Advancing Precast Concrete Technology in Kenya

Coupled with the chronic shortage of housing in Kenya is a good number of developers quickly embracing new technologies that promise to expedite construction projects.

One such technology, still making its foray into the Kenyan market, is precast concrete.

That means one can put up a house within just eight days, sans any compromise on safety.

Precasting concrete involves casting the concrete on a steel pallet in a workshop, and then curing it in a controlled curing chamber, before shipment to a site where it is installed.

It’s much safer and more durable than many traditional methods still in use.

Some of the main advantages of precast technology include the speed of construction, cost-saving, and durability.

Using this technology, a builder can save up to 90% of the time taken to put up a similar project using conventional construction methods, while saving costs by up to 30 per cent.

The growing demand and acceptance of modern construction technology among local developers has lured a Chinese investor into the Kenyan real estate market.

RELATED: Chinese Firm Unveils Kitengela Precast Housing Plant

Boleyn Magic Wall Panel Limited is building a precast housing plant in Kitengela, Kajiado County, from where it will produce wall panels, hollow-core slabs for flooring/roofing, columns, and prestressed beams.

“The precast elements will be applied in the construction of apartments, villas, office buildings, shopping malls, schools, hospitals, and highway bridges,” said Jack Liu, BMWP managing director.

The factory, which will launch its operations next month, has an annual production capacity of 50,000 housing units and will employ over 200 people.

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