Kenyans are renowned for their ambitious and audacious spirit, particularly when it comes to creating their homes. Homeowners in Kenya go the extra mile to construct not only spacious houses but also ones that exude uniqueness and distinction.
Over the years, Kenya has garnered international recognition for its ambitious and distinctive architectural designs, placing local designers on the global stage.
These innovative creations have captured the attention of people worldwide. However, alongside these celebrated designs, there are also instances where peculiar architectural creations from Kenya have gone viral on the internet, leaving many astonished and prompting debates about their functionality and value.
This article showcases a selection of noteworthy and costly architectural designs that have made a lasting impression. Let us delve into these remarkable creations that have captured the attention of admirers and critics alike.
The Ksh 800K Wooden House
Mboya Kevin, a digital media consultant, went viral on Twitter after sharing a picture of his wooden house on January 10, 2023. Mboya told his social media followers that he spent Ksh800,000 to put up his two-bedroom house made of wood.
His excitement however did not last too long as many questioned if the house was worth the money.
Others questioned his intelligence stating that he would have constructed a better brick house if he spent just a little more money.
In his defence, Mboya explained that wooden houses were just as expensive contrary to misconceptions adding that his initial plan was to put up a three-bedroom house but he realised that it would be costly.
"The initial plan was to construct something unique, beautiful, well thought out and a modern architectural design of a three-bedroom wooden house. My quantity surveyor Eric said it will cost me Ksh3,600,000 to construct such a house. I had to think of something else," he stated.
500K Nairobi Bungalows located in Nairobi and Mombasa
On March 2021, images of Ksh500,000 bungalows built along Kenyatta Road off the Thika Superhighway elicited a protracted debate among Kenyan social media users over the design and value pegged to it.
According to the owners, the two-bedroom houses were worth the amount because they were fully furnished, with furniture, curtains, and carpets.
Additionally, the houses were said to have been fitted with spacious toilets, a bathroom and a reasonably spaced kitchen.
The online community, however, expressed dissatisfaction questioning the size of the houses which they noted was too small and could not accommodate all the items the developers claimed would fit.
According to the contractors, the asking price was to be paid in instalments. Interested buyers had to stump up fifty percent as deposit to book a house. The deposit amounted to Ksh 250,000.
Ksh 18K One-Bedroom Ruiru House
This viral photo of a one-bedroom house in Ruiru, Nairobi became the talk of the town as Kenyans couldn't stop discussing its bizarre washroom placement. The design caught the attention of many, resulting in widespread conversations and debates.
The debate quickly intensified, with much of the focus centered on whether the contractor's decision to construct a balcony accessible through the toilet raised hygienic concerns for the residents, who had to pay a monthly rent of Ksh18,000.
In the images that circulated in February 2023, a notable feature was the presence of a tap mounted near the balcony area, which could only be accessed through the toilet.
However, others argued that it was appropriate noting that it would aerate the house even better.
"Could it be ventilation problems, guests in the sitting room should be allowed to relax peacefully. After you have finished your visit in the toilet you can then step out and wash your clothes as you enjoy the view," one user stated.
The Dragon House
On Saturday, May 20, Kenyans woke up to engaging discussions surrounding a viral image of an under-construction bungalow, distinguished by a roofing design featuring 10 wings. The unique appearance led to it being playfully referred to as the "dragon house" by some.
Others quickly recognised the unique design bore resemblance to ancient buildings in China. Most lauded the effort that went into actualizing the design but at the same time advised homeowners to seek advice from experts before beginning construction.
However, questions arose regarding the numerous small windows installed on the building, triggering concerns that the roof design would result in a dimly lit interior space. With the windows being too small and the roof obstructing natural light, doubts were cast on the functionality and livability of the house.
It was not immediately apparent whether the windows on the roof directed light into the house.
"He overdid it while chasing uniqueness, four wings would have been enough and make it look okay. Now it looks like a dragon," one user stated.
