Our Property of the Week is a property that has been touted as the ideal home for the discerning buyer. 

Simba Villas, Kenya Commercial Bank’s Staff Pension Fund's ambitious KShs 773 million housing project in Nairobi’s Embakasi area is being put up at a 10 acre piece of land in Embakasi near the GSU Training School. Simba Villas, when completed, will comprise 192 flats, 60 maisonettes, a shopping complex and four two bed roomed flats on top of the shops.The groundbreaking ceremony for the villas held a few months ago was officiated by Housing Minister Soita Shitanda.

The KCB Staff Pension Fund is one of the largest funds in the country and is valued at about KShs 8.5 billion. The Fund has a membership of 3,454 incorporating serving employees and retirees.The 23-year-old Fund has invested in a number of prime properties in Kenya including the prestigious Lonrho House and the Nanak House in Nairobi’s Westlands area.

There are also a number of residential properties in Lavington, Kilimani, Runda and Kileleshwa. The Project Architect, Lee Karuri said the KCB Staff Pension Fund Simba Villas will be completed on time and budget. According to KCB's chaiman, Susan Mudhune the idea of the KCB Staff Pension Fund Simba Villas was inspired by the overwhelming desire of residents of Nairobi to own affordable but decent housing units.

Property.co.ke had a chat with Ms. Doris Nthumbi of Cornerstones International, the selling agents for Simba Villas and came away with some useful information for our site users. Below is part of the interview:

Q. Tell us briefly about Simba Villas

Simba Villas defines modern, trendy, spacious and secure gated community housing development, comprising of highly affordable housing units. The development is located in the fast growing Embakasi Area, South of Nairobi Central Business District, near the Old Embakasi Airport.

Simba Villas, when completed, will comprise 192 flats, 60 maisonettes, a shopping complex and four two bed roomed flats on top of the shops. The development is designed with secure children play grounds, ample parking spaces, guaranteed water supply, street lighting, telephone cabling to each housing unit, cabro paved driveways, lush greenery and perimeter fencing.

Q. Interesting name. Why Simba Villas?

Simba is the Swahili name for Lion. The name Simba Villas is drawn from KCB’s Logo, which includes an image of a Lion’s Head, the initials KCB in capital letters and the tag line “Making the Difference”.

Q. A little explanation for our users. What exactly is a maisonette?

Maisonettes are several units in one compound with each unit comprising a ground floor and first floor. They share a common perimeter wall but sometimes the individual units have their own compounds.

Q. We know the property is in Embakasi. But just where is this? 

The Property is located opposite the GSU Training School, about one (1) kilometer from the Old Embakasi Airport. Please see the map here.

Q. Can one drive over to view the units? Is there a showhouse ready?

The show housing units (2 Maisonettes and 1 Apartment) are complete and fully furnished. A representative of Cornerstones International, the Sales & Marketing Agent, is available on the project site from 8.00am to 5.00pm. Please feel free to drive over to view the furnished sample and other units.   

Q. Some direction details please

Please see the map above. From Mombasa Road, join the Old Airport Road. Drive past Outering Road / Old Airport Road Roundabout up to the Old Embakasi Airport. Turn left at the New Embakasi Coca Cola Bottlers Plant. Take the next right turn at the Mugoya Main Entrance (at the new KQ headquarters). Take the next left turn; Simba Villas is about 200 metres from this junction.