04/06/2026
Is your institution planning a major capital project? Before your board approves that multi-million shilling budget, you need to read this.
Despite a drop in construction inflation, private building plan approvals in Nairobi have fallen by 9.2%, and the NCA recently issued over 13,000 suspension-of-work notices. Why? Because of the expensive reality of what developers don't know before they start building.
In our latest article written by Abisalom Otadoh, our Principal Architect, we break down why institutional and commercial projects—like hospitals, schools, and NGO headquarters—are at a uniquely high risk for budget overruns and delays. I explore the five hidden costs that consistently blindside project committees:
1. Soil Conditions: How undetected unstable soil can unexpectedly increase foundation costs by up to 60%.
2. Zoning Assumptions: Why missing a required "Change of Use" can add 3 to 6 months of delays and hundreds of thousands in fees.
3. Drainage Risks: The invisible constraints of seasonal flood plains and riparian reserves.
4. Timeline Traps: The cumulative delays of navigating sequential county, NEMA, and sector-specific regulatory hurdles.
5. Unrealistic Estimates: The crucial elements missing from most initial budget proposals.
The math for decision-makers is clear: For every KES 1 spent on a professional Site & Project Feasibility Assessment, you insure your institution against KES 50 to KES 100 in avoidable failure costs. It is not just good project management; it is a critical fiduciary responsibility to protect donor funds and shareholder capital.
Dive into the full breakdown below and learn how to secure your next project before the design phase even begins.
Is your institution planning a major capital project? Before your board approves that multi-million shilling budget, you need to read this. Despite a drop in construction inflation, private building plan approvals in Nairobi have fallen by 9.2%, and the NCA recently issued over 13,000 suspension-of-...
