On July 18 2019, Cytonn Real Estate, the development affiliate of Cytonn Investments, handed over the keys to the buyers of The Alma Phase 1, its flagship comprehensive lifestyle development in the fast-growing Ruaka town.
The Chief Guest unveils the plaque
In giving her opening remarks, Yvonne Ondego, a Project Management Associate at Cytonn Real Estate noted that, “Recently, comprehensive developments have been growing in popularity because they provide an enriched living environment that caters to all the needs of its residents. Proximity to key social amenities like schools, shopping malls and hospitals also elevate the living experience. The Alma is strategically located and provides for all this.”
Yvonne Ondego gives the opening remarks during The Alma’s Phase 1 Handover Ceremony
Project Architect, Wachira Macharia, gave a brief overview of the project, emphasizing that it was one of the most remarkable developments in Ruaka, with world class features.
Wachira Macharia, the project Architect, walks the guests through the main features of The Alma
Gao Wen, of CATIC, the Main Contractor for The Alma noted that a project of such magnitude could only be achieved through teamwork and cooperation. He thanked the team at Cytonn Real Estate, all the consultants and various subcontractors for being collaborative.
Gao Wen works for CATIC, the Main Contractor for The Alma
Cytonn Investments CEO, Edwin Dande, emphasized the firm’s dedication to providing quality developments. “A lot of research went into our decision to build The Alma. Ruaka has one of the highest residential occupancies in the country. As the town grows, there is increased demand for housing with superior amenities, great finishes and strategic location. You get all of this at The Alma. The fact that all the Phase 1 homes have been sold is a testament to that,” said Edwin.
Edwin highlights the journey of The Alma from inception to handover
Prof Daniel Mugendi, the Chairman of Cytonn’s Board expressed his pleasure that the dream had finally come to fruition despite a challenging environment. He said, “With this milestone, we continue to demonstrate that we will go to great lengths to deliver the promises we made to our clients. The real estate sector has been impacted by a tough economy, but the different teams have rallied, and the result is evident for all to see.”
Prof. Daniel Mugendi, Chairman of the Cytonn Board addresses the attendees
Kiambu Governer Hon. Ferdinand Waititu pledged his support for private public partnerships which would develop Kiambu even further. He said, “Shelter is a basic need which is now among the priority areas of the big four agenda to provide affordable housing for all social classes. The Alma housing project has equally created employment for the locals in the supply of construction materials and in the construction process. The completion of this project has created job opportunities and places where many can call home. This is a big step towards the realization of the medium-term plans of the Vision 2030 and the Big Four Agenda pillars of affordable housing.”
“Private-public partnerships, will bring development to Kiambu,” Governor Waititu
Mr Charles Hinga, the Housing and Urban Development PS congratulated Cytonn for its commitment to delivering quality housing. “As you all know, housing is a big priority for the government, and we continue to work with companies like Cytonn to achieve that goal. Our job as the government is to create a conducive environment for developers,” he said. “The Government and all subsequent players must dedicate adequate resources to building more and more homes. We can fulfil this obligation even faster if the economy grows,” he added.
Charles Hinga, the Permanent Secretary for Housing and Urban Development
In his address, RT. Hon. Odinga said “I am proud to be part of this historic moment. It gives me hope when I see people working hard to produce world-class products. It is the only way Kenya will continue to grow. There is real gain in having citizens own homes. The completion of Alma Phase 1 is an example of what we can achieve when the government and private developers work together.”
Hon. Odinga addresses the guests
The event ended following the ceremonial handing over of a key to the buyers of The Alma and giving of gifts to the guests of honour.
Rt. Hon Odinga, Hon Waititu and Edwin Dande Hand Over the Ceremonial Key to Buyers of The Alma
