or the other, affected the course of the construction industry over time in Kenya. These will be addressed in the detailed study of history of construction in Kenya.
“IN THE BEGINING…”
In the pre-colonial era, traditional Africa communities in Kenya used large tracts of land covered in forests as buffers. For example, the areas occupied by the Agikuyu and the Maasai were separated by forest land. In the Rift Valley, settlement was mainly riverine between the Njoro and Molo rivers before moving to Nakuru town. After 1908, Afrikaners trekked into Uasin Gishu plateau and they established their settlement in the Highlands that centred Eldoret town.
European Settlers
Land ownership was largely communal until the arrival of the European settlers; that led to a conflict. This conflict had never been experienced in Kenya before. The conflict was characterized by the conflicting African and European concepts towards land and land ownership. The European concept prevailed.
The Kenya-Uganda Railway Project
In addition, the Kenya-Uganda Railway construction influenced the settlement of the Europeans. Nairobi is said to have formed the second early settlement core of settlement near the Mau escarpment.
By the end the First World War, the entire railway line from the east of Kiu to Kisumu ran through the alienated land meant for European settlement. The fertile and agriculturally viable highlands were mapped out as European areas. The Africans were kept in overpopulated reserves, bordered with large tracts of land. This suppression led to the initiation of the process that led to the nation’s independence in 1963.
It’s worth noting that the White Highlands were critical and dominant elements in the political, economic and cultural development in Kenya.
Nairobi
IBEAC facilitated the construction of a railway connecting the east coast region of Mombasa to Lake Victoria. The company employed James Macdonald assisted by John Wallace Pringle, both officers in the Royal Engineers, to undertake the survey in 1891-1892. The two reported favorably, noting that Kikuyuland would be suitable for European settlement. However, the IBEAC lacked the funds needed to start the work. The IBEAC started building the Mackinnon-Sclater road, a 600 miles (970 km) ox cart track from Mombasa to Busia on the Uganda border, in 1890. The main part of the Mackinnon-Sclater road was completed by the British government after the demise of the IBEAC.
Nairobi was founded in 1899. It grew up around a railway line constructed by the British colonial officials from Mombasa on the Indian Ocean coast to Uganda. The present site of Nairobi was selected as a stores depot, shunting yard (place where trains are shifted from one track to another), and camping ground for the thousands of Indian laborers (also British colonials, who came to Kenya seeking work) employed by the British to work on the line.
The Asians
The Asians stayed along the coast of Kenya for a long time before they moved into Uganda and Machakos during the construction of the railway line. They were restricted from engaging in agricultural activities and were, therefore, more likely to be found in significant numbers in the towns and trading centres that were growing with time. This enabled them to fill an “economic vacuum” between the European farmers and administrators and the African masses. The Africans, as a result, more often than not made contact with the Asians through the Indian duka.
The Urbanisation Process
The railway line and growing European and Asian influence played a pivotal role in the urbanization process, and subsequently in the construction sector. Trading centers developed and they played a very important linkage between the rural areas and the modern urban-based sectors of the space economy. These centres were the most viable commercially despite them being the untidiest and the most unplanned places in Kenya. The growing urban populations of the small towns soon triggered an increase in construction activities in both urban and peri-urban centres
The colonial government paid no attention to controlling and regulating the planning and building of these centres. The uncontrolled development has remained to present day and time. This has subsequently become a characteristic feature of those centres even to date.
In the post-colonial period, these conditions were improved upon due to the continued urbanization process that led to some of these centres being upgraded to urban centres.
The transition from the colonial government to self-government left Kenya with challenges such as:
a) Improving the effectiveness of public sector spending on physical infrastructure development and maintenance
b) Improving labour absorption, labour relations and job stability
c) Reducing impact of HIV/AIDS on the construction industry
d) Ensuring international competitiveness
FROM COLONIAL TO POST COLONIAL
At the time of independence, there were difficulties facing the construction industry. These included:
- A serious shortage of all kinds and levels of skilled labour; without any easy means of training
- Bottlenecks in the supply chain and scarcity of crucial building materials produced in Kenya
- Inadequate forward planning in the wholesale and distribution sectors
These were worsened by the fact that inappropriate designs were adopted and a serious failure to adapt technologies employed to the level of resources that was available. This was reflected in the rapid increases in prices of deliverables as well as significant and noticeable fall in the quality of work in the sector.
Corrective policies were notably missing to make right the wrongs done by the players in the sector.
At the time, most firms were predominantly owned and operated by non-citizens, especially the Asians. These were earlier used as contract labour from India, and they stayed in Kenya after their contracts expired. They then began accumulating capital through trade, transport and distribution, with others moving into the construction industry.
Demand for housing for various functions and purposes rose, thanks to European settlers and Asian traders and the colonial administrators.
At the time, the industry followed the British model since it observed hierarchy and it was stratified along the racial lines. Europeans held the positions of engineers and architects. They also had contracting firms. The Asians were next, with mid-level firms.
This was not only limited to professional groups but also in the field of construction materials. The larger, national-level and regional manufacturers were largely Europeans, either foreign or domestic.
The Asians, part from owning medium-sized firms, also owned quarries and the distribution channels. These included the importation, wholesale and retail networks of materials, and were deemed to be the backbone of the industry. The Africans, however, occupied the lowest positions of semi-skilled or unskilled labour e.g. labourers and tradesmen. Very few Africans owned firms.
In the post-independence period, the Africanization/Kenyanization process began, with the following aims:
- To encourage African commercial activities under ‘settlement schemes’
- Non-Africans were to be replaced by Africans in public sector jobs
- Kenyanization of commercial and service sectors
This process is widely believed to be more politically instigated than it was economically. The result was that there was uncertainty among the European populace and panic among the Asian mid-level public sector office holders. The results included an acute shortage of contracting firms and lack of a healthy competition between the existing contracting firms.
Asian-owned firms were the best at this time due to their paying attention to managing the businesses. They operated under tight budgets with extremely low overheads with high degrees of flexibilities. Some had to move into the industrial production sector.
Right from independence, the Ministry of Works had the responsibility of administering all projects regarding the central government as well as civil engineering projects. It began, under the Africanization Process stipulated the first 5-year plan which reserving small contracts to African-owned construction firms. Bias clauses were introduced for bigger projects in the form of price tender advantage in a bid to favour the African firms, on the condition that they agreed to revise their prices downwards to the level of the lowest bidder.
Records indicated that by 1967, 200 Africa-owned contracting firms were registered. Some were briefcase companies while other offered labour-only contracts to Ministry of Works projects in gravelling roads. These firms faced disadvantages such as:
- Little experience as far as site organization is concerned
- Inadequate knowledge of managerial, commercial of administrative matters
- Lack of knowledge on matters of tendering for construction contracts
- Inadequate plant and equipment
- Inadequate/lack of capital
- The Asian suppliers were not sympathetic of African entry into the industry and were unwilling to afford the Africans credit
The Government formed the National Construction Corporation that sought to enable African contractors enter the industry, a very competitive market. Its philosophy was ‘learning by doing’ whereby the African contractors were to be assisted and trained during the construction process. They were only supposed to meet the following requirements:
- Obtain the work
- Obtain the finance required to complete the project
From the above, the functions of NCC were:
- To help contractors obtain work
- Provide them with adequate finance
- Assist them with the actual construction process
In the 1970’s the Asian-owned transport and trading businesses were forced out of business due to legislation. The laws reserved these operations for exclusively African firms, forcing the Asians to move into the construction industry. They had double advantage: their business acumen and capital.
This saw a sharp increase in the number of Asian-owned construction firms with the following advantages:
- Top-notch efficiency
- Ready access to materials
- Access to capital
- Additional supply of labour, which was not available for African ones
In the recent past, we have had new legislation and developments including formation of the Nairobi Metropolitan Region which shall be shared in Subsequent Posts.
About Author: Mr. Barrack Obaga
Barrack is a student of the University of Nairobi, Department of Real Estate and Construction Management. He is currently pursuing his Bachelors of Quantity Surveying. We wish to state that this is a good gesture and we are thankful for the time he took to share this Knowledge.
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Notes: How much do you know about Doors?
Posted: February 29, 2012, 7:16 am by ujenzibora
Introduction.
These notes are particularly important to students and practitioners in the field of the Built Environment. It is a privilege to be able to share this information from the Reeds Construction Data written by one of their Staff. It is important for gaining understanding on the subject matter of Doors. Enjoy!
DOORS – by RS Means Staff
Doors are taken for granted as a part of a structure; analyzed, they are access devices. Exterior doors provide access into the structure and control privacy, safety, and protection from the weather. Exterior doors may also facilitate ventilation, admit or block light, or permit a view. Interior doors control the access within a structure that is passage from one area to another. They may act as screens for storage or utility areas. They may also act as temporary partitions, allowing for flexibility within a space.
Doors may be constructed of a variety of materials:
- Wood: may be solid, frame and panel (also called stile and rail), or veneered, solid- or hollow-core.
- Steel: may be solid or hollow core; consider the gauge of the steel.
- Fiberglass: may be flush, or paneled and molded to look like wood, especially when finished.
- Aluminum: may be a solid door, or a frame to hold a lite(s), as in storefront or window wall configurations.
Each of the above materials may have a flush face (smooth), or a paneled face — whether part of the door construction or embossed. Any of these doors may have glass, fire-rated (labeled) lites, or louvers, with commercial doors typically 1-¾″ thick.
Doors may be operated by swinging, sliding, or folding (as with commercial doors), and may operate vertically as well as in the horizontal plane. Doors may have a fire rating or be insulated for a temperature- or acoustical-rating. Glass doors are a special case and usually have another material for framing, operating by swing or sliding.
Photo by Nuttakit
Doors will also have a finish. The finish may be accomplished before arrival at the job site (primed or complete finish for installation) and then will require extra protection. Job site finishing will require additional lines in the estimate for priming, finishing, touch up and time requirements in between coats (scheduling issue).
Door hardware is a separate item that attaches to the door and may be simply to allow the door to operate and provide a handle to grasp.
Photo by Dan
In commercial applications, or for housing, the installed hardware will probably have an ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) requirement. When considering door hardware, be aware that the cost of the hardware may exceed the cost of the door three times over. Hardware may consist of hinges (referred to in pairs, with a typical door requiring a pair and a half or three single hinges), pivots, handles, latches, levers, passage sets, privacy sets, locksets, panic devices, push/pull plates, closers, kick plates weather stripping, sound seals, dust seals, and peep sights — to name some of the items! To emphasize the hardware costs: a single door may require: a pair and a half of hinges, a peep sight, a panic device on the inside face, a lockset, a door closer, a louver, an ADA pull handle on the exterior face, kick plates on both sides of the door and, depending upon the base metal and the finish of the hardware, the pricing will mount up.
There is a wide variety of specialty doors available commercially. These may be may be characterized as:
- access doors
- sliding glass doors
- all glass doors (requiring special hardware)
- traffic doors
- floor doors
- bulkhead doors
- counter doors
- overhead doors
- cold storage doors
- hangar doors
- darkroom doors
- security doors
- ballistic doors
- vault doors
- acoustical doors
- detention doors
- revolving doors
- balanced doors
- telescoping doors
All of these doors may come in various materials, hardware, and finishes, depending upon the application and location within the project. In addition, many of these specialty doors will require additional framing, specific to each particular door and the wall into which the door is installed.
About:
Reed Construction Data is a leading information provider to the construction industry, delivering targeted and timely project information, cost data and market intelligence that simplifies decision-making for AEC professionals and helps maximize productivity, increase profits and drive business growth.
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Developing the Next Generation of African Leaders and Entrepreneurs
Posted: February 24, 2012, 8:39 pm by ujenzibora
What?
On the 23rd of February 2012, I raised a #PatriotAlert to highlight the good work that one amongst us is doing to develop the next generation of Change Makers in Africa. I am most pleased to share with my readers on the work of the Africa Leaders Academy.
African Leadership Academy seeks to transform Africa by identifying, developing, and connecting the next generation of African leaders.
This is very important for the critical years ahead where we shall impose a Greater Responsibility on our Leaders.
“Everything rises and falls on Leadership” – John Maxwell
Where?
African Leadership Academy’s campus is located on the outskirts of Johannesburg, South Africa, and is an ideal environment for learning and self-discovery.
The successful candidates will undergo various aspects of Leadership Training as per the ALA Curriculum
ALA has already started making an impact on Africa. In just four short years, ALA students have already gone on to create youth entrepreneurial programs in Tanzania, Morocco, the DRC, Zimbabwe, Senegal and Namibia. Other ALA students have created projects that promote food security in informal townships, literacy and self-worth programs for at-risk youth to schools in southern Africa. These same students have also been awarded over US$21 Million in scholarship funding to continue their studies at some of the top universities in the world.
In that same four-year timespan, over 10,000 young leaders representing 48 African nations have applied to be part of ALA – a remarkable endorsement of ALA’s relevance in the continent.
How can you be of help?
1. Pass this information to your friends who may have brothers or sisters qualifying for the award2. Download the 2012 ALA First Round Application from the Resources Pane to the Right of this post. Fill and return before 29th February 2012. This might be a grand change to give opportunity to a young person who deserves to be trained as a Leader. You can CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD FORM
3. Nominate a young person for the Anzisha Prize. Let us celebrate innovative Young African Entrepreneurs
5. Simply spread the word and lets build the next generation of African Leaders.
The ALA Scholarship is open to youth (between 15 & 19 generally) but I want you to forward this application to everyone, because even if they are not in this age group themselves, it is likely that they may know someone in this age group who can take advantage of this once in a lifetime chance!
Here are the Contact details in case you need them:
+212 (0) 613301735 (Morocco Number) +216 26 51 94 65 (Tunisia) +27 078 016 6018 (South Africa Mobile) +20 111667795 (Egypt cell phone) +1 – (718) 350 0888 (US Cell phone) +27 (0) 083 698 8061 (RSA)
+27 (0) 11 252 6190 (Fax)**All images from [www.africanleadershipacademy.org] and [www.anzishaprize.org]
Kind regards
Qs. David Nahinga
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Design Happens Everywhere!: Its now Easy for Architects, Engineers and Designers
Posted: February 23, 2012, 6:15 am by ujenzibora
Design Happens Everywhere! *AutoCAD WS is a free online service that provides access to online software for viewing, editing, and sharing AutoCAD designs.
Its easy, all you need to do is create a new account HERE
You can also install the Application from the Chrome Web Store
BENEFITS
View, edit, and share DWG™ drawings through your web browser with the AutoCAD WS web and mobile application. Store drawings and project files in an easy-to-access online workspace. Share and collaborate easily with others; there’s no software required, and it’s free*.
● Upload Files – Access your drawings from anywhere in the world.
● Edit Drawings – Edit DWG files in your web browser using more than 100 familiar AutoCAD commands and shortcuts.
● Go Mobile – Sync your online files and view and edit with your iPad or iPhone for a mobile CAD experience.
● Share – Set permissions and enable others to view, edit, or download drawings.
● Real-Time Collaboration – Work with other users to edit the same drawing at the same time.
● Google Maps – Integrate Google Maps into your drawing to see designs in a real-world setting.
- Regards | @Ujenzibora
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3 Things we can learn from a tiny creature…
Posted: February 18, 2012, 9:35 am by ujenzibora
“A lizard can be caught with the hand, yet it is found in kings’ palaces.”- Agur Son of Jakeh
This is something that is extremely wise!
1.Love yourself: The lizard has abandoned the forest and believes it can live in the King’s Palace
2. Know Thyself: The lizard keeps its nature and character. It does not try to be another
3. Unlimit Yourself: We are Homo Universalis. We cannot be limited by “Geography” like the fish which must be in water to survive. The Lizard believes it does not have to live only on trees, but in human houses and even king’s palaces.
Are you limiting yourself? #Tafakari and have a Great Weekend
- Qs. Nahinga David
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When A Column Doesn’t Look Like A Column by Architect John Hill
Posted: February 16, 2012, 8:18 am by ujenzibora
See why designers may opt for tree-like support in Wood or Steel:
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#hzroot1454433 div {width:100%;}#hzfooter1454433 {line-height:normal;} #hzfooter1454433 a {text-decoration:none;} #hzfooter1454433 a:hover {text-decoration:underline;} #hzexpand1454433 {display:none;width:290px !important;position:absolute;background-color:#222;border:1px solid #888;padding:4px;padding-top:8px;padding-bottom:8px;text-align:left;font-family: arial,sans-serif;font-size:11px;line-height:130%;z-index:100;} #hzexpand1454433 div {color:#eee !important;text-align:left;font-family: arial,sans-serif;font-size:11px;line-height:130%;} #hzexpand1454433 a {color:#ccc !important;text-decoration:none;} #hzexpand1454433 a:hover {text-decoration:underline;} #hzsection1454433 {margin-top:8px;} Click on the next arrow below Gallery Houzz- Kitchen Remodel, Bathroom Remodel and More» Browse Bedroom Products on Houzz- For Example: Bedskirts · Duvet Covers · Shams · Beds · Dressers Chests And Bedroom Armoires · Makeup Mirrors · Nightstands And Bedside Tables · Sofa Beds ·
- Ujenzibora -
Picture Blog: 7 Things That I Love Easily…
Posted: February 14, 2012, 7:05 pm by ujenzibora
Firstly, it being Valentines Day, I can afford to share the sentiments on mattes of Love.
Over the weekend, i happened to visit this lovely place. I wanted to be away from your “Mad Congested City”
So i share a few of the pics with you as taken by my friend Kevin. This are the 7 things i love easily without difficulty…
1. Water/The Pool : I love water and the fact that I can only swim “downwards like a stone fish”
2. The Lounge : I love Art and Craft…any day!
3. Is it not lovely? I love Order . Oh my God I love Order! Order cometh then wealth shows up automatically!
4. The Kitchen I love cooking, sometimes…
5. And i still love chess! Life itself is like a Game of Chess. I loveth Chess
6. Yes! I love Peace and letting things be. I Value PEACE!
7. And I love God Himself and my family and my True Friends!
“Only a life lived for others is a life worthwhile.”- Albert Einstein
Painting by Michelangelo Buonarroti
I wish to have such moments oftener as I age so that at the fullness of time i can say:
“I lived and loved”
LAST WORD.
Happy Valentines Day
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Re-Blog: How to Buy Your First Commercial Property Without Cash or Credit
Posted: February 11, 2012, 10:05 am by ujenzibora
Introduction:
It is very rare for us to re-blog a post that already exists elsewhere. However, in keeping with our Ambition of creating solutions and exposing solutions, we are pleased to share this post written by Peter Harris. I found the transition of the thinking quite intriguing! What do you think? Do enjoy and kindly share your comments…
-Qs. Nahinga David
How do you Buy?
How do you buy your first commercial property even if you don’t have 35% down payment money, perfect credit, and millions in net worth? You have to get creative. One way to do it is with a master lease.
Master lease agreements have been around for centuries. Think of a master lease as the “lease with an option to buy” but over a property. The term lease option is used when referring to single family homes, but for apartments and commercial property, it is typically called a master lease agreement.
In simple terms…
You will buy the seller’s property by giving him a small (or none) down payment in exchange for all rights and privileges of owning and operating the property without legal title changing hands. At close, you get equitable title, not legal title. You are entitled to the property’s cash flow above the master lease payment, all future equity, tax benefits, and day-to-day management.Because your price and terms are set, all of the upside is yours to keep. The more efficient you are, the more you make. As you increase the Net Operating Income (NOI), the property’s increase in value becomes yours. All the seller gets is a monthly payment from you on the interest of the difference between the lease agreement price and what he owes. Once you sell the property, every dollar over the lease agreement price is your profit.
Photo by Jannoon028
In simpler terms…
The Seller gets:- Easy sale of the property
- Lease payments on the equity of the property paid every month
- Freedom from involvement in the operation of the property
The Buyer gets:
A purchase involving no banks or lenders or appraisal
- All cash flow above the lease payment
- An option to buy at a pre-fixed price within a set period of time no matter how much the property value has increased
- All profits above the master lease agreement price
Master lease advantages:
- No banks required
- You and seller can get as creative as you want on the deal terms
- Quick closing, low closing costs, closing as quickly as 7 days
- Seller can generate good interest income per month
- Buyer can create a good amount of cash flow and equity build-up
Master lease disadvantages:
- Foreclosure by seller is easy if buyer does not perform per lease agreement
- It may trigger a due-on-sale clause on the seller’s existing mortgage
- Seller may not perform his end of the agreement
Photo by: Apple's Eyes Studio
Master lease must haves:
- Have an attorney create the master lease agreement. Real estate law and contract law differ by state. Do not use master lease agreements purchased online or from office supply stores
- Perform a title search to make sure the title is clear and there are no liens or understand what liens do exist
- Engage the services of a holding company to retain possession of an executed deed and the original documents
- Record the master lease agreement against the property
- Get an appraisal
- Have a razor-sharp exit strategy thought out well in advanced. It should be conservative with minimal to no speculation based on sound research and counsel
- To ensure that the mortgage and taxes are paid on time, have a third party pay them (e.g. title company or another type of disbursement company)
When you see these words, jump on the opportunity quickly…
Here are key words and phrases to watch out for when looking for properties primed for the master lease technique: owner motivated, seller financing, owner will carry, master lease option, creative offers welcome, bring all offers, JV partner wanted, investor wanted.Finally, here is the secret to doing creatively financed deals, no matter how large or small…ask!
ABOUT AUTHOR:
Peter Harris began investing in real estate in 2000. He was personally mentored by Robert Kiyosaki. He has purchased over 1,000 residential units focusing on large apartment complexes totaling over $20 million.His expertise includes correcting property management issues, rehabbing commercial buildings, buying commercial REOs, and repositioning commercial investment properties.
He holds a California Real Estate Broker’s License and worked for Sperry Van Ness Commercial Real Estate and Coldwell Banker buying and selling commercial real estate and residential income property in the San Francisco Bay Area.
He co-authored Three Master Secrets of Real Estate Success with Donald Trump and the best seller Commercial Real Estate Investing for Dummies. Peter has a passion for coaching and teaching others how to become commercial real estate investors.
RELATED POSTS HERE AT UJENZIBORA:
The Basics of Investing in Real Estate
What exactly is Real Estate? Understanding the term
Mortgages: First time buyers Guide
5 Things to Consider before Buying a Multifamily Home
Understanding the Ujenzibora Way: 5 easy steps
Suppose one of you wants to Build a Tower?
Adding Real Estate to your Diversified Portfolio
There is plenty of Opportunity in Real Estate : Imagine, See, Learn…Grow
Recommended Website for further Research: www.creonline.com
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Africa: Why you have to Jump-start the Spark of Leadership
Posted: February 9, 2012, 12:10 am by ujenzibora
Today before turning in to sleep, I was reflecting on what cut on this day!
The last question on my mind rested on the subject of Leadership in Africa and this were the thoughts:
The Inspiration from Ghanaian Patrick Awuah
The Question of transformation of Africa is a question of Leadership. If we can get enough people to lead in their spheres of influence, we shall be well. If we cannot…we are in pitch black darkness! Watch this brief video and Be the Judge!
Here is a quick list I compiled earlier in the morning from the post Create a Meaningful Life Through Meaningful Work by @Umairh Haque. It has important questions and ideas you can jump-start the Spark of Leadership1. Prevent the end of something good
2. Right a Wrong
3. Increase the Quality of Life
4. Solve a problem, any problem…even a Maths problem
5. Ask yourself, Does what you do matter…in the Long Run?
6. Ask yourself, “Do i have any Regrets?”
7. Will you be proud to tell your Kids your Story?
8. Does it matter that you are where you are, doing what you do?
9. Does what you do stand the test of Time? Does it stand the test of Excellence? Does it stand the test of you? (Authenticity) – The three questions Umair expounds so vividly in his post.
And lastly TEN | 10. Keep it Real, Always better your best. Create New Meaning!
I hope and hold on to the thought that you shall stand up and Lead. Whether it is in Carpentry or Cookery or Crotchetting…Just stand up and be a Leader!
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#Infographic: History of the Businessmen through the Ages
Posted: February 7, 2012, 2:22 pm by ujenzibora
From: Business MBA -
There is one thing we do Know!
Posted: February 7, 2012, 9:03 am by ujenzibora
“From the standpoint of daily life, there is one thing we do know: that we are here for the sake of each other – above all for those upon whose smile and well-being our own happiness depends, and also for the countless unknown souls with whose fate we are connected by a bond of sympathy.
Many times a day I realize how much my own outer and inner life is built upon the labors of my fellow men, both living and dead, and how earnestly I must exert myself in order to give in return as much as I have received.” – Albert Einstein
Works of Art
I actually spend about 30 minutes or more a day just looking at paintings, carvings and works of art. I find that apart from Philosophy and Truth, Art is forever!
I found this piece by Flemish Painter (b. 1566) titled The Bagpiper . It is
a “Oil on canvas” painting which is intriguing. Quite a lovely piece of work! -
The Stage-gate Process : 3 Reasons Why Good Ideas should be Killed
Posted: February 6, 2012, 3:23 pm by ujenzibora
When I was in high school about 16 years ago, we used to have too many random “good ideas”, very much like the ideas floating in “Social Networks”. Everyone has an opinion on anything ! At some point in our dialogues, we had to literally ignore folks who had something to say, we stopped them matter-of-factly…before they could just float another “good idea”.
However, looking back, I can confidently say it only took Better Ideas to lift me at every stage of my transition. Am convinced you only need one better idea to break from the ranks of mediocrity that hold you back. One best idea to turn-around!
Photo: Salvatore Vuono
“The only sure weapon against bad ideas is better ideas.” Alfred Whitney Griswold
1. Good Ideas waste everyone’s Time and Resources: People do not have time to waste. Resources too are “apparently scarce”. The time of man on earth is very limited (say 90 years per man) and we have to process only the ideas and projects that will give us the maximum possible return on our investments. But with better ideas, nothing is scarce…man multiplies apparently scarce resources into an abundance.
Fast Tube by Casper2. Good Ideas prevent Better Ideas from Maturing: The time you spend working on good ideas is exactly the same time you are depriving the better ideas! It takes a lot of time and effort to perfect something that would otherwise have been “discarded-at-source”. However, this does not negate the fact that you need to multiply ideas. The tone here is to focus only on what works and even so, the best parts of what works. That is where there is the greatest opportunity for growth.
3. Good Ideas will not change the world: Nicola Tesla worked with several “best Ideas” that changed the world. Today, practically” all electricity in the world is generated, transmitted, and turned into mechanical power by means of the Tesla Polyphase System. Although practically unknown to the layman, the Tesla polyphase inventions are, without question, the most important single group of inventions in the whole field of electrical engineering.
One Better Idea created a System that changed the world. Idea > System > Change ! That is the process!
The process of separating the best ideas from all the other good ideas is called the stage-gate process. If we are going to maximally use the resources we have and change the world, we must be Killers of the Good Ideas!
One man changed the dynamics of night and day with one Idea. The idea of Alternating Currents!
However, notice that there is still “room for improvement” to commercialize even better Ideas that will forever change the equation of Energy! Only people who are working with the best ideas in town have a competitive edge in the truer sense of the word!
NEW SOURCES OF ENERGY
We need new sources of energy as things like Oil will not meet the “Huge Appetite ” requirements of the world. Something need to be re-though! For example, ” The International Energy Agency’s World Energy Outlook 2011 (PDF) projects that China will become the world’s largest net importer of oil by 2020.
The report estimates the country’s net imports for 2011 at nearly five million barrels per day, a number it says will climb to around thirteen million by 2035. Someone needs to be innovative!THINGS TO PONDER:
1. What does your “room for improvement” look like?
2. What lessons can you learn from the good ideas that did not work? Are there better Ideas?
3. Are you giving your best to the best ideas at hand within the reach of your Company?
This was a speed blog. Tafakari and Great Week Ahead!- Qs. Nahinga David
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Interior Design Manual for New Construction and Renovation of Healthcare Facilities
Posted: February 5, 2012, 9:10 pm by ujenzibora
The world of Architecture is amazing!
I found this piece of resource that would be helpful to planners, Architects and Interior Designers working on Healthcare Facilities.
The Key points are:
1. In a patient-centered environment, design solutions will respond to the needs of the patient profile both architecturally and through material selections.
2. Creating a healing environment is important in a patient control environment.
3. Technology is constantly changing the healcare environment. Technology is a drivr for healthcare design.The presentation also has a link to websites/resources on Healthcare Industry Reference.
We have posted this as part of our mission of providing access to useful information on the built environment
-Qs. Nahinga David -
There is plenty of Opportunity in Real Estate. Imagine | See | Learn| Grow…
Posted: February 4, 2012, 9:01 am by ujenzibora
Greetings Ladies & Gentlemen,
This is a summary of the week that was. You can use the tabs on the immediate left of the post below this introduction to navigate to various pieces of News from our world of Real Estate.
On the Business tab, you can learn about Taxes and Real Estate in Kenya, The Basics of Investing in Real Estate, and the House Ownership Equation in Kenya
On the Leisure tab you can find the great things happening in Egypt and Chicago.
On the Education tab you can access more than 20 links to Educational Resources in the world of Real Estate. Links to useful websites on Interior Design, Architecture, Photographs, Professionals, Green Architecture, China and Other Blogs.
Do you want to be a Utopian Citizen?Anton Raphael: Ferdinand IV, King of Naples 1760
Read more about the luxury of being a Member of Parliament in Kenya. The post is titled, “6 Amazing Facts about Utopian Citizens“. It is an interesting Info-graphic
On the Environment tab, you can learn about the Nairobi Metropolis. Where is the City Going? This are amazing times! There is plenty of opportunity if you can see them. Lastly, help answer the Question, “Mega Cities equals Mega Slums | Is this an African Equation…?”
Finally, on the Society tab, you can learn more about RWANDA! Read the article on “Transforming a Nation from War to Prosperity! Enjoy
- Qs. David Nahinga//
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The Al Markhiya Project, Doha-Qatar
Posted: December 19, 2011, 1:37 pm by ujenzibora
Where?
Doha – Qatar
What?
The Al Markhiya Project : It’s the development that has got Qatar buzzing. Al Markhiya is currently being constructed around a 5000 sqm landscaped artificial lake.
The Project Spans across 55000 sqm, it’s build up of: International LibraryWorld class Restaurants. Offering a selection of international cuisines,Coffee Shops,Renowned ladies SPA Club.
Enter-learning centre for kids, Italian themed architecture.
Charming promenades along the lake.
“Al Markhiya” project is the Doha premier luxury complex and seeks nothing less than to transport the visitors to a high-end cosmopolitan restoration/shopping/library surroundings, unlike anything that can be found in Qatar.
Luxury shops, gastronomic & fine dining restaurants with the Italian touch decoration & style will take you to a new comprehensive meaning of an extravagance complex.
About Qatar
Qatar is the country with the highest GDP ranking in the world and will be hosting the FIFA 2022 World Cup. It is projected that Al Markhiya will soon be home to the World’s premium retail and restaurant brands.
- Qatar is a wealthy state with a big presence
- In Qatar the average annual income per head of more than $100,000 at purchasing power parity
- The Sovereign Wealth Fund of Qatar is estimated at $80bn, Its populatuon abt 1.7m (mostly foreigners)
- One Qatari resident described his country thus, ’We are small but we are everywhere’- Hamad al-Ibrahim
Who?
The project is being implemented by Al Emadi Enterprises. All images used on this post are the property of Al Emadi Enterprises Tel : (+974) 44666625
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The Al Markhiya Project, Doha-Qatar
Posted: December 19, 2011, 1:37 pm by ujenzibora
Where?
Doha – Qatar
What?
The Al Markhiya Project : It’s the development that has got Qatar buzzing. Al Markhiya is currently being constructed around a 5000 sqm landscaped artificial lake.
The Project Spans across 55000 sqm, it’s build up of: International LibraryWorld class Restaurants. Offering a selection of international cuisines,Coffee Shops,Renowned ladies SPA Club.
Enter-learning centre for kids, Italian themed architecture.
Charming promenades along the lake.
“Al Markhiya” project is the Doha premier luxury complex and seeks nothing less than to transport the visitors to a high-end cosmopolitan restoration/shopping/library surroundings, unlike anything that can be found in Qatar.
Luxury shops, gastronomic & fine dining restaurants with the Italian touch decoration & style will take you to a new comprehensive meaning of an extravagance complex.
About Qatar
Qatar is the country with the highest GDP ranking in the world and will be hosting the FIFA 2022 World Cup. It is projected that Al Markhiya will soon be home to the World’s premium retail and restaurant brands.
- Qatar is a wealthy state with a big presence
- In Qatar the average annual income per head of more than $100,000 at purchasing power parity
- The Sovereign Wealth Fund of Qatar is estimated at $80bn, Its populatuon abt 1.7m (mostly foreigners)
- One Qatari resident described his country thus, ’We are small but we are everywhere’- Hamad al-Ibrahim
Who?
The project is being implemented by Al Emadi Enterprises. All images used on this post are the property of Al Emadi Enterprises Tel : (+974) 44666625
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Rent Out Your House, Move to an Apartment, Pocket the Difference
Posted: December 19, 2011, 1:01 pm by ujenzibora
What?
The simple idea is to rent out your high-end home for a premium and moving into a less expensive apartment, profiting on the difference.
Photo by Salvatore Vuono
The underlying reason being that one wants to turn the house into an asset or simply moving because of financial constraints.
Why?
Is your house an asset or a liability?
Most of the people think their house is an asset. Is it true? Let Robert Kiyosaki explain what are the true Assets and Liabilities.
Fast Tube by CasperWho?
You can read the original article at Mainstreet or at Zillow as written by Jeff Brown
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Rent Out Your House, Move to an Apartment, Pocket the Difference
Posted: December 19, 2011, 1:01 pm by ujenzibora
What?
The simple idea is to rent out your high-end home for a premium and moving into a less expensive apartment, profiting on the difference.
Photo by Salvatore Vuono
The underlying reason being that one wants to turn the house into an asset or simply moving because of financial constraints.
Why?
Is your house an asset or a liability?
Most of the people think their house is an asset. Is it true? Let Robert Kiyosaki explain what are the true Assets and Liabilities.
Fast Tube by CasperWho?
You can read the original article at Mainstreet or at Zillow as written by Jeff Brown
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5 Reasons I Want To Know You Better
Posted: December 19, 2011, 10:03 am by ujenzibora
This is my 5 point summary on why relation – ships matter. To paint a picture for you, I would wish you to imagine a ship in the sea. If man could not invent the anchor and other implements for allowing ships to “enter rest”, sailing would have made absolutely no sense!
So let me build my case! Allow me to build my case so i can reach a favorable conclusion…
Hint 1 : We are living on a sea
Nothing rests. Everything moves. All things are in motion. To cease to be in motion is to die. The laws are at work and we know energy is constantly moving to, through and from.
Photo by Worradmu
Social networks are part of that ocean of motion.
Hint 2: You are a cargo carrier
A ship is a cargo-carrier. When thieves “steal”, they have in their possession cargo which belongs to other “ships”. Is this the metaphor of why suspects are “docked” in a court of law? And the cargo is displayed as “exhibits?”. Are jails not bays where confiscated ships are anchored? You are literally a ship in an Ocean or Sea of motion
Hint 3 : I am a Cargo Carrier
As it is for you, so it is for me! Maybe your cargo is music, or Architecture or like the show men, you are simply a ship carrying comedy. Is it any of the 8 Streams of Human Intelligence ? Do you even know what you carry?
Does this sentence sound familiar?
“The good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and the evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart. For out of the overflow of his heart his mouth speaks.”- Luke 6:45
Either way, you and I are cargo carriers!
Hint 4 : I have several bays for off-loading
I have a bay you can afford to off-load part of your cargo. This could be my timeline, mailbox , wall, blog, website, house. In theory, “If you receive a wise man because he is a wise man, you receive a wise-man’s reward”. A companion of fools suffers harm. I want to know you better because there is still room enough for part of your cargo.
Hint 5: Everyone is in Commerce
Black’s Law Dictionary, Fifth Edition defines commerce as:
“to exchange goods, productions, or property of any kind; the buying, selling, and exchanging of articles. Intercourse by way of trade and traffic between different peoples or states and the inhabitants thereof, including not only the purchase, sale, and exchange of commodities, but also the instrumentalities and agencies by which it is promoted and the means and applications by which it is carried on, and the transportation of persons as well as goods, both by land and sea.”
Photo by Renjith Krishnan
The term “commerce” means trade , traffic, commerce, transportation, or communication among the several states.
Need I to say more? No #Tafakari
Let us commerce
Qs. David Nahinga
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Metropol Parasol: The World’s Largest Wooden Structure
Posted: December 18, 2011, 10:50 pm by ujenzibora
What?
The beautiful series of undulating parasols comprise the world’s largest wooden structure. Metropol’s interlocking honeycomb of wooden panels rise from concrete bases, which are positioned to form canopies and walkways below the parasols.
Metropol Parasol is situated within the Seville’s historic medieval sector. In fact, it looms over archeological ruins, which have been incorporated into a museum.
The honeycomb umbrella roof is now accessible to visitors with a winding terrace and path, offering incredible views of the beautiful city.
The open-air structure was based upon the design of parasols, and it also references cathedral design.
The underside holds restaurants, shops, a community center and a visitor center.
Photo © Fernando Alda
Seville has always been known as an innovator in Europe, and Jurgen Mayer H. Architects wanted to celebrate that with Metropol Parasol.
Photographers Alda and Franck have captured the modern and sleek flow of Metropol Parasol, highlighted against the surrounding historic architecture.
Where?
Located at Plaza de la Encarnacion, in Seville, Spain
Why?
The site was originally meant to be a parking garage, but during excavation in the early 2000s, workers discovered a hidden archaeological site. Thankfully, instead of going on with the original plans, they decided to make the space into a culture and community center, which will be called the Plaza de la Encarnacion.
Who?
Architects: Jurgen Mayer H. Architects
The author of this blog is Lori Zimmer
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Metropol Parasol: The World’s Largest Wooden Structure
Posted: December 18, 2011, 10:50 pm by ujenzibora
What?
The beautiful series of undulating parasols comprise the world’s largest wooden structure. Metropol’s interlocking honeycomb of wooden panels rise from concrete bases, which are positioned to form canopies and walkways below the parasols.
Metropol Parasol is situated within the Seville’s historic medieval sector. In fact, it looms over archeological ruins, which have been incorporated into a museum.
The honeycomb umbrella roof is now accessible to visitors with a winding terrace and path, offering incredible views of the beautiful city.
The open-air structure was based upon the design of parasols, and it also references cathedral design.
The underside holds restaurants, shops, a community center and a visitor center.
Photo © Fernando Alda
Seville has always been known as an innovator in Europe, and Jurgen Mayer H. Architects wanted to celebrate that with Metropol Parasol.
Photographers Alda and Franck have captured the modern and sleek flow of Metropol Parasol, highlighted against the surrounding historic architecture.
Where?
Located at Plaza de la Encarnacion, in Seville, Spain
Why?
The site was originally meant to be a parking garage, but during excavation in the early 2000s, workers discovered a hidden archaeological site. Thankfully, instead of going on with the original plans, they decided to make the space into a culture and community center, which will be called the Plaza de la Encarnacion.
Who?
Architects: Jurgen Mayer H. Architects
The author of this blog is Lori Zimmer
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Saving Fort Jesus : Beautiful Kenya
Posted: December 13, 2011, 1:17 pm by ujenzibora
What?
Fort Jesus is a 418 Years Old Portuguese fort built in 1593 by order of King Philip I of Portugal (King Philip II of Spain), then ruler of the joint Portuguese and Spanish Kingdoms, located on Mombasa Island to guard the Old Port of Mombasa, Kenya. It was built in the shape of a man (viewed from the air), and was given the name of Jesus.
A Monument of great historical significance listed as a World Heritage Site by United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO)
What does being on the UNESCO list mean for Fort Jesus?
It means Fort Jesus enjoys the same status and international standing as other famous sites like the Old City of Jerusalem, the pyramids at Giza in Egypt and the Vatican City.
For Fort Jesus to be on that list, it means its value transcends our National Boundaries. People from all walks of life can visit Kenya to enjoy the wonder and great beauty exemplified by the Fort Jesus.
According to UNESCO, a property nominated for its cultural significance could, for example, represent a work of human creative genius; a significant stage in human history; or a historic event or living tradition.
A property nominated for its natural values could have exceptional natural beauty; represent major stages of Earth’s history; or provide habitat for threatened species. Here is a full list of the 10 criteria
Why?
In the words of Michael :
“Fort Jesus is the most international landmark of the century.” Read Its History HERE as written by Michael.
How?
You can save Fort Jesus by visiting and contributing monies towards its preservation. Having such a great edifice comes with a huge cost for maintenance. Read more at the National Museums of Kenya website.
Acknowledgement: The photos above are by Michael Omare of [www.mikeymushi.info] and are used with his permission.
- Qs. Nahinga
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Need inspiration for decorating your home & garden?
Posted: December 12, 2011, 1:23 pm by ujenzibora
Where?
At Look4Design.com you can easily navigate to view a wide variety of exhibitors in the area of home and interior design.
What?
Look4design presents hundreds of beautifulkitchens, designed furniture, artistic flooring solutions, a wide variety of doors and windows and everything you need to build the house you dreamed about.
Bathrooms
Bedrooms
Doors & Windows
Staircases & Bannister
Interior Designers
Why?
There is a careful selection process of the companies which participate in this exhibition.
The exhibitors must comply with the highest quality design standards.
Who?
Most people will find i useful including Architects, Interior Designers, Quantity Surveyors, Engineers, Home Builders and Clients in the Built Environment looking for Ideas.
NB: All Images courtesy of http://www.look4design.co.uk
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Truth Is : Everyone is in the Real Estate Business!
Posted: December 11, 2011, 9:16 am by ujenzibora
What?
Real Estate: Check out the definition here
Why?
Safety. Most people and governments adjudge Real Estate to be a safe vehicle to invest in.
When?
On Nov.24, 2011 the Sydney Morning Herald published a wonderful article:
“Bonds Show 60% of Chinese Companies Dabble in Property”. The article described an important phenomenon that, while the government is curbing the flow of money into real estate companies, companies of other sectors, from pharmaceutical to high-tech, that can still get loans or issues bonds have been channeling their money into the property market.Image by : Tratong (Creator)
In 2010, China Institute of Social Science already published an alerting report that more than 60% of China’s listed companies are involved in the property market. Read Report
Who is involved?
Seventy-four of 121 companies that filed bond prospectuses since May with Chinabond, the nation’s clearinghouse, count one of their main businesses as real estate, have property subsidiaries or invest in the market. Read more
According to Ge Jin aka Jingle “In China, 74% of the fiscal income of local government is from land sale. Meanwhile, since no one really believes property will devaluate in the long run and property ownership has acquired spiritual value as a religion, Chinese households also store most of their wealth in property. According to a new survey by National Bureau of Statistics, 88% of Chinese households own property.”
Image Creator: Louisa Stokes
As it is with the Big Brothers, So it is with the Small
( Ge Jin is a writer, documentary filmmaker and independent investor based in Shanghai, China. This post is credited to him )
How do i join the band?
You need to read one of the posts i did in April 2010 titled, ” The Basics of Investing in Real Estate” http://p.ost.im/p/eUjfGG
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Ceramica Cleopatra: Setting new standards in tilework
Posted: December 10, 2011, 11:04 am by ujenzibora
Where?
Egypt, Africa: Ceramica Cleopatra is based at 10th of Ramadan City and was the Group’s fledgling ceramic tile factory.
Why?
At Ceramica Cleopatra the philosophy is to treat each ceramic wall and floor tile, porcelain tile and sanitary ware piece as a work-of-art – designed to turn your living space, bathroom or kitchen into a masterpiece. With more than one million Italian-inspired designs in 55 different sizes, Ceramica Cleopatra caters to a wide variety of tastes and styles. Ceramica Cleopatra tiles are showcased in sixteen showrooms across Egypt and with a number of local and international distributors. The tiles are exported to more than 100 countries world-wide.
What?
Ceramic Wall Tiles, Ceramic Floor Tiles, Decor Tiles
Handmade Decorative Tiles, Heavy Duty Tiles
Stain and Grease Resistant Tiles, Porcelain Stainware
Granite Tiles, Sanitary Ware, Acrylic Bath Tubes
Hydro Massage Tubs, Bathroom Accessories
Swimming Pools Tiles e.t.c
Who?
In the early 1980’s Egyptian Entrepreneur Mohamed Abou el Enein’s ambition was to produce world-class tiles in Egypt. In spite of overwhelming challenges he launched the Cleopatra Group with its flagship company, Ceramica Cleopatra in 1983.
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Wellington Court London, SW1X
Posted: December 9, 2011, 1:33 pm by ujenzibora
Where?Wellington Court, London
What?
A spectacular 6 bedroom lateral penthouse overlooking Hyde Park which has been magnificently re-designed with incredible attention to detail.
Accommodation : Drawing room , Dining Room, Study Area, Cinema Room, 6 Bedrooms, 7 Bathrooms, Gym, Treatment Room, Spectacular Roof Terrace, 4 Balconies, 24 Hour Porterage, Direct Lift Access
Who Savills, www.savills.co.uk tel: +44 (0)1392 455755
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To my Son by Amy R. Campbell
Posted: December 9, 2011, 1:13 pm by ujenzibora
To My Son Oh how the years go by,
Oh how time can certainly fly.
From once just a thought in far away dreams,
now into my arms and in my eyes gleam
the presence of you.
Your laughter and smiles
which go on for miles,
warms my heart and soul.
You’re growing up so fast,
as I wish each moment with you to last forever. My little boy will someday be a man and right by your side I will forever stand.
I will pick up the pieces when you fall,
I will hold your hand and help you stand tall.
And when the day comes when you are on your own,
never feel that you are alone.
No matter how near or far apart
I am always right there in your heart.
Always remember whatever you go through
that no matter what, I will always love you.© Amy R. Campbell
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Something about Skyscrapers and the Conduct of Life
Posted: December 6, 2011, 12:16 pm by ujenzibora
” A skyscraper is built from individual bricks, the laying of each brick being a single job which must be completed before the next brick can be laid.”
It is the same with any work, any study. To quote Professor James:
“As we become permanent drunkards by so many separate drinks, so we become saints in the moral, and authorities and experts in the practical and scientific spheres, by so many separate acts and hours of working.
Fast Tube by CasperLet no youth have any anxiety about the upshot of his education whatever the line of it may be. If he keep faithfully busy each hour of the working day he may safely leave the final result to itself. He can with perfect certainty count on waking some fine morning, to find himself one of the competent ones of his generation, in whatever pursuit he may have singled out….
Young people should know this truth in advance.
Aim High! If you miss the moon, you may hit a star
The ignorance of it has probably engendered more discouragement and lightheartedness in youths embarking on arduous careers than all other causes taken together.”
There is no law of limitation. The only law is of supply. You are yo
Imagination gives you the picture. Vision gives you the impulse to make the picture your own. Action will get the job done
#Tafakari
- Qs. Nahinga
Excerpt from “The Secret of the Ages by Robert Collier[ 1929]
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Finding a New Home : the Moving Process
Posted: December 6, 2011, 10:28 am by ujenzibora
Source : Real Estate Realist
Buying a home is a rewarding experience, but it takes organisation. Before finding that perfect property, you looked at dozens. You put in an offer, and waited nervously. You celebrated the day that you signed the contract. Now it is time to move into your new home, and the stress levels are rising!
If you take the time to plan properly, moving does not have to be traumatic. Here are some proven ideas to make your move go more smoothly…
Select the Right Mover
You will want a mover who is both professional and reasonably priced. Get several written quotes. Ask for references and ask any friends who have moved recently who they used.
If you have special requirements, such as moving a piano, make sure that your mover has experience with this.
Make Sure You Are Fully Insured
Accidents happen. Get valuations for any expensive items, such as appliances, furniture, antiques and china and crystal. Don’t skimp on insurance, and make sure that your contract includes an itemised list of all your goods. There’s no point buying a home if you lose your belongings on the way!
Pack Well In Advance
Packing can take longer than you think. Shop around for the best prices on packing materials. Wrap china and glass in newsprint before packing it and stuff the boxes with crumpled paper for further protection. You may want to buy wardrobe boxes for your clothes. Number all your boxes, and make a list of what each one contains.
Make sure you don’t pack essential items until the last minute. You don’t want to be opening boxes to find the kettle!
Where Do Things Go?
When the movers turn up at your new home, they will want to know where to put things. Visit your new home a few days beforehand, decide where everything should go, and make a list. This will save you time later on when you are unpacking.
Change of Address
Let your gas, electricity, telephone and internet providers know that you are moving and arrange for your new home to be connected. Let your credit card companies and bank know as well, and have you mail redirected. Don’t forget to get your driving licence updated!
On The Day
Get up early to pack your remaining essential items. Once the movers have left your old home, check to make sure that nothing has been left behind. Once you are at your new property, tell the movers where to put things using the list you made. You may also want to arrange for your children and pets to stay with friends for the day – they can create mayhem!
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Adding Real Estate To Your Diversified Portfolio
Posted: December 5, 2011, 8:54 pm by ujenzibora
If a truly diversified portfolio is your objective, don’t ignore real estate. An analysis of the volatility and correlation of real estate investment trusts, compared with the broad equity markets, shows that over periods of five years or more, REITs are less correlated to the overall stock market than any other equity sector.
“People are radically underestimating how much they should be investing in real estate, and they are overestimating how much they should be investing in stocks,” said Brad Case, an economist with the National Association of Real Estate Investment Trusts.
According to his analysis, real estate often is disregarded as a portfolio diversifier because the correlation to stocks can be high over short periods of time. Longer-term, however, the correlation shrinks.
Between January 1990 and October of this year, the average one-month performance correlation between REITs and the S&P 500 was 56.3%.
But by measuring the correlation over the same period in five-year increments, Mr. Case found that stocks and REITs moved in tandem just 7.1% of the time.
Meanwhile, the various sectors of the broad equity market indexes, which are often used by financial advisers as portfolio diversifiers, actually became more correlated to the broad market over longer holding periods.
REITs are least likely to march in lockstep with market indexes, at least over the medium run
The research, which Mr. Case is developing with additional sets of criteria, shows the beneficial noncorrelated nature of stocks and real estate.
An example is the monthly Consumer Price Index. If the CPI surprises the market by showing that inflation is higher than expected, the reaction is negative for stocks, but it is positive for REITs because real estate is considered an inflation hedge.
By Jeff Benjamin at jbenjamin@investmentnews.com
Source : Investment News
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Keeping our parlor “swine-free”. Is it that simple?
Posted: November 22, 2011, 12:08 am by ujenzibora
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
Today, out of curiosity and in my wonder of what has been happening, I posted an odd question, “To curse within earshot of women and children is taboo. Does the word f**k have legal implications?”
Of course i obtained no answer for it is taboo to ask such questions in public. So i did my research by studying a Working Paper written by Christopher M. Fairman (Associate Professor of Law, The Ohio State University Moritz College of Law).
Here is a piece of the crazy finding you might find useful when caught in a crossfire by “Team-We-Shall-Hang-You-In-Public”
WHAT IS A PARLOR?
In medieval Christian usage, the parlour was one of two rooms in a monastery. The “outer parlour” was the room where the monks or nuns could receive a visitor and conduct business with outsiders.
In the olden days, the lounge used to have porches at the side called the parlor. The parlor provided the extra room for extra veiled conversations with a “guest”
INVITING OFFENCE
Some Guests are like Swines : Swine are noisy creatures to have in your parlor. You cannot have constructive discourse in their presence.
I learnt that the privacy interests within your home are not infringed when you turn on a public medium like the radio. Instead, this is an action to take part in public discourse by listening
TURN THE KNOB OFF OR ON?
Because morning radio shows are tending towards more explicit programming, you can keep your parlor “swine-free” by turning the knob of your radio OFF. The first step is to acknowledge that there is a pig in your parlor. Just because there is indecent broadcasting, does not mean we cannot attend to our private business.
Mind Your Own Business…The same applies to a hostile working environment, a foul Timeline, persons using fighting words that breach the peace. It is somewhat a personal responsibility to avert your eyes from the offense….seeing that we are living in times when everyone claims to have the “Freedom of Expression and Hate Speech”
Once you sense that the parlor has been invaded by a pig, you do not need proof that obscenities are bound to arise…
One man’s vulgarity is another man’s lyric- Justice Harlan.BURN THE HOUSE
Even though a pig may be in the parlor, you don’t have to burn the house to roast it. If something is patently offensive according to the standards of an average bystander…avoid a swine-confrontation. Do so even if the air is permeated with intimidation, ridicule, and even insult that is sufficiently severe or pervasive to alter existing conditions.
PERSONA NON GRATA
When two parties enter into a partnership agreement to do certain distinct things, it is important that they limit the affairs of their partnership between them and refrain from bringing in “Other people” who may sow discord and cause divisions.
When a pig has entered a parlor, there is no need of proof that the pig is obscene or needs privacy. Always remember, you have a right to be left alone…avoid a swine-fight with persona non grata
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The $300 House : the ultimate bottom-of-the-pyramid challenge
Posted: November 21, 2011, 9:12 pm by ujenzibora
I stumbled upon a very important piece titled “The $300 House ” in the October Edition of the Harvard Business Review. I wish to share this inspiring information.
Introduction
From the one-room shacks in Haiti’s Central Plateau to the jhuggi clusters in and around Delhi, to the favelas in São Paulo and the township settlements in South Africa, the problem of housing-for-the-poor is truly global. The $300 House Project, originally conceived by Vijay Govindarajan and Christian Sarkar, is an initiative to bring affordable housing to the world’s poorest: a plight facing roughly two billion people. They have begun to compile ideas and articles and gathered a community of supporters and advisors around the subject on their website 300house.com.
The $300 House was first described in a Harvard Business Review blog post by Vijay Govindarajan and Christian Sarkar.
In the post, it is noted that
“markets alone will never satisfactorily house a nation’s poorest citizens…whether people buy or rent, housing is typically affordable to only half of the population.”- (David A. Smith)
The $300 House project started with 5 simple questions
- How can organic, self-built slums be turned into livable housing?
- What might a house-for-the-poor look like?
- How can world-class engineering and design capabilities be utilized to solve the problem?
- What reverse-innovation lessons might be learned by the participants in such a project?
- How could the poor afford to buy this house?
The goal is to design, build, and deploy a simple dwelling which keeps a family safe from the weather, allows them to sleep at night, and gives them a little bit of dignity. If we can give the poor a chance to live safely and build an inclusive ecosystem of services around them which includes, clean water, sanitation, health services, family planning, education, and micro enterprise, maybe we can start reducing the disease of poverty. By helping create this ecosystem, we believe companies can make money while providing services needed by the poor at an affordable cost. The poor deserve a chance, a real chance, to make it out of poverty.
First Winners of the $300 House Design Contest
In June the winners of the first design contest were announced after voting by members of www.jovoto.com Here is a visualization of the design as done by Open (notclosed.com)
Local Solution
It would be a great thing to see our local Architects, Engineers, Quantity Surveyors and other professionals pick up the Challenge. This will help fill the demand gap in the housing sector.
Professional Bodies like the IQSK (Institute of Quantity Surveyors of Kenya), AAK ( Architectural Association of Kenya) and KABSEC (Kenya Association of Building and Civil Engineering Contractors) can also be of great help in championing such causes.
It is however useful to note that apart from the design challenge, we also have the following:
The Process:
The typical process looks like this:
You can follow and get updates on the $300 House Challenge on twitter at @300House and at their website : www.300house.com
On the Desk
We are planning to renovate the Kenyatta National Hospital “Isolation Room” starting from next week Saturday 26th November,2011. More details can be found at the TyTKO Page.
TyTKO simply stands for giving Thyroid Cancer a Technical Knockout. Chemotherapy is not a death sentence and thus we have seen the need to renovate the Isolation Room where Thyroid Cancer patients are locked up away from their loved ones. I would urge you to support us in this works of charitable service.
- Compiled by David Nahinga, RQS, MIQSK
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10 Ways to Stop Wasting Water & Other Briefings
Posted: November 15, 2011, 7:57 am by ujenzibora
Greetings.
I came across this interesting info graphic. Take a look.
Things are moving very fast. We have less than 6 weeks to Christmas. This means we are burning every calory to achieve the targets set on our Goal Cards.
Technical Briefing
Briefing on Public Procurement
Monetary Issues
Public Spending & IMF
Africa Gathering- Kenya
We had a great time recently at Africa Gathering-Kenya. The brainstorming session was held at The Business Lounge, the Junction. Am thankful to all who attended. I shall be sending the summary and presentations in the course of the week.
Larry Madowo, The Africa Gathering Guests and I (L:Business Lounge)We should do this often! That was the feedback from the Guests
Power from ideas to action(ag presentation) View more presentations from David Nahinga.
Have a great week. Stay focussed and alive.Thinkers 50
@HarvardBiz has created a special slideshow for this year’s Thinker50 winners. Congratulations to all! bit.ly/sFE8cB
The 50 Most Influential Management Thinkers
You can follow up the story at www.thinkers50
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Ujenzibora Technical Briefing 001/2011
Posted: October 25, 2011, 10:09 pm by ujenzibora
It is my pleasure to introduce a small series of resources which i would like to call “Technical Briefings”
This are quick pointers to where the wind is blowing in both Real Estate and related matters. I will endeavor to keep them brief and to the point. This is usually information of a technical nature publicly available either from media sources or online.
Today’s briefing is on four main areas:
Technical Briefing 001
Public Spending:
Kenya seeks an additional $300billion IMF loan on top of the initial $500billion extended early this year.
Water Crisis:
The Ministry of Nairobi Metropolitan Development sets aside KShs. 1 Billion to improve water infrastructure in Nairobi
Land and Foreign Direct Investments
In an article by Ibrahim Mwathane, “Foreign land acquisitions mainly for food and biofuels for energy production is on the increase. About 75% of them occur in Africa if we compare with Asia and Latin America.
The Lake Victoria region, land along Tana River Delta and Coast Region among key attractions for FDIs in Land”
Top 100 Companies 2011 (Real Estate and Related Fields)
The Business Daily and KPMG have partnered to bring us the Top 100 Companies of the year 2011. This is the fourth in a series of events set to identify and recognize Kenya’s fastest growing medium-sized companies. I sought to select a few notable ones in the Real Estate and related Industry to close my briefing today.
Conclusion:
Today Ujenzibora Investments Limited added a new set of Apartments to our Portfolio of Listed Properties. You can have a look at the “Golden Mile Park” : A residential development of 160 number affordable 2 and 3 bedroomed apartment houses available for sale. The asking price is Kshs.6,200,000.00
Have a great week!
Qs. David Nahinga
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Construction Supply Chain : Is there room for improvement?
Posted: October 17, 2011, 10:23 pm by ujenzibora
Below is a good presentation of the Construction Industry supply chain. I obtained it
from the book “Quantity Surveyor’s Pocket Book” by Duncan Cartlidge
It is clear that the construction industry can do better by optimizing the processes and modernize it to embrace modern project management. Innovation can play a major role in this.
Innovation could be a major step out of what Sir. Harold Emerson said in 1964, that “In no other important industry is the responsibility for the design so far removed from the responsibilities of production”.
One approach has been to interface the building process from “design” to “production”. At Ujenzibora Investment Limited, the following diagram explains gains of up to 40% in time savings.
We are looking keenly into automating the procurement and procurement procedures used in the building process to realize even greater savings.
There is a large portion of the market that remains “incomplete”, it is my view that Visionaries will complete that part of the market and respond better to the demands of the Construction Industry.
What do you think?
- Qs. David Nahinga
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Achieving Water Independence in Buildings
Posted: October 16, 2011, 3:33 pm by ujenzibora
The majority of today’s buildings are not takingadvantage of free and available water resources – the rainwater that falls on-site and the wastewater that is generated by occupants.
Water-independent buildings do not rely upon a municipal source of water. Instead they harvest rainwater and waste-water on-site. Harvested wastewater is either greywater (as in bath and lavatory wastewater) or blackwater (as in toilet wasewater)
Rainwater and wastewater can be harvested and treated for beneficial uses includingdrinking, washing, bathing, toilet flushing and irrigation. Reusing water not only conserves water,but also reduces pollution and the need for extensive wastewater and storm water infrastructure.
Additionally,such water reuse systems consider the health and safety of the public in matching the source wastewater, and levelof treatment necessary, to the intended use. Now, imagine a building that met all water needs with captured rainwater and wastewater and ensured that no sewage or stormwater left a site. Such an audacious goal has inspired many building teams to think outside of the box as they pursue the water independence requirement of the Living Building Challenge- arguably the most rigorous green-building benchmark available today.
By pursuing the Challenge, building teams are pioneering new possibilities in sustainable building.
Download the full report HERE under our resources section.
Qs. David Nahinga
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Changing Residential Landscape (Part 0ne)
Posted: October 16, 2011, 2:33 pm by ujenzibora
Guest Blog by Yassin Hussein
Less than a decade ago, Nairobi middle class was characterized by low-lying bungalows and maisonnetes interwoven with vegetation. It was possible to enjoy the sunrise and sunset from your low level dwelling. That was Nairobi. Early Indian Architects who designed most of the dwellings valued space. Bedrooms were averaging 4,000mm x 4,000mm and domestic servant quarters were not suffocating. Yes, houses were produced in mass, but not in a manner strenuous to the land and services.
Nairobi Metropolitan Region
For a big scheme, developers chose larger tracks of land. Having a front and back yard was as important as having so many cubic feet of lettable and sellable space. Designs were unique and dedicated. There was no shift with short term trends.
The landscape slowly changed over the years (pun intended). Demand for housing was high, so high that there was need to meet it – fast. High rise structures replaced single housing units. Privacy and value of space has been invaded. Rooms have become smaller, very few dwellings have their own yards, let alone verandahs. These previous ‘necessities’ have become luxuries. Children play on the roads next to their high rise flats. Old people climb six flights of stairs to reach their small cubicles called homes. People now live in “Vertical Slums” called Apartments
Unrealistic Pricing
What we used to call homes cost as much as twenty million Kenya shillings in remote neighbourhoods. What is happening? There is very little in design variation in the apartments, all of them look similar – box like structures stacked closely together. A concrete jungle. A vertical slum
A Vertical Slum
“Why don’t we have beautiful low lying units? Why are they being demolished?”
“Is it to give way for high rise flats because the demand for housing has gone up?”
“Why don’t you then just build more of the robust low-lying houses?”
“Are the apartments pricey because the price of land has gone up?”
“Why?”
“Is it because these are prime areas and owners of the land sell them highly for speculative purposes?”
“Why?”
“Is it because they think we will make much more money when developing in these areas?”
“Why?”
“Is it because we will build state of the art apartments and sell them exorbitantly?”
This is a a cyclic argument.
Empty Apartments
Hass Consult predicts that there may be a case of empty apartments along Thika Rd as a consequence of developers not considering buyers when constructing. As housing prices level, home buyers will have more leverage to exercise their right to choose. If developers are not careful, they are in for a rude awakening. Real Estate, unlike stocks is not very fluid, one must take great care.
What say you?
- Yassin Hussein, Student (University of Nairobi, School of Built Environment)
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The Law of Growth ( A Chirpstory)
Posted: October 8, 2011, 2:17 pm by ujenzibora
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Towards a better and safer neighborhood: A Shared Responsibility
Posted: October 1, 2011, 11:00 am by ujenzibora
Introduction:
Yesterday was a brilliant day!
The day was brilliant in its revealing nature and in the quick succession of events.
I was left wondering, “
Can we redraw the boundaries of happinessin a world that is prone to crisis after crisis?”My conclusion was that to build a safer and better society, we must go beyond “doing things right or doing the right things. We have to right the things we do“.
Individuals, Businesses and Society at large needs to create shared interest in everything we do. We must, of necessity be our “Brothers Keepers”
Nothing should be left to chance. A few days ago, it was reported in the media that Chlorine gas leaked at a scrap metal yard near Shauri Moyo Adventist School in Nairobi and some pedestrians sniffed it and were hospitalized. I asked myself three questions
1. Were the pedestrians in error, doing the wrong thing?
2. Were they responsible for their predicament?
3. Was the gas-leaking accident Predictable or was it a matter of “Chance”?
All the answers led me to the conclusion that to create a Better Society, We must have an eye for “righting the things we do”. To accrue the thickest value, we should all strive to see that the outcomes of our acts and omissions are firstly positive and that we are responsible and accountable eventually.
In this post, I would quickly look at a few elements where we can “right the things we do”
Better Affordable Housing
First, Ujenzibora Investments Limited signed an agreement that would see the building of more affordable houses for its clients.
We have been continually highlighting various alternatives to provision of housing and we believe our partnership with Zenith Steel Fabricators Limited shall see our vision of providing Building Solutions come closer to fruition.
A society with more affordable homes is far much better than that of citizens burdened with 20-Year-Long-Never-Ending-Mortgages. If we can half the time people take to own homes, we are creating tangible Building Solutions!
Secondly, I had the opportunity of visiting the Nailab at Bishop Magua Building to attend the 1% event to give my few ideas on reducing crime prevalence.
Community Policing: A Better Society
The concept of community policing would make lots of sense if incorporated in existing channels of communication. We need some bold frontier of coders or corporate bodies to spearhead the good aspects of engaging the wider community (especially the middle class) in sourcing for vital information that would assist in crime prevention.
A simplified model of such a solution would be as presented below
Goal Cards: Better People
The Vision we hold dear at Chessunday Initiatives is growing in ways that continuously “change the argument” and scale it to a new dimension.
Where we only resisted being part of the herd, we are now turning into cattle-dip owners.
In the past two weeks, we have been embracing the principle that “What gets measured gets done” (Tom Peters) and along with it created “Goal Cards” for our members.
We encourage our members to go beyond “Goal Setting” and embrace “Goal Achieving”. The guiding philosophy of doing this can be found in Proverbs 4: 25-27
“Let your eyes look straight ahead; fix your gaze directly before you.
Consider the paths for your feet and take ONLY ways that are FIRM.
Do not turn to the right or the left;
Keep your foot from evil.”
By taking fervent effectual steps in personal responsibility, I believe we are on a sure course in becoming Better Men, Better Women and a Better Society.
A goal card acts as a short term mirror image of the Vision one seeks to accomplish and acts as a measuring line towards the achievement of ones goals.
Inside the 2-sided Goal Card
It has 3 aspects to it:
- Portability- It can be folded to fit a wallet or purse or be used together with a lanyard to be available for quick reference without inconvenience of bulkiness
- Guiding Philosophy- For a start, we have used the words of Jonathan Swift and an Anonymous Quotation. We can customize this for members
- Space for writing the personal SMART Goals (Simple, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, Timed goals)
Conclusion: Better Motorists
We appreciate the organizers of the 1% Event for having brought together all the participants including a Matatu Driver and a Conductor. It was a great learning experience and all the effort was meaningful in moving our fragile society a step ahead.
The day however transitioned into a sadder ending with my car sustaining minor dents from an Idiot. If we could begin embracing Better Motoring and courtesy on our roads, society would be far much better.
A little kindness goes a long way, especially on the road.
Am beginning to think Mae West (1893-1980) was right when he extended the saying fable of Aesop by the words “A man in the house is worth two in the street“? I have an unfound belief that dangerous motorists reduce our worth on the streets…they half the market value of both the vehicles and the road users….they place us in danger of losing “whatever part remains of the life we have” (**For it is not to be understood they can take anything away of that life we have already lived**)
Let us all be Lesser Idiots and Better Motorists! << This line should be added to the National Anthem, 2nd Stanza. Did I mention I lost my phone? Hahaha, that is just hilarious….
I perceive that if we do not jointly build a better society, we collectively increase the cost of living. Are you building a better society?
#Tafakari
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5 Types of Doors, A Metaphor
Posted: September 23, 2011, 3:12 pm by ujenzibora
I love speaking in metaphoric language because it is the language of souls. I am best able to understand, that which i can picture.
For example, “Men do not push a donkey downhill” means a lot to me.#UjingaNi kusukuma punda
It means:
- The donkey is too lazy or afraid of something
- People ought to “work their work” in this work-a-day world. What the hell are you waiting for? Do your thing!
- I give up easily when i see that my efforts are wasted e.t.c
In metaphors, simple words paint complex pictures.
What is a Door?
In metaphoric language, life is a series of entrances and exits through doors.
The following are the 5 types of doors in life:
1. Proximity Doors::
These doors open by faith when you come in close proximity. Once you cross the line, you reach the point of no return and must enter…
A God-Father can open a door and allow his “children” to access a new level. The negative version of this is called Nepotism and the positive Mentorship.
2. Timed Doors::
There are doors that respond to timing. It does not matter whether you are black, white, hungry or well fed.
Summer, Winter, Spring, Autumn are all subject to timing.
In Real Estate we have Tender Opening Dates beyond which the door of opportunity closes some in and others out.
If you are single and do not give your word by a certain chosen hour, the door closes and another lover takes your damsel.
Sometimes you must jump in when the door opens.
King Solomon put it thus, ” There is a time and a season for everything under the sun”. The clock is but a gate-keeper. If you miss summer, you must wait for other seasons to pass before the gate into summer opens again.
3. Sliding Doors/ Physical Doors
They require human “effort” to open. You must apply a force to slide them open or turn their knob. Though the seasons may open at the right time, you must do the planting and tilling to unlock the harvest in the seed. Your seed opens the benefit of a harvest.
4. Doors Operated by Codes
Certain doors are forever under lock until you enter a certain combination of numbers or digits. Sometimes the code is embeded in a card and the person must have the card to insert in the card-reader to be able to open the door.
5. A False Door
A false door is a wall decoration that looks like a door. In ancient Egyptian Architecture, this was a common element in a tomb, the false door representing a door to the afterlife.
The world is full of conmen and “Actual Experts”. Be watchful for they shall surely dash your dreams into stones…
6. Last Word : Find the Key::
To whatever interiors you want to enter, find the Key. Is it proximity? Is it a code? Is it Timing? Is it a physical Key or does it simply require your presence?
Sometimes keeping the company of some people closes more doors than it opens.
#Tafakari
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Building a disruptively better Vision from an Old Vision
Posted: September 21, 2011, 11:54 pm by ujenzibora
From the year 2010 to the greater part of this year, i had the opportunity to meet hundreds of people through a public meet-up called Chessunday Initiative.
I have a binding committment to what i intended to achieve through the vehicle of Chessunday Initiative. As a result, i have stood by it and watched it come into form.
Goal setting and goal achieving are absolutely two different things and so we have had to disrupt ourselves constructively to be able to achieve our primary objective. At first, we set out to Build a Trusted Business Network.
We have tried many things, many have worked and some have fallen flat on the ground.
In this regard, we have changed the cornestones upon which Chessunday was formed to be able to be more focussed and as a stonemason, this sunday we laid a New Better Chessunday! I would call it Chessunday 2.0
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BETTER VENUE::
We shall be meeting at Bush House every Sunday at one of the properties listed on the Ujenzibora Property website.
This is located off Fair Acres Road in Karen, Nairobi.
Event registration for Chessunday 2.0 powered by Eventbrite
I think the compensation for this move will be incredible!
We are no longer trying to run chessunday alongside watching a football match, in a bar on the street!Its a new thing as it was originally intended to BECOME. Chessunday is about a better value for our time and I believe we shall now meet at a better venue where we can get the greatest return on our investment.
An organisation should take a rolling stone approach where they change direction when they are accelerating. I believe we are making such a bold move in the RIGHT DIRECTION.
1ST EXPERIENCE OF CHESSUNDAY 2.0 ::
In our last meeting, we made several milestones:
1. We traced our journey through what i called Chessunday 1.0, Its pitfalls and successes
2. I reached out to several of the initial team that helped craft this incredible vision (and won their trust). I hope this post finds those i did not reach
3. We watched a DVD, “The Art of Thinking”, something New and Exciting we had never done before
4. We had lots of refreshing funHIGHER ADVANTAGE
My faith is that we are building a higher level advantage.We are creating THICK VALUE and placing a HIGHER PREMIUM on the time we spend together. While going forward, we are thankful to all who have been with us thus far!
God Bless
Qs. David Nahinga | 0720578632 |For:Chessunday -
Three Key Players in the the Low-Cost Housing Segment
Posted: September 20, 2011, 2:14 pm by ujenzibora
1.0 ZENITH HOUSING
Zenith Housing is an ISO 9001:2008 certified steel fabrication firm that specializes in the design, fabrication and erection of all types of structural steel works. Zenith Housing has recently launched the “Zen House’ residential division within the company that promises to construct houses in a record Eight Weeks.
iPaper_embed('65622506', 'key-632s94he4hzohxn7i8d', '600', '450');1.0 MABATI ROLLING MILLS
Mabati Rolling Mills, the manufacturer known more for roofing materials seems to believe so.MRM has entered the low-end housing market by offering prefabricated houses.
The manufacturer is seeking a piece of the property market from selling ready-made steel houses that will retail at between Sh80,000 and Sh160,000 for two and four-room homes respectively.
It hopes that the pricing will help it penetrate the low-end of the housing market that many investors have neglected as they target the lucrative middle and top-end of the market.
“We did a pilot by donating samples to IDPs and now we want to sell this model to the mass market,” said Kaushik Shah Safal, the group’s CEO for Horn of Africa.
According to Mr Shah, the low income earners care more about the price than the complexity of the designs. READ FULL STORY
3.0 NATIONAL HOUSING CORPORATION
NAIROBI, Kenya, Sep 19 – The National Housing Corporation (NHC) has begun construction of houses using prefabricated panels from its Mavoko Factory.
The introduction of prefab houses into the Kenyan market is one of the ways the housing corporation is looking to improve the efficiency of meeting a housing deficit in the country.
NHC Managing Director James Ruitha said the technology reduces the time taken to put up housing by up to 50 percent and diminishes the cost by about 20 percent.
“The benefits of this new technology translate into lower cost of purchase for the consumer,” Ruitha said.
The prefabricated technology also saves on labour since the house parts are easily fastened to each other during installation.
Ruitha said demand for houses in urban centres currently outstrips supply by five times, leading to a rise in house prices locking out the low and middle-income earners from owning homes.
“We are not happy with the speed of putting up houses. Releasing an average of 100 houses per year is not enough considering the current demand,” he said.
The National Housing Corporation of Kenya is constructing the housing panels to take advantage of Italian technology for mass factory production of modular houses. READ FULL STORY HERE
Other related blogs:
- Alternative Housing Solutions: Costings & Implications
- Partnership for making Construction more Affordable
- The House Ownership Equation in Kenya
- Basics of Construction Management
- Another Option in Affordable Housing Solutions: The Zen House
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Alternative Housing Solutions: “Costings and Implications”
Posted: September 12, 2011, 11:07 am by ujenzibora
I would love to come to the day when our local Architects and Engineers can stretch their knowledge to redefine the habitable space. With the cost of building a house quickly getting over the roof of affordability of the average wage employee, and with approximately 46% of the population living below the official poverty line, I think housing is a basic human right that needs to be addressed through Alternative Housing Solutions.
A quick research over the net reveals indeed there are Architectural Designs for converting the typical containers used for the transportation of goods which can be re-engineered into modern habitable spaces.
I have attached a random sample of the same on my post here. I am sure a little stretch of the imagination would trigger even more fascinating designs.
iPaper_embed('24990601', 'key-2ktkhbpxgoicxbdfnjof', '600', '450');The alternative housing can be used both for domestic and commercial purposes. You can adopt the style in doing a servants quarter on the backside of your little plot and clad the same to create a pleasant façade.
Modular Homes:
Modular homes are inexpensive, high quality homes, which are identical to site built homes in every way. They can be built to exceed building code standards and still be less expensive to produce; they result in higher equity for the home owner.Steel manufacturers and local building construction companies can venture into the business of prefabricating houses from steel. This can be easily achieved by close cooperation with professionals. Models can be designed and Durable Steel Building kits developed.
Metal building Models can be engineered and categorized to meet market segmentation and peoples budgets. Spatial requirements can form another basis for standardizing the Models.
Cabins of Simplicity:
For the simple in heart and life, adoption of simpler solutions to their housing needs is the way to go. This reminds me of the cabin built by Henry David Thoreau’s’ which he built with ease just like one takes in water without much effort!
The demands of Low Impact living may not be over-emphasized. Those who have taken to the path and those institutions for example which out of necessity have a present to adopt the low impact living lifestyle will indeed find Alternative Housing to be a friendly option.Trend Setters in Modular Construction
Companies exist that have fully ventured in the construction of shipping container homes! A good example is California based “IC Green”Shipping containers are at the forefront of a new era of usefulness. Traditionally used to carry goods via cargo ship, train or truck, these steel boxes are capable of withstanding huge amounts of pressure and weight.
This makes them structurally stable, fireproof, mold-proof and weather-proof. Both the Military and Government Institutions can adopt the style of creating affordable housing solutions. The military can use them because they can be rapidly erected. Institution dealing with refugees can use affordable steel houses as both offices and refugee camps. However, the design and landscaping aspects will have to be considered carefully when this are used in a wider scale.
- Qs. David Nahinga (RQS, M.I.Q.S.K)
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Partnership for making construction more affordable
Posted: September 11, 2011, 3:58 pm by ujenzibora
Ujenzibora Investments is pleased to continue with providing solutions in the built environment.
In the next few days, we shall be sharing a few range of products and services which shall be available to make building and construction more affrdable and durable.
This will include offer for renting or sale of
1. Ceilling shattering
2. Column and Wall Shattering
3. Building Props
4. A series of modern doors and Ironmongery
The journey ahead is bound to be exciting! We are now moving into actual provision of solutions for both Home Owners and Contractors.Enjoy the Weekend, Watch this space!
Regards
Qs.David Nahinga
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The House Ownership Equation in Kenya
Posted: September 8, 2011, 2:10 pm by ujenzibora
The House Ownership Equation by Qs.David Nahinga, RQS, M-I.Q.S.K
Introduction:
Comments on Hass Consult Report:
The Quarter Two Report by Hass Consult is a step in the right direction in that we have a general feel of trends in real estate. We are yet to have a responsive National Property Databank that closely integrates property sales and related trends. Such a databank would provide investors with a definitive daily measure of the performance of investable property.
Thus, though the Index is a good Performance Analysis tool, it is not conclusive of the entire market. The Index may leave out “Other” Property in the property basket. The private firm may need to include more assets in their pool, including those of competitors to drive the indices.
My proposal is that a broader effort could see the market allocate Vendor Codes to each market player enabling them to generate property Indexes for their pool of properties. Only then can we have a conclusive feel of the Real Estate Market. Information Technology can play a major role in this.
Gentle Cooling Down in House Prices
This could be attributed to the general shift in Investor interest in emerging opportunities beyond the City.
The playing ground for Real Estate has been broadened by the incentive triggered by the government blueprint of a New Metropolitan Region (NMR). This is a major move by the Government of Kenya in Spatial Planning and Urban Rejuvenation involving the City of Nairobi and 14 local authorities.
The vision of most investors is to seek new untapped ground where property is much cheaper with higher anticipated returns. This includes Kiambu, Olkejkuado, Thika, Masaku, Ruiru, Mavoko, Machakos, Limuru, Karuri, Kajiado amongst other areas.
Investor interest is tilting towards Speculative Buying and this is highly influenced by the Rate of Return on the Asset classes.
In simple words, it is expensive to purchase property overpriced in today’s market, when one can meet the same objective with less money at an emerging market.
Global Financial Crisis
The Global Financial Crisis described by Harvard economist Kenneth Rogoff as a “Great Contraction” and by Berkeley’s Robert Reich as a “Great Crash” has constricted the choices of Investors especially in Real Estate.
To meet the growing demand in housing, we must look beyond the traditional housing solutions and seek for Alternatives.
Rising Housing Prices
Housing Prices are determined by two factors, that is Input Costs and Demand.
In Other words, an increase on the cost of inputs like Cement, Sand, Transport and Cost of Finance will trigger an increase in the cost of houses. In such a circumstance, the market is thus forced to absorb the increase in higher Housing Prices.
The mortgage market in Kenya is still relatively small by international standards with only 13,803 loans as at November 2010 amounting to about Kshs.61,397,508,000 (CBK/World Bank Report,2010) Most of the sales are attributable to mortgage loans.
The Central Bank of Kenya and The World Bank estimate that the growth
rate in mortgage loans has been rapid at just under 50% since 2006 and has been growing steadily at 14% annually, the loan portfolio remains small.
The average mortgage loan size has also been steadily increasing. On average, the new mortgage loan size is approximately Kshs.6 million over the past few years indicating that the housing market is yet to move downstream.
Three other factors are indicative that the trend will continue. There is an undeveloped medium-to-low income housing market, a latent demand in the high-income housing market and a further pull in demand triggered by the flagship projects under Vision 2030.
Affordability of mortgage products triggered by financial engineering also contributes in making housing an affordable asset class. However, the regulators need to be cautious so that we do not pursue “dumb growth” heavily financed by debts that endanger our authentic future prosperity as a people. There is need to balance thrift and long-term economic harm of mortgages in financing the housing market.
Rental Incomes
As households continue to face the challenges of incomes that do not rise steadily with increase in living costs, the amount of disposable income available to meet rental obligation is diminished. Households face
Mortgage
Banks in Kenya are facing various challenges to accessing long-term funding to increase the reach of their mortgage portfolios. Whereas in South Africa the Mortgage Rate/ GDP Ratio is at 32.5%, Kenya’s mortgage debt compared to its GDP is still at 2.48% (CBK, 2010)
This means the shortage of housing is further triggered by lack of Access to long-term finance, Low level of Incomes, High Interest Rates, Lack of Credit Histories of would-be-home buyers and difficulties with property registration and titling.
The Net Effect of this is that rentals will continue to consume a higher proportion of household incomes in Kenya than is normal globally.
Is this the Right Time to Own a House in Kenya?
In the 1926, George Clason penned a Classic Pamphlets which were later styled into a book titled “The Richest Man in Babylon”.
My advice on Home Ownership shall thus proceed from the text his works,
“Own thy own home. Make of thy dwelling a Profitable Investment” It is smarter to own thy home than be an eternal renter
- By Qs. David Nahinga, RQS, M-I.Q.S.K: Owner of Ujenzibora Investments (www.ujenzibora.com) an Online Procurement Platform
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New Identity for the Knights Monetary Fund
Posted: August 29, 2011, 5:02 pm by ujenzibora
August 29, 2011
The Knights Monetary Fund was started a few months ago as a private investment group. Since our humble beginnings, we have been able to successfully finance a number of projects and we are seking to broaden our portfolio.Together with other resources like the online procurement platform and technical expertise, Ujenzibora Investments is seeking partners and new members to join in at the lucrative investment opportunity.
New Identity
Today we unveil our new identity and simplified membership form which underscores our commitment to working together for a better tomorrow. This is an extraordinary initiative carved out of the needs identified by its founding members.
Investment Opportunities.
We are currently investing in the following projects:
1.0 Construction of New Houses
2.0 Investment in Information and Communication Technology (ICT)
3.0 Investment in Individual Projects (on a Business Case by Case Approach)Partnerships for Development
We are also forming and executing Joint Venture Agreements with owners of land and real estate to create new investment opportunities. If a member or client has a piece of land with title, we are able to package Construction Projects and organize for Funding.
We are able to undertake Design-Fund-Build Projects by utilizing our large network of resources and expertise.Active Operations.
The Knights Monetary Fund is the Investment Arm of Ujenzibora Investments and its affiliated companies. We are also jointly investing for our members.
For more details about the Knights Monetary Fund, Kindly visit THIS PAGEFor more information,
Kindly Contact
The Chief Secretary,
Knights Monetary Fund
c/o Ujenzibora Investments
P.O Box 449-00517 Nairobi
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Understanding the Chinese Construction Industry (PART 1)
Posted: August 25, 2011, 7:37 pm by ujenzibora
by Barrack Obaga M & Qs.David Nahinga
Introduction
Chinese population of 1.3 billion has been a key driver in its economic development. This is in addition to its adoption of ‘open door’ policy more than 30 years ago, that enabled it transform from a communist economy to a market economy under the guiding principles of ‘socialism with Chinese characteristics’.
According to RICS, the total value of Chinese construction increased from Renminbi (RMB) 2trillion to RMB 3.8 trillion in 2008.
It is also worth noting that China has become the largest manufacturer in the world and a major exporter.
According to World Construction 2011, by Davis Langdon, China overtook the USA and it became the largest construction market in 2010. It is also expected to be one of the fastest growing markets in 2011. China has a 5-year plan, from 2011 to 2015 that will also focus on economic, social and environmental sustainability, hence construction spending growth is expected to be moderate between 8%-9% per year. The report also indicates that infrastructure spending continues to be the primary driver of construction spending growth in China.
However much this growth has caused excitement in professional circles, it is vital to take note of the major differences between Chinese Quantity Surveying field and those of other countries.
Qualifications and the Practice
As far as qualifications are concerned, engineers who have specialized in costing various aspects of construction are tested by a government body. This leads to registration, which comes after years of practising and passing the registration exam.
Construction Process
The development stages in China are the typical ones:
Stage 1: Design
Stage 2: Tendering
Stage 3: Construction
Stage 4: Completion
Stage 5: Handover
Its cost planning and administration is fragmented in the following ways:
- Local Design Institute carries out the cost estimation and planning during design
- Tendering Agencies carry out tender documentation and pre-tender estimation
- Supervision Units carry out cost administration during construction
- Audit Firms sanction the final accounts
Local Design Institute (LDIs)
An LDI is a multidisciplinary practice that consists of architects, structural engineers, building service engineers etc. The Supervision Unit consists of professionals who are experienced in project execution.
LDIs are often very large, previously state-owned enterprises spun off from government engineering entities and academic institutions.
Theoretically, this encourages better communication and coordination between professionals, as well as addresses the problem of getting the best professionals in the construction industry.
Practically, this has posed many disadvantages such as:
- Disjointed knowledge transmission in the project lifecycle; which affects project follow-up since information flow from stage to stage is disjointed. For example, it is possible to dramatically change the design of the building after receiving approval from government planning department.
- Flow of information that is vital in professional development is poor
This is best illustrated in the way foreign professionals are handled in China. Foreign access to Chinese construction industry is limited, including access by professionals. Foreign architects, for instance, only design the concept phase deliverables of a project. In addition, foreign companies are not allowed to set up business in China.
The quality of the developer and the Local Design Institute is China’s key success to its projects.
In China, the main architectural deliverables, which need to be approved by the government, are:
i. The developer calls for architectural bids from international firms and the concept is developed by the winning firm
ii. The result is handed over by the developer to a Local Design Institute to create the extended design or schematic design.
iii. The LDI then creates the construction drawings
It is worth noting that due to the nature of LDIs, they have less experience designing efficient buildings as the foreigners. This results to cultural, skill and language differences that often create errors in architectural details. In response to this, architectural firms have responded in ways such as follows:
a) Adapting project concept deliverables to be much more detailed, so that their design aspects won’t be lost when the LDI creates its deliverables
b) Some foreign firms have created joint ventures with LDIs in order to participate in a project to its very end
c) Other firms have also created partnerships with trustworthy developers that agree to have them oversee the project completion including: leadership over architectural details and product substitutions
Pricing
There are 2 systems in use:
- The Standard Schedules of Rates and Charges: Adopted from the Soviet Union and it is based on a set of ‘Standard Schedules of Rates and Charges’. It is prepared by the Government’s Construction Cost Centre. It is used in government projects and those of state-owned companies.
- Companies compete to win jobs from private developers
The Tender Document
The Chinese framework of tender documents is similar to the popular British system. Such aspects include:
- Conditions of tendering
- Form of tender
- Conditions of contract
- Contract drawings etc
Bills of Quantities are rare for the main reason that, the Standard Schedules of Rates and Charges system encourages re-measurement after project’s completion rather than fixing a contract sum at the outset of the project.
- End of Part 1
Compiled by Qs.David Nahinga & Mr. Barrack Obaga
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Current Construction Costs in Kenya based on Building Type
Posted: August 25, 2011, 6:30 pm by ujenzibora
I wish to share this information with my readers.
The details are as they appeared in the Official Journal of the Institute of Quantity Surveyors of Kenya.
CONSTRUCTION COST JUNE 2011
Readers are advised to seek professional advice before making decisions as the rates are for planning purposes only. Notice the line saying” the publisher shall not be responsible for any errors in the rates published herein or for any damage or loss whatsoever resulting therefrom or for any reliance in square meter rates”
QUANTITY SURVEYING
I have also uploaded a schedule of duties and professional charges for Quantity Surveying services for the general information of those interested. The item is found on this website under RESOURCES
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Transforming a Nation from War to Prosperity!
Posted: August 18, 2011, 3:02 pm by ujenzibora
The most amazing thing about Rwanda is that the people have bought into the Vision of the Country. Every Citizen is almost a mouthpiece for the state .
FROM WAR:
TO GROWTH & TRANSFORMATION
Proposed Insurance Plaza Building, Kigali
After having suffered the turmoil of a Genocide and several other human excesses, Rwanda seems to be the beacon of hope in Africa.
Leadership
And so today we sit to table and listen to the man that has transformed a Nation from turmoil into a hub for a rapidly integrating East Africa.
His Excellency President Paul Kagame has overseen the re-building of Rwanda since the traumatic events of 1994. In my brief tour, I have sensed that he has tapped into the creative intellect of his people in making Rwanda the Country to Watch!
“Invest in Rwanda” is the new clarion call…
Next Level Advantage
Rwanda seems to have gotten it right in carving itself to compete on the game board with other Nations.
LOCALLY SMART GROWTH
Once a month, the people engage in cleaning up the city and its suburbs making it one of the cleanest cities in Africa. In 2008, Rwanda won the UN Habitat Award (2008) which is the highest award for an urban area.
Reading the “Invest in Rwanda” guide by the RDB, one clearly sees that locally, the country is getting built on growth. It has identified its investment opportunities and made clear its intention through “Sector Profiling”
I believe the growth we see in Rwanda today is authentically shared by its people. It is investment “in the people, with the people and for the people”
ECONOMICALLY ACTIVE POPULATION
The population is “young and economically active” such that at the age bracket of 0 to 14 years old; we have 42% of the population. The age bracket of 15 to 64 years old we have 55% of the population and the rest (65 and above) takes a mere 3%. Is this a notion that the nation is proverbially shading its old “skin?”. What will happen if 60% of the population grab the Vision of the Country?
GLOBAL COMPETITIVENESS
So far, Rwanda is being powered by increasing returns. The more Rwanda is opening to the world to tell its story, the greater its returns on investment.
For example, Rwanda Ranks 10 globally in starting a business and is the 2nd best global performing economy by reform pace over the last 5 years
A BOOMING CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY
In the first half of 2010 turnover in construction activity grew by 28.7% from USD 64m to USD83m.
In Kigali alone, demand for housing is 8,000- 10,000 units per annum. The combined demand for housing countrywide is estimated to be 25,000 units per annum.
Consider that the Government of Rwanda projects that by 2020 approximately 30% of the population will live in urban areas. To date, only about 5% of residents in Kigali own modern-style houses
A NEW STOCK EXCHANGE
The country is investing locally in micro-entrepreneurs. It is investing in people and communities.
According to the International Monetary Fund (IMF) Rwanda is listed as having one of the fastest growing economies in sub-Saharan Africa… It recently launched the Rwanda Stock Exchange (RSE) in January 2010 that is reflecting a strong performance growth of the economy.
- Qs.David Nahinga (@dnahinga / @Ujenzibora)
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Here to Table, Kigali
Posted: August 17, 2011, 4:13 pm by ujenzibora
Barely a week after a bug hit my @Chessunday project, the prophecy begins to come true!
The Prophecy
“The Anchor Holds. We are stronger now than when we first begun.
Victory is within a mile, and we shall not be distracted.
We shall be blessed if we continue.
We shall birth Visions that shall place us to sit in the Table of Nations where we rightly belong.”
Hotel Des Mille Collines, Kigali (Rwanda)
The Fulfillment : The First Table
As i sit in this room, i count it all joy that the First out of the 194 Nations has set a table for me and the #Mindspeak Team.
I am grateful to Mr. Aly Khan Satchu, Nishet and the Rich Management Team for making this possible…
I look forward to the main event and the meeting with the Rwanda Development Board (RDB)
I also look forward to learn from the Wisdom of His Excellency President Paul Kagame and the good people of Rwanda.
Meeting H.E. President Kagame at Mindspeak Kigali
I must end the blog here…the bus taking folks for the tour of Kigali City awaits.
- @dnahinga/ @Ujenzibora
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Chessunday : An apology and Public Notice
Posted: August 7, 2011, 11:28 am by ujenzibora
Greetings,
“As we turn the chapters of our lives, there is always at least one more lesson to learn. We have been pushed to the edge so many times that we are now no longer afraid of the next step even if it means starting again”
Firstly,
The Apology.
We wish to regret to inform the general public that http://www.chessunday.com is temporarily offline because of the following reason:
“The man who volunteered to make the website has seen it fit to delete it from the servers.” His name is Mr. Evans Gikunda The person messed with the site log files”
Shall it benefit a man to keep a Community Vision?
Of what profit shall it serve him?
We also wish to state that Chesunday Initiative owes no man any debt. There is no debt outstanding to any human or corporate person whether for design of artworks or the website.
Chessunday Initiative wishes to inform the public that Mr. Evans Gikunda is no longer a member of Chessunday and therefore is not authorised to transact any business whatsoever for or on behalf of the Initiative. Chessunday will not take responsibility for any transactions entered by him purportedly on its behalf from the date of this notice. ( 07/08/2011)
We wish to state that our Vision still stands. ”We seek to Build a Trusted Business Network”
Chessunday is still strong in the heart of the people.
We will be back online soon with a re-branded Chessunday.
- End of Apology
Chessunday Invite designed by www.vieve360.com
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
Together, We have been building the @chessunday brand for close to two years.
This has been done with a lot of support from both friends, family and enemies.
Then this morning a thought came to my mind to write this unusual blog.
Charity
The opportunity @chessunday afforded me was one of meeting my friends to share my
valuable resources with them. I have scattered more than 100 of my personal books
amongst my friends through Kings Library. This Sunday i was planning to give out copies of the Audio Book “Richest Man in Babylon” by George Clason
I have this subtle belief that knowledge makes people free and empowers them.
Banker
In the few recent weeks, I have seen this seed i plant come back to me as a great harvest.
We started the Knights Monetary Fund through chesunday and had begun to receive membership.
The entry fee was pegged at Kshs.50,000.00 per person and the Declaration stated our intendment.
I joined the field of personal banking and begun lending small sums of money to my friends. This new habit has been made solid by my belief in the capacity of people to rise above their present circumstance.
Wanadamu Project
Through the NGO Kuna Vijana which i co-run with my brother Evans Muriu, we have received tremendous support from the public in saving lives and changing the destiny of strangers we barely knew.
I count it all as joy. Both Chessunday and Kuna Vijana are registered and owned by the two of us.
Chessunday offered the free space to brainstorm and nurture such initiatives. Despite the set back, we shall journey on. There is already too much work to be done.
Clothe Factory
Chessunday Initiative owns and runs 64SquaresInc, a clothing factory which reminds us of our journey through branded merchandise.
Conclusion of the Matter.
The Anchor Holds. We are stronger now than when we first begun.
Victory is within a mile and we shall not be distracted by the petty tantrums of children.
We shall be blessed if we continue. The next phase of Chessunday is more important than the burnt bridges. We shall birth Visions that shall place us to sit in the Table of Nations where we rightly belong.
1 John 2:19-21
19They left us, but they were never really with us. If they had been, they would have stuck it out with us, loyal to the end. In leaving, they showed their true colors, showed they never did belong.
20-21But you belong. The Holy One anointed you, and you all know it. I haven’t been writing this to tell you something you don’t know, but to confirm the truth you do know, and to remind you that the truth doesn’t breed lies.
God Bless You!
- David Nahinga, RQS
IF….. IF you can keep your head when all about you
Are losing theirs and blaming it on you,
If you can trust yourself when all men doubt you,
But make allowance for their doubting too;
If you can wait and not be tired by waiting,
Or being lied about, don’t deal in lies,
Or being hated, don’t give way to hating,
And yet don’t look too good, nor talk too wise:If you can dream – and not make dreams your master;
If you can think – and not make thoughts your aim;
If you can meet with Triumph and Disaster
And treat those two impostors just the same;
If you can bear to hear the truth you’ve spoken
Twisted by knaves to make a trap for fools,
Or watch the things you gave your life to, broken,
And stoop and build ‘em up with worn-out tools:If you can make one heap of all your winnings
And risk it on one turn of pitch-and-toss,
And lose, and start again at your beginnings
And never breathe a word about your loss;
If you can force your heart and nerve and sinew
To serve your turn long after they are gone,
And so hold on when there is nothing in you
Except the Will which says to them: ‘Hold on!’If you can talk with crowds and keep your virtue,
‘ Or walk with Kings – nor lose the common touch,
if neither foes nor loving friends can hurt you,
If all men count with you, but none too much;
If you can fill the unforgiving minute
With sixty seconds’ worth of distance run,
Yours is the Earth and everything that’s in it,
And – which is more – you’ll be a Man, my son!- Rudyard Kipling, [www.kipling.org.uk]
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ON DUPLICATION: The “Image-Nation”
Posted: August 3, 2011, 10:24 pm by ujenzibora
As it is in our heads
It is a considered fact that each generation has its heroes.
Every man, depending on how high he rises or how low he falls,
Is a permanent point in the pages of history.
If you look at the prism keenly, every color is distinct, separate and unique.
Every disciple is a duplicate of his own strain…
Socrates and his Disciple, Each to his Way
Duplicates & Disciples
That out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks.
Drums release the sound of the beating.
By speaking clearly and articulating our inner world, the outer reveals itself,
Nature, they say, abhors a vacuum….How is it that demands on creation produce the Mental Equivalent?
Organize Matter.
It is in the nature of man to organize matter.
Forms in the mind impress upon the formless canvas outside and “things” become.
Forms in the mind are carved into machines and Play Things.
Matter is organized by Architects, Engineers and Quantity Surveyors into Forms and Shapes,
Such as we call Estate Real. Wealth then is Organized Matter.
Music
Vocalists and Musicians, out of their musical intelligence and abundance organize Matter.
They organize phonetics, moanings and sounds into Music and Anthems.
And the whole creation waits in eager expectation for what is always Become.
The Imagination is Limitless. Live your dream from the UNSEEN to the SEEN,
From the Formless, from the Mental Equivalent because as Einstein said,
E= MC Squared.
#Tafakari
@dnahinga // @Ujenzibora
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CAPTAINS OF FIFTY : A REFLECTION ON LEADERSHIP
Posted: June 11, 2011, 12:19 pm by ujenzibora
THE GRAVITY FIELD OF HUMAN AFFAIRS
Humans gravitate towards certain things. It would thus be unfair to insist on our way since to each is given special ability and appetite.I would thus proceed to hypothesize that if i gave a book containing 10 topics to 100 randomly chosen persons, each would gravitate towards their chosen field or subject. It would thus be possible to Organize them according to their common interests. I suggest that Life is such a book of Topics.
Not all are Doctors, Not all are Engineers, not all are Entertainers,
Not all are Puppetters, Not all are Chess Players, Not all are Poets,
Not all are Farmers….
There is a visible field of gravity in human affairs.
CAPTAINS OF FIFTY
Certain subtle facts are suggested and implied in the study of the Historical Miracle that Jesus the Christ performed of feeding 5,000people with loaves. I would point out a few and their Management import:- Capital Resources are a necessity to seed any enterprise: They had to start with some fish/ loaf
- There must be Leadership for Capital Resources to be multiplied
- The people must be “Organized” into sub-sets according to an Agreable Factor (say their field of Gravity: Science, Mathematics, Art, Sports, Skill Sets)) before Capital Resources are multiplied.
- Some Other people (12 Disciples) are to be set aside as Captains of 50 and be caused to provide Headship/Leadership
- Leadership means not only grouping people into groups of 50 but multiplying the available resources into excess. Think of serving your gift to the entire family of man…You need leadership to DO SO!
- Excessive resources must be preserved. We need to eliminate waste from the system
It is these Captains of Fifty that will bring the family of man to table and share the bread of Life.
Until then, we are all engaged in that proverbial fate called by Sir.Thomas Hobbes “War of all Against All”IS IT THE VACUUM UN-ATTENDED BY THE SLEEPING CAPTAINS OF FIFTY?
Fast Tube by CasperQuoting from Leviathan:
“I show in the first place that the state of men without civil society (which state may be called the state of nature) is nothing but a war of all against all; and that in that war, all have a right to all things.”- Sir.Thomas Hobbes
It is in this respect that i raise my CALL TO ACTION to men of good repute to stand up and Lead. Do we have Captains of Fifty? Neigh of Ten? Neigh, Captain of Our Lives?…Are we living our lives to demonstrate Leadership?
The conditions are prime, the people are calling for leadership more than before… “This is a desert place, and the time is now past. Shall we send the people away into darkness hungry?”
GIVE YOU THEM TO EAT
Leaders are dealers in hope. I noticed with keen interest that the scripture did not say “Give them loaves to eat”. It said “Give YOU them to EAT!”. In the illustrative video above, you can see that the people are drunk with inspiration from their “Leader”
It is this kind of primary thinking that will unlock The Horse Power locked up in all of us…
#Tafakari
@dnahinga -
Flying Horses : A Parable on Exceptions
Posted: June 10, 2011, 5:49 pm by ujenzibora
I love the power of parables in explaining complex phenomena.
Life itself is a parable in that we all seek to understand. The parable I share is to aid in the understanding of an even greater phenomena in the Slides that follows.
This is a great story on Exceptions!
Many persons have written about it including Paulo Coelho and Light Watkins. I read it recently in 48 Laws of Power
FOUR CHANCES
An old king of India condemned a man to the gallows. When the king had finished reading the sentence, the condemned man said:
‘You are a wise man, Your Majesty, and curious about everything that your subjects do. You respect gurus, sages, snake-charmers and fakirs. Well, when I was a child, my grandfather taught me how to make a white horse fly. Since there is no one else in the whole kingdom who knows how to do this, my life should be spared.’
The king immediately ordered a white horse to be brought.
‘I need to spend two years with this animal,’ said the condemned man.
‘All right, you will have two years,’ replied the king, already somewhat suspicious. ‘But if this horse does not learn to fly, you will be hanged.’
Overjoyed, the man left with the horse. When he reached his house, he found his whole family in tears.
‘Are you mad?’ they all cried. ‘Since when has anyone in this house known how to make a horse fly?’
‘Don’t worry,’ he said. ‘First of all, no one has ever tried to teach a horse to fly, and the horse might well learn. Secondly, the king is already very old and he might die in the next two years. Thirdly, the horse might die and then I’ll be given another two years to teach the new horse – not to mention the possibility of revolutions, coups d’état and general amnesties. And even if everything remains exactly as it is, I will still have gained two years of life with which I can do anything I like. Does that seem little to you?’
Is your Business Flying or Crawling?
There are other variations and exceptions of the story including:
1. The prisoner might teach the horse to actually fly off a cliff.
2. The King could die and the equation of the sentence changed
3. The prisoner could escape
4. The kingdom could be overthrown, rendering both the promise and the king of no-effect.
“Are you nuts? Why on earth would you make a crazy promise like that?
It is the crazy that run this world, those who believe against all odds. It is also amazing that power of vehicles and aeroplanes is measurable in HORSE POWERS….Exception it is!
WHAT ARE THE HORSES OF TODAY?
With every new invention, from horse-powered carriages to Car Engines and Automobiles, the power of a flying horse has been multiplied millions of times over. It is not hard to imagined that an email account could not serve the same purpose as a carriage-horse transporting letters.
There is a horse that can be made to fly. We call it Social Media. Those who have managed to train this horse to fly, have had a game-changing experience! In light of this,i would like to share a slideshare presentation titled “Paving the way to Social Business” prepared by Bill Johnston (@BillJohnston), Director of Global Online Community |DellTo get other similar insights and presentations, visit the Social Business Forum
Keynote from Social Business Forum 2011 View more presentations from Bill Johnston
#Tafakari@dnahinga -
Head Knowledge vs. Practical Skills, a Parable
Posted: June 10, 2011, 2:42 pm by ujenzibora
A scientific convention was held at a lakeside resort. After the first day’s proceedings, a mathematician, a physicist, an astronomer and a molecular biologist hired a boatman to row them around on the lake.
As they sat in the boat, they discussed string theory, bubble universes, the Gaea Hypothesis and other abstruse topics.
The biologist noticed the boatman looking at them from the corner of his eyes. He asked him,
“What do you think of these ideas?” The boatman replied, “I didn’t understand any of it.” The astronomer asked him how far he had studied. He told them he couldn’t even read. “I hate to say it,” said the physicist, “but you seem to have wasted a good part of your life.”
Image from: http://www.livingstrong.comThe boatman remained silent. By now they were out in the middle of the lake, far from shore. A sudden storm whipped up. The waves started churning and heaving. All of a sudden, the boat flipped over. The boatman started swimming for shore.
The scientists cried out, “Help! We can’t swim!” The boatman called back, “I hate to say it, but you seem to have wasted your whole lives.”
#Tafakari
-END OF PARABLE-
@dnahinga
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21 Questions : Can anything good come from Africa?
Posted: May 4, 2011, 5:03 pm by ujenzibora
“Robbers abound… No one ploughs the land. People are saying: We do not know what will happen from day to day.”- Karl Jaspers.
And Ortega y Gasset quotes the lament of the Latin poet Horace, uttered when the Roman Empire was at its height. “We are the degenerate descendants of fathers who in their turn were degenerate from their forebears”
Africas’ Anthropological Struggles
We must not be fighting over anthropological issues like food, shelter, clothing, land.
Let us move forward as Africans to seize the moment and opportunities.
Uganda is rich in oil, Kenya is wealthier in mineral wealth than our grandfathers imagined. The River of Gold is flowing in Africa yet we cannot lay our hands on it. If the gold is flowing, to where does it flow?
Trading in Gold and Values
We must understand the power of mineral wealth and Gold. We must build a value system around this things that take care of our tomorrow. Inflation must not choke Africa! We are capable of standing and looking at Inflation in its face! We are blessed and rich. Why don’t we trust each other?
What makes the gold and oil beneath our feet not serve us? Why is our mineral wealth a curse and not a blessing?
We must guarantee and secure our inheritance. Anthropological struggles have kept Africa locked in poverty over a long time and we must now wake up and start building a thing. Can we truly own this continent of our fathers? Are we really the dark continent?
Today I learnt that The German Government has given KenGen a 60 million euros (Sh7.4 billion) loan to develop Olkaria geothermal plant that is expected to produce 280 megawatts by 2013. I hope this improves our dismal Kilowatts per Capita rating?
Experts must rise in their fields and provide 1st World Solutions to the challenges that Africa face.
Solutions in Information, Technology, Procurement, e-Government, e-Health, Stock Trading, e-Commerce, Agriculture and in all fields. People who can read where the Continent needs to go
We Need New Thinking! A New Mindset…
We need a strategy that will liberate us and not tie our liberation in a System of projected, predatory debt. Yes we understand that Africa is eligible to prosper but when the majority of this prosperity is pegged on debts that suck all the benefit in interest repayments, our feet are in the “right-wrong direction.”
Can we not afford these THINGS?
Can Africa be free from projected debts (read false prosperity)?
Can we liberate our systems and stop playing CATCH UP?
CAN ANYTHING GOOD COME FROM AFRICA?
Why are we greater fans of football clubs than we are of our Nations? WHY?
Kind regards
David Nahinga | @Ujenzibora Investments
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“Start-ups :Do they have a chance?”
Posted: May 2, 2011, 4:59 am by ujenzibora
AN ECONOMY BASED ON WISDOM, WORDS AND EQUITY.
“I earn more money from my words than from my sweat”- Unknown
This is a real-time blog based on the thoughts and assembly of ideas in my head this hour of the night to explain the above quote. The Big Question am asking myself is, do start-ups have a chance in the building and construction Industry?
Yesterday I wrote about David vs. Goliath and how thinking in real-time outside the box can make all the difference in this odd hour of our times.
It is the act of speeding up the battle and thinking differently that can turn an entire economy into a game, Your Game. When I say an “economy”, my meaning is not to be understood in the ordinary sense of the word but its attached meaning which is “an ecosystem based on your word and law.”
SEVEN KEY THINGS TO BUILDING YOUR START-UP CONSTRUCTION FIRM:
I have observed the system on one side, that is, the Building and Construction Industry and here are SEVEN STEPS you can use to create EQUITY and an economy based on your words:
- Relationships- This type of revenue works in form of Guarantees, Bid Bonds, Performance Bonds, Company Profiles, Company Philosophy and Reputation. To build a credible construction firm, you need the proper and right relationships which may cost you only your word and the words of others. A good example is a testimonial from a job well completed. To secure a bid or performance bond from the bankers, you must have built a proper relationship. In the bidding game, relationships are better than money
- Company Profile- State your capabilities, your philosophy of doing business, the specification of your products e.g. security systems, building materials, Ironmongery etc. Describe your equipment (Type, Manufacturer, Performance characteristics, Year, Ownership status, Logbooks of Vehicles). Many a contractor have lost lucrative tenders for lack of a proper company profile. Attach the certified CVs of your employees (whether present or those with whom you have a Letter of Intent/Memorandum of Understanding (LOI/MoU). It is becoming expensive to maintain a standing army of employees. A good Company Profile is better currency than Money
- Historical Data and Accumulated Experience- For whom have you worked? What is your Experience? (Experience being the collection in your memory of past similar undertakings?) Document this including the year of the works, the clients contact details and contract sums. Attach any Certificates of Practical Completion you have and Letters of Recommendation. These papers mean much more than you think in the eyes of Contracting Authorities or Employers.
- Accessibility- Most Contracting Authorities are turning online like the rest of the world to look out for you. Are you online or off-the-grid? The e-conomy is becoming as important as the economy. Are you Visible on the e-World or are your would-be-contracts being signed off by companies with stronger virtual presence? Do you have a strategy for getting online? Have you embraced e-Procurement? Being at the right place at the right time is more important than Money.
- Lack of Historical Data/ Reputation- Turn adversity into gain through Mentorship. In case you formed a New Company in the last month or so and the Contracting Authority is requesting for minimum 3 Years Experience and Audited Company Accounts for the last 5 Years. What do you do? Gain 45% reputation “points” or 45% of the Qualification Requirements through a Joint Venture (i.e. from a Big well established Brother). (See point no.6 herein below)
- Joint Venture and Big Brothers- Tenders submitted by a joint venture of two or more firms as partners shall comply with the following requirements, unless otherwise stated:
- the tender shall include all the information for each joint venture partner;
- the tender shall be signed so as to be legally binding on all partners;
- all partners shall be jointly and severally liable for the execution of the Contract in accordance with the Contract terms;
- one of the partners will be nominated as being in charge, authorised to incur liabilities, and receive instructions for and on behalf of all partners of the joint venture; and
- the execution of the entire Contract, including payment, shall be done exclusively with the partner in charge.
- Leverage your weakness by use of a Big Brother. Joint Ventures have a place on earth!
7. Pre-Bid Services- Submit expert bids and enter into Conditional Pre-Tender Contracts with experts if you are
notable to yet afford their services. I have said before Contracts run the World. This is a bit complex. You don’t have to participate in every Invitation to Tender. Choose your battles well. And when you choose your battles, use the wisdom of Experts. An Expert (Architect, Quantity Surveyor, Engineer etc) can advice you on an approximation of the cost of meeting the client’s requirements and charge you on a “Time Charge” basis. Good advice is better than money.Conclusion.
Start-Ups have a chance in contracting both as Specialists or as General Contractors. Start small and build your company one experience, one job, one building block at a time. That is the nature of things…
It is more a matter of building Equity than Money. There is enough money in the bank to finance projects up-front once you get your act together.
Related Post : Becoming a Contractor,the minimum Requirements
Kind regards
David Nahinga | @Ujenzibora Investments
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David vs. Goliath :: Real-Time Thinking
Posted: May 1, 2011, 10:09 pm by ujenzibora
This is a very significant moment in my diary as I try to sequence and understand the meaning and significance of doing things in real time as compared to doing them in “Batch”
David vs. Goliath
Doing things in real-time means
- Decisions that are to be made today, are not forwarded to tomorrow
- Putting all information in one place to avoid “lag” and reduce time or money wastage
- Redefining the focus on the Winning Strategy
To fully understand this concept, you may wish to read the clip below or read in full “David and Goliath” by Malcolm Gladwell May 11, 2009 (A story of how underdogs can win)
I seem to be looking for a sling and some 5 stones. What other solutions are out there to promote “Real-Time” Strategies?
We all need this kind of “real-time thinking”, in both Business and Life…am talking about thinking that even questions ordinary, conventional thinking like “Imagining the Tenth Dimension“. The most important thing is not to stop asking the right Questions!
Fast Tube by CasperKind regards
David Nahinga | @Ujenzibora
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Basics of Construction Management
Posted: May 1, 2011, 12:30 pm by ujenzibora
Lets talk about Contracts…
ESSENTIALS OF A VALID CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT
This post is an introductory on the basics on what really forms the relationship between a Client and a Contractor as they are the two main parties involved in a building construction.
What are the basic principles that underlie construction management and Contracts in Construction?
CONSTRUCTION PROJECT MANAGEMENT
What are the underlying basics? Have a look at this slide presentation…Contract / Construction Management
View more presentations from Samuel90. Kind regards, David Nahinga | For: @Ujenzibora Investments www.ujenzibora.com
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A Meeting of Minds, Voices at #Mindspeak
Posted: April 30, 2011, 9:17 pm by ujenzibora
Today was a great day!
This was simply a day well spent.
I got to meet one of my favorite Thinkers and Authors, one Mr. Mutahi Ngunyi from The Consulting House (www.tch.co.ke). If most people think in Circles, Mr. Ngunyi sees the posibility of a Parabola…or that unique thought that takes a tangent off the common stock of thoughts.
I also met for the first time, the ever smokkkking Jeff Koinange who has perfected the art of asking ALL the RIGHT questions WHEN IT MATTERS, Aly-Khan Satchu our Host, whom I like calling the Good Sir amongst other amazing people. There is no comparison of the Equity I gained by being in such a congregation!
Cold Feet
Yesterday i had developed cold feet after reading a few tweets and some blog which almost inspired fear. Its amazing how we can trust our gut feeling even beyond conventional thinking. A wise man once said, “the heart has its reasons, which mind knows nothing about”
The cold feet was almost inspired by a blog titled “Why i am boycotting Mindspeak“by @Kachwanya #Longstory. Well, am glad I changed my mind and stuck to my initial plan of spending the day at Mindspeak.
It could not have been better!
Few Facts I Gathered:
From Mutahi Ngunyi
“The world is powered by imagination, not by knowledge.” (This is a quotation from Dr. Albert Einstein “ Imagination is everything)
We must celebrate the ‘stupid’. Apparently because it also takes a lot of imagination to be as such… “Stupid” ideas “Power” the world.Remember the Tunisian who set himself a blaze? Have you heard of one Mohammed Bouazizi?
He also said, “I’d want to give this country to someone who tweets… Someone 40 and below.” However, in doing so we must give such a person two things
“The world is powered by Imagination”-Mutahi Ngunyi, TCH1.The power of “Slow”- Go slowly, the world is not a microwave
2. The power of “Slog” – working as hard as you possibly can.
From Aly-Khan Satchu
Food Prices are projected to rise in the near future. Fasten your fasts!
The FAO Food Price Index is a measure of the monthly change in international prices of a basket of food commodities.The export of human talent pushing remittances back to the country. Remittances proving to be a far more important factor in the equation than Tourism.
Kenyans in the diaspora are contributing an equivalent of 3.8 per cent of national income through remittances.
In the year 2004, for instance, Kenyans living and working abroad remitted about Ksh35 billion ($464 million), which overshadows the net foreign direct investment (FDI) of Ksh3.6 billion ($50.4 million), which accounted for 0.41 per cent of the country’s gross domestic product.
“Remittance inflows in February 2011 amounted to US$ 60,759 million, or 8 percent above the cumulative 12 month average through February 2011 and 30.9 percent above the flow in February 2010″-Mr. Charles Gitari, Central Bank of Kenya
Arrival of Information Century via Mobile and the Internet has had a huge impact across the continent.
The continent’s top 18 cities will have combined spending power of $1.3 trillion by 2030
Mohammed Bouazizi extraordinary c21st Tipping Agent created a Revolutionary Curve…..and it might well be a narrative fallacy than it is likely to turn south and cross the Sahara
Bharti Purchase of Zain the 2nd biggest by India INC ever after Corus
Africa’s collective GDP at $1.6B
Wal-Mart’s $4.4b Acquisition of Mass-Mart is a significant indiator of shifting dimensions.
Uganda Oil declared so far is twenty times the present GDP of Uganda
(2.5 Billion Barrels of oil reserve is projected at about 275 Billion dollars).
$2.6 trillion >> Projected Africa’s collective GDP in 2020
From BobCollymore
David wins his battle against Goliath because he is right. It is not just a small vs. big contest….
The astonishing thing is what we are capable of doing when right inspite of our status or clout (David vs. Goliath)
Mr. Martin Oduor sharing his mind with Mr.Bob Collymore
Leadership is about a commitment to do the right thing
The most important ingredient is “Being right and doing the right thing! “
Be committed to what you believe is right and do it!
From His Excellency. Swiss ambassador Jacques Pitteloud
The future is not seen in the rear view mirror but its important to do so before you are hit by a Matatu. The past has important Lessons for today.Learn from the past.
Share something before you loose everything. The demographic growth in Africa demands that we move towards “equity and creating work for young people”
The economy is not a zero sum game. Steal Less and Earn More!
From Martin Oduor Otieno (CEO, KCB)
The rear view mirrow> Pick lessons using the rear view mirrow.
Everybody must define and do what is right. Values need not be selfish.
Redefine what the values are as a platform for going forward e.g. “Integrity”
From Jeff Koinange (K24)
What about the young Generation? << A very important Question Indeed! What about us?
We need to change the country dramatically, “In the hands of the common man”
From Patrick Lumumba (PLO) (KACC BOSS)
If you want something you have never heard…do something you have never done.
Speaking on how we waste our chances/opportunities: “We are given an opportunity to acquire a mercedes and we acquire an old volkswagen expecting it to perform like a Merc”
We must ask the right question. “Goliath is too big I cannot miss”, “Corruption is too big, we cannot miss to hit it”…
From His Excellency President Museveni
One thing: ELECTRICITY
***This content is beyond the scope of this blog. However, make a date with www.rich.co.ke or @Alykhansatchu for the copy of the presentation!***
Just know that we as African Countries have a very low Kilowatt per Capita. You can check out the list of countries by energy consumption per capita HERE
Action Points:
Check via google search the following things and think about them:
- “David and Goliath” by Malcolm Gladwell May 11, 2009 (A story of how underdogs can win)
- FAO FOOD PRICE INDEX : The FAO Food Price Index is a measure of the monthly change in international prices of a basket of food commodities
- List of countries by energy consumption per capita
Kind regards
David Nahinga | Ujenzibora Investments |
Twitter: @Ujenzibora | @dnahinga
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Interesting Opportunities in Community Development
Posted: April 28, 2011, 11:15 pm by ujenzibora
Introduction:
It takes time to build a thing and to change mindsets.
Yesterday we had an intense discussion on twitter with my friends and we were seized of several matters including Taxation, Doing Business with Government and generally what opportunities lie out there in terms of surviving our modern invention of inflation and the intrigues of the man-eat-man ( actually man-eat-nothing) society.
The twitpic that triggered the discussion was a poll conducted by Gallup with the following results:
Obviously, it was an intense debate!
This was one of the most engaging and intense conversation i have had in a while with my friends and i look forward to.
On to the Main Point!
There are some opportunities which I would like to bring to the attention of those interested. The Community Development Trust Fund (CDTF) is inviting proposals for funding of community–based projects under its Community Development Initiatives (CDI) component, with financial assistance from the European Union.
The proposed projects must be community-driven and address priority needs amongst deprived communities in Kenya. The CDI component supports communities to implement socio-economic development projects aimed at reducing poverty and at improving good governance.
The following types of projects will be considered:
Health: Rehabilitation, expansion and equipping of community managed dispensaries and health centers, including improvement or development of water supply and sanitation facilities;
Education: Construction and rehabilitation of public primary, secondary schools and vocational training facilities including putting in place water storage and sanitation facilities;
Economic infrastructure: Construction and improvement of bridges and feeder roads to enhance access to markets for produce, transportation and communication;
Water and Sanitation: Development or rehabilitation of sustainable water supply projects that enhance communal access; use and management;
Livestock and Animal Health: Support to community livestock drug stores, improvement of marketing facilities including holding grounds, markets and auction yards; provision of livestock breeding facilities and watering facilities; and
Agriculture: Support to value addition including post-harvest grain storage facilities, cold rooms for milk and fish products and improvements of processing and supply that will benefit the whole community.
All proposed projects must integrate cross-cutting issues like environment, gender equality, good governance, prevention of HIV/AIDS and participation and non-discrimination of vulnerable groups.
Project Communities will be required to raise a minimum of 10% of the total project cost, which may be in kind, cash or both.
SEE THE CALL FOR PROPOSAL
We just uploaded the call for proposals at ujenzibora.com. These are the kinds of opportunities young people should seize to help fight off poverty and other modern inventions like Inflation.
Tell your friends so that they can seize the opportunity!
Kind regards
David Nahinga ( @dnahinga )
For: Ujenzibora Investments
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Another Option in Affordable Housing Solutions #ZenithHousing
Posted: April 23, 2011, 6:09 pm by ujenzibora
Zenith Housing is an ISO 9001:2008 certified steel fabrication firm that specializes in the design, fabrication and erection of all types of structural steel works. Zenith Housing has recently launched the “Zen House’ residential division within the company that promises to construct houses in a record Eight Weeks.
The Zen House is currently available in five(5) different modules
It has the following special features:
- Tailored to suit a wide range of individual tastes and budgets
- Construction time of 8 weeks
- Price competitive
- Quick and easy to construct on site
- Complete with internal wiring and plumbing
- Perfect finishing
The Zen House is suitable for (just to mention a few);
- Family occupancy
- Staff quarters
- Offices
- Site accommodation
- Hospital apartments
- School building etc
CONTACTS:
Zenith Steel Fabricators Limited
An ISO 9001:2008 Certified Company
P.O. Box 18314 – 00500
Nairobi, Kenya
Tel: 020 551874/5, 555281
Fax: 020 559819
Blah blah blah
Fish cakes
Alas a fish cake.
Yet more fish cakes
Guess what ... yeah ... fish cakes.
The end of the fish cakes
