It’s just a matter of time, and Nairobi’s skyline will host one of the tallest residential apartments, which conforms to the country’s National Building Code 2024 that incorporates mandatory sustainable practices and a comprehensive Green Building Standard.
At 18 floors, the Ikhaya sunrise project is not only a monumental residential piece of modern architectural art, but a spectacular building apartment that’s surrounded by signature destinations.
Tucked between the picturesque Safari Park hotel and the academic tourism destination United States International University (USIU) Africa, the Ikhaya Sunrise is anything close to what students’ stay and people who intend to invest in residential hospitality, yearn for.
These days, people are sensitive on the type of habitat they are seeking to live in, and as explained here by Isaack Oluoch, the project manager, the Ikhaya project has considered all that. The project theme speaks to these concerns; Ikhaya Sunrise-the beginning of a better future.
“The green agenda is something that is of importance lately,” he noted, highlighting that the project due to start in January, has incorporated some of the best features obtained from renewable sources.
Oluoch said that the apartment that will take three years or so to complete will have energy efficient water heating; energy efficient fittings and other environmentally friendly features.
“Even the painting works we have recommended to be done in the houses are going to be those which are up with the least emissions to the environment so that we preserve it, and that’s just part of the things that we do,” he added.
So IKEA is going to consist of four blocks, 18 storey, that’s livable space. (3:05) We’re going to have a podium and a parking on parking on the lower floor and then podium (3:13) on the first floor and we’re going to have some amenities on the rooftop as well. So IKEA is (3:20) going to consist of 1138 units of bed sitters or if you like studios, one bedroom and two bedroom (3:30) units.
In this project, Oluoch added, AMS Properties Limited that manages everything, is targeting the young people, a population largely composed of Gen Zs, who have had their ideas on what they want incorporated in its design and finishing.
Jordan Thuranira, a young man who is involved in the project gave it a thumbs up.
“We Gen Zs, prefer buildings and living spaces with good lighting, partly to facilitate our social media activities and content creation,” said the young Turanira, elaborating that in a visually-driven social media world, quality lighting is crucial for creating engaging photos and videos.
Good lighting, especially natural light according to Jordan is essential for high-quality photos and videos on platforms like Instagram and TikTok, which helps content creators look their best and stand out.
In other sources, students prioritize living spaces that align with their preferred lifestyles, and lighting plays a significant role in creating a desired look and feel that promotes aesthetics and ambiance. “They use lighting, such as color-changing (RGB) LED strips, to personalize their dorms, spark conversation, and foster a sense of pride and emotional attachment to their space.”
Environment-friendly housing is becoming the in thing due to increasing awareness of climate change and the environmental impact of traditional construction. This trend, also known as green or sustainable housing, focuses on energy efficiency, sustainable materials, and designs that minimize environmental harm while promoting occupant health and well-being. This shift is driven by the need for sustainable living, the potential for lower running costs, and increased property value.
Therefore, Ikhaya, which loosely translates to a housing structure according to Mwenda Thuranira, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of MySpace Properties, is more than another apartment development.
“It is a thoughtfully curated urban community designed for the new generation of city dwellers. By combining quality finishes, strong amenities, smart layouts and a strategic location next to USIU-Africa, the project delivers real value to owner-occupiers and a credible, future-proof investment opportunity,” he reinforced his statement.
Thika Superhighway remains one of Nairobi’s strongest growth corridors-driven by infrastructure expansion, universities, malls and business parks-ensuring consistent demand for modern housing, and Thuranira explains that the Ikhaya Sunrise perfectly responds to this.
“It blends smart home features, efficient layouts and premium finishes to create long term value for residents and investors. Its proximity to USIU-Africa ensures strong rental appeal among students and young professionals, while nearby malls and community amenities attract familles seeking convenience,” he said.
Starting at Sh2.7 million a buyer can pay within three years or resolve to pay cash, which attracts a discount which is quite some amount. There’s no limitation. Anybody who is keen on property investments, is welcome, according to Thuranira.
“So as we unveiled this project which is mostly targeting the first-time homeowners, students, investor markets, especially people who want to buy to make some money out of it, like for example, somebody can buy a two bedroom, the location, Kasarani-Roysambu is surrounded by universities and the student market is big,” added Thuranira, explaining that a buyer can acquire two bedrooms, put four bar cabins and charge each student Sh20,000 which means they plough back Sh80,000 from one apartment.
And when it comes to the studio apartments, the starting price is Sh2.7 million and the rentals will be around Sh40,000 per month, meaning the company is guaranteeing almost a 12 percent return on their investments.
“So if you’re looking for investment somewhere to make passive income, the Ikhaya is the place to be,” said Thuranira, adding that it’s located in a prime location that provides seamless connectivity to major commercial and lifestyle hubs including Nairobi CBD, Westlands, Runda, Upper Hill and Gigiri-leveraging one of Nairobi’s most important infrastructure corridors, the Thika Superhighway.
The project has so many amenities like podcast studios, a lounge, a gym, ample parking, and a basketball court, an attractive destination for the young people who like to keep fit.
Some of the key interior features include; smart, efficient layouts, master en-suite in 2 bedroom units, built-in wardrobes in all bedrooms, imported sanitaryware, fixtures and fittings, large windows for natural lighting, glass balustrade balconies, granite kitchen countertops, modern fitted cabinets, and dedicated utility areas in one- and two-bedroom units
And explaining why the Ikhaya Sunrise is ideal, Thuranira said that the project which stands on four blocks, has three high-speed lifts per block; a back-up generator for common areas, a borehole and ample water storage, CCTV and controlled access, rooftop gym with panoramic views, rooftop lounge and creative studios, co-working hub, fibre-optic connectivity, secure parking and bicycle stands, landscaped courtyards and social areas, multipurpose sports court and in a strategic location along Thika Road.
Its prime location provides seamless connectivity to major commercial and lifestyle hubs including Nairobi CBD, Westlands, Runda, Upper Hill and Gigiri-leveraging one of Nairobi’s most important infrastructure corridors, the Thika Superhighway.
Other key surrounding facilities include universities, retail shops such as the Thika Road Mall (TRM), Garden City Mall, and neighbourhood shopping centres, hotels: Safari Park Hotel and entertainment venues along the corridor, and accessible healthcare facilities.
