Kenya’s shopping mall investors are constructing eye-catching malls in Nairobi and other big towns to cater to the increasing need for retail space.
Such shopping malls, with their ‘all under one roof’ concept, offer variety and convenience, attracting both local and international brands. This appeals to the expanding middle class, known for their interest in upscale lifestyle trends.
Crystal Rivers Mall in Athi River, located 25 kilometres from Nairobi’s CBD and easily accessible from Mombasa Road, is one such mall embracing the trend of burgeoning shopping centres. The mall is an architectural marvel.
Reportedly, Crystal Rivers Mall in Athi River cost developers Sh. 4.4 billion. It continues to thrive as a pioneer in the Athi River and Greatwall region, particularly due to its proximity to residential spaces. It is owned by the Safaricom Staff Pension Scheme (SSPS) and sits on a 25-acre piece of land that borders the Athi River.
The mall was built by the South African-based firm Paragon Group, funded by the Safaricom employees’ Pension Scheme. The scheme includes 5,000 members, with Richard Gitahi serving as Secretary, Monicah Wairimu as Administration & Operations Manager, and Joseph Ogutu as Chairman.
The project consists of a commercial retail centre which offers over 20,000m² of ‘to let’ area. The retail centre has 3 levels of premium shopping space.
Chandarana Supermarket already inked a deal with the mall to become its anchor supermarket. Furthermore, there is ample parking space for up to 700 vehicles, entertainment venues, restaurants, offices, healthcare facilities, and conference facilities.
Other leading brands have also secured space within the mall.
88 Nairobi: Meet owner of one of Africa’s tallest residential buildings in Nairobi
Residential Spaces
According to the Trust Management, the residential project was conceived in a bid to diversify the investment of members’ funds. It has a total of 398 units, which include 138 townhouses (3 & 4 bedroom apartments as well as 260 condominiums.
“The main objective of this real estate investment was to diversify Safaricom Staff Pension Scheme’s investments so as to give its members good returns, while offering the public an opportunity to own and live in a decent and affordable community,” Mr Gitahi previously stated.
The three-bedroom condominiums, featuring two swimming pools and parking, are available for purchase at Sh. 6.5 million. The three-bedroom townhouses, which boast a private outdoor balcony and yard space, are priced at Sh. 11 million, while the four-bedroom townhouses are available at Sh. 12 million.
Some of the facilities available at the project include solar water heating, well-manicured gardens, borehole water, servants’ quarters with external access, recreation facilities, biodigester and 24-hour CCTV security among many others.