On the 26th of Feb, 2025 real estate students from the University of Nairobi embarked on an educational visit to the Global Trade Centre (GTC), Nairobi, providing a unique opportunity for students to gain practical insights into modern real estate development.
Upon arrival, the students were welcomed by GTC representatives, who provided a comprehensive overview of the development. The Students had the chance to explore various sections of the mixed-use development, including the commercial offices, residential apartments, and retail spaces, gaining firsthand exposure to high-end real estate investments in Kenya.
The visit also featured an interactive Q&A session where students engaged with industry experts, discussing market trends, challenges in real estate investment, and the future of urban development in Nairobi. This exposure not only complemented their academic knowledge but also provided valuable networking opportunities with professionals in the field.
Last Wednesday, we had the opportunity to visit 1870 West, also known as the “Crown Jewel of Westlands.”The visit gave us an opportunity to explore this upcoming residential development and gain insights into the importance of quality in delivering developments that stand out, from the design and finishes to the overall experience of the final product.
1870 West comprises 29 levels of luxury residences, offering a dynamic mix of 1, 2 and 3-bedroom apartments with modernised designs and thoughtfully planned living spaces.
One of the highlights was the 30th level, which serves as an entertainment hub featuring a collection of pools, lounges, work zones, fitness facilities and audiovisual spaces, creating an elevated living experience for residents.
What stood out to us most was the attention to quality and the thoughtful integration of design, functionality and lifestyle into the development.
We sincerely appreciate Hass Consult for hosting us and giving us the opportunity to learn from their team and gain valuable insights into the development and delivery of high-quality residential projects.
On Friday the 27th, CRESA had the opportunity to visit the EcoConcrete Kenya ltd. production yard in Isinya to gain practical insights into beam and block flooring systems.
We were taken through the entire process by Eng. Simon Ogalo, who broke down each stage in a way that was clear and easy to grasp. He explained that achieving the required strength in the blocks involves the use of a Class 60 concrete mix, alongside prestressing steel with a strength of 1770 MPa. The hollow nature of the blocks is not only for reducing weight but also for enhancing sound insulation properties. A major highlight was the precision involved in controlled batching to consistently achieve the desired strength.
One key shift that stood out was the move toward fibre mesh. It serves as a simple yet effective alternative to traditional BRC mesh, offering comparable performance at a lower cost while efficiently controlling cracking. This is further enhanced by dividing slabs into 3m sections, as most cracks tend to occur at that spacing.
The hollow concrete blocks are efficiently produced using semi-automatic hydraulic machines, allowing for high daily output while maintaining consistency and quality.
We also gained a clearer understanding of prestressing versus post-tensioning. Prestressing involves tensioning the steel before the concrete is cast, enabling it to gain strength as the concrete cures. In contrast, post-tensioning is carried out in situ after the concrete has hardened by applying tension to embedded tendons.
A big thank you to EcoConcrete Kenya ltd. for hosting us, Eng. Simon for the insightful session and Arch.Shareen Shiraz Din for coordinating and ensuring the entire process ran smoothly.
On 25th March, we were honoured to host the 2nd RICS Students Conference and what a day it was! The conference brought together students from different institutions, creating a space to learn from industry professionals. Our speakers
♦️Success starts with the basics.Attend class with intention and understand what you’re learning. Build strong habits around communication, appearance, punctuality and integrity. Be intentional with attachments and internships & seek mentorship.
♦️As you grow, focus on building technical competence while staying flexible and adaptable to new trends. Learn to work effectively in teams and invest in key skills such as software proficiency, financial awareness and an openness to emerging technologies like AI.
We also explored the future of real estate where flexibility, sustainability and innovation are shaping the industry. Concepts like green leases, ESG, asset optimization and adaptable portfolios are no longer optional they’re the direction the industry is taking.
♦️Be people-centric. Learn to manage upward, ask questions, listen actively and stay aware of both local and global industry trends. Growth requires consistency, confidence and a willingness to take risks.
We also got practical career guidance.Keep your CV concise and tailored, build a strong personal brand and be intentional about what you put out there. When it comes to interviews, preparation is everything: understand the role, be confident, and ask thoughtful questions.♦️Believe in yourself and stay consistent.♦️
On December 3rd, 2025, CRESA was thrilled to host an enlightening session on "The Future of Real Estate: Leveraging Technology and Innovation", featuring the dynamic Felix Ochuoga, CEO of Hekopay and esteemed Infrastructure Architect. Despite a last-minute venue shift to Room 314B, the energy in the room was electric as over 50 students, faculty, and industry enthusiasts gathered to explore how digital tools are reshaping the real estate landscape. Felix Ochuoga delivered a captivating keynote that delved into the transformative power of technology in real estate. Key highlights included:
Leveraging Technology and Innovation: Felix emphasized the role of AI, blockchain, and data analytics in streamlining property valuation, predictive market trends, and sustainable development. He shared real-world examples from Hekopay, showcasing how fintech solutions are making infrastructure projects more efficient and accessible.
Staying Ahead of the Curve: Attendees gained practical strategies for navigating rapid industry shifts, including upskilling in digital tools and fostering cross-disciplinary collaborations. "The future isn't about replacing jobs—it's about those who know how to use the tools," Felix quipped, inspiring a mindset of continuous learning.
Digital Real Estate Transactions: A deep dive into secure, paperless processes via platforms like Hekopay, highlighting benefits for buyers, sellers, and developers in Kenya's evolving market. Discussions touched on challenges like regulatory hurdles and opportunities in affordable housing tech.
The session sparked vibrant Q&A interactions, with students probing topics from proptech startups to green building certifications. Felix's approachable style and wealth of experience as a University of Nairobi Real Estate alumnus made the talk particularly relatable and motivating for our CRESA community.
During the event we also issued certificates to our new members.
This event underscores CRESA's commitment to bridging academia and industry, equipping our members—the next generation of Quantity Surveyors, Construction Managers, and Real Estate leaders—with the knowledge to thrive. A huge thank you to Felix Ochuoga for his invaluable insights and to our team for seamless execution.
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