step by step with a Twist!
Kenya’s construction industry is buzzing — from high-rise towers in Nairobi to quiet homes in Kitengela. But let’s be honest: building in Kenya isn’t just about cement and bricks. It’s a journey full of planning, approvals, tendering, dust, sweat, and eventually… the joy of handover.
At Space Consult, we believe the process doesn’t have to feel like rocket science. Let’s break it down — step by step, with a few smiles along the way.
1. Planning & Design: Where Dreams Become Drawings
Every great building starts with an idea: “What if we built…?”
This is the stage where the client defines the dream, the architect sketches it, and the engineer ensures it won’t fall over. At this point:
- Feasibility studies test if the dream is realistic.
- Detailed plans, elevations, and designs are created.
- Everything must align with Kenya’s building codes.
Pro tip: This is also when most clients realize Pinterest ideas don’t always match budgets.
2. Procurement & Tendering: Who Gets the Job?
Now comes the money talk. Once designs are ready, it’s time to ask: “Who will actually build this?”
- Tenders or RFPs (requests for proposals) are sent out.
- Contractors and suppliers send their bids.
- The client (with help from a project manager) chooses the most suitable team.
This stage is a bit like matchmaking — except instead of swiping left or right, you’re comparing costs, timelines, and experience.
3. Construction: Dust, Sweat, and Deadlines
This is the fun part — or the stressful part, depending on how well planning was done.
Here, the contractor manages the site, the subcontractors handle the details (electrical, plumbing, HVAC), and the construction managers ensure everyone sticks to the design and timeline.
It’s noisy. It’s busy. But it’s also magical to see drawings rise into actual walls.
Fun fact: Most Kenyans love site visits, but 9 out of 10 will ask, “When will it be finished?” no matter the stage.
4. Completion & Handover: The Big Reveal
Finally, the dust settles. The last coat of paint dries. The smell of new concrete fades.
Before you move in, the project goes through:
- Final inspections to confirm it meets standards.
- Minor touch-ups (snagging list).
- Handover to the client.
Most contracts also include a 6-month defects liability period — meaning if something cracks, leaks, or refuses to switch on, the contractor comes back to fix it.
At Space Consult, we like to call this the “honeymoon period” of a building.
5. Key Considerations in Kenya’s Construction Journey
While every project is unique, there are big themes you can’t ignore:
- Building codes & regulations: Get approvals early. Skipping this step is like skipping breakfast — it’ll catch up with you later.
- Health & safety: Helmets and boots are not fashion statements; they save lives.
- Environmental impact: Smart design reduces waste and protects our natural spaces.
- Community engagement: A building changes neighborhoods. Keeping locals informed avoids unnecessary tension (and endless rumors).
6. Conclusion: Why Space Consult?
The construction process in Kenya is complex, but with the right team it doesn’t have to be a nightmare. From planning to handover, Space Consult helps clients navigate every step with clarity, creativity, and professionalism as a top visualization and construction company in Africa.
Because at the end of the day, a building isn’t just walls — it’s where life happens. And our job is to make sure the journey there is worth it.