Kamukunji MP Yusuf Hassan on Thursday, opened the Construction and Real Estate expo, the biggest ever to be held in East Africa.
The three-day expo held at BBS Mall in Eastleigh runs from Thursday, November 30, to Saturday, December 3, from 10 am to 2 pm.
In his speech, the MP emphasised that BBS Mall, the largest and one of its kind in East Africa, has transformed the growth of Eastleigh from a throbbing local hub to a global trading centre rivalling major cities in the world.
“Eastleigh has grown rapidly owing to new developments that have changed and transformed the neighbourhood, but the crown jewel is the BBS Mall. It is the flagship that is driving the economy of Eastleigh. It is the anchor, the centre, and the showpiece of our development. It has taken Eastleigh to a high level of competitiveness in property development.
“We are now in the top league, and Eastleigh is now the most attractive area per the real estate indices. Much of that money is not credit or loans from banks but the cash-driven economy, and communities have come together in a transnational node or global network,” Hassan, a veteran politician in Kenya with a noble delivery record, stated.
He further lauded the mall for bringing thousands of exhibitors and customers to the expo, which he said was a game changer in the real estate sector.
Property business, he stated, is thriving amid an explosion of property development, and the phenomenal growth of Eastleigh as a major centre of investment for property is unprecedented.
Hassan thus urged investors to capitalise on the launch of BSS Mall and invest in Eastleigh as it has the resources to boost the development projects they are undertaking. 00
“In fact, there is no better opportunity and time to invest in property. Property development is not about constructing buildings but shaping communities, fostering economic vitality and creating opportunities for people to live in a better place called home. We have seen the development of major mixed developments that combine residential and commercial buildings. You will see apartments, shops, hotels, restaurants, hospitals, banks, schools and mosques.
“These are integrated community projects, and you will find everything you need within reach, making Eastleigh an attractive place to live, do business, work, and visit. This has strengthened the community nature of this place to become not only a place of dreams but also a better and more prosperous place to live with your family,” the MP added.
In his speech, Hussein Mohamed, State House Spokesperson, added that as a business hub, Eastleigh’s diversity of retail and real estate development potential is unmatched in Kenya and East Africa.
With over 92 shopping centres operational and still more under construction in just a 2.2 km radius, Eastleigh, according to Mohamed, stands out as a dynamic economic investment destination.
“Hosting the BBS expo should inspire developers and investors to explore the untapped potential within this area. When you think of Eastleigh, the images that come to mind are those of a 24/7 hub with well-lit and paved streets—safe for everybody, whether resident or visitor.
“This achievement is not solely the result of government efforts. The continuous engagement of local leadership with the government ensures Eastleigh is one of the safest neighbourhoods in Kenya,” the Spokesperson added.
He further demystified reports that Eastleigh is unsafe, adding that the untiring entrepreneurial spirit of Eastleigh's historically underserved people, who demonstrate resilience and determination, have contributed to such remarkable achievements.
Crown Paints COO Ricardo Muturi said they were deeply honoured to attend the expo and partner with stakeholders motivated by innovation, quality and affordability. Crown Paints is the event's major sponsor. Others are KCB, Gulf Bank, DTB and Equity.
BBS CEO Munir Ahmed, Kamukunji MP Yusuf Hassan and Crown Paints COO Ricardo Muturi later officially opened the expo.