Kiambu, January 10th 2024… With pomp and colour, a chama founded by 13 women has unveiled a breathtaking cluster of 17 mansions at the prestigious Migaa Golf Estate, in Kiambu.
Komrades Dream Team, a women’s investment group, invited friends and family to celebrate the official opening of “Komrade’s Valley Homes” Phase I, financed by Equity Bank Ridgeways Branch through a Chama Loan facility under Pamoja Banking.
Speaking during the handing over ceremony of the houses to respective members, Komrades CEO Elizabeth Mugo said the chama, which started with 13 women, now boasts of hundreds of shareholders, including men. She hailed Equity for its support to self-help groups in their endeavor to offer high-quality houses for families.
“Equity believed in us and we are happy that it bought into our dream of creating high-quality homes that empower women through property ownership and provide a safe and secure foundation for families. We will endeavor to nurture this cooperation and continue impacting lives together,” said Mugo, stressing that owning a home is a dream for many, and Komrades Real Estate is dedicated to making that dream a reality for Kenyan women.
The beautifully designed homes are located within a tranquil environment near Kiambu town where fairways of an 18-hole golf course intersperse other homes put up around the undulating landscape. The Komrades Valley houses feature minimalist architecture with vibrant aesthetics. They are nestled at a location that is perfect for anyone discerning a serene environment.
“The all-ensuite villas are elegantly furnished and designed with comfort and sophistication in mind,” said one of the homeowners, Cecilia Ngaruiya, adding “Each of these homes feature breathtaking interiors, adorned with luxurious finishes and meticulously curated decors.”
“It’s a spacious living area with gleaming floors that exude timeless elegance. The modern kitchens are fully equipped, combining style and functionality. The ensuite bedrooms offer serene retreats, complete with premium fittings. The bathrooms boast sleek designs that rival five-star luxury,” said fellow homeowner Irene Mwangi at the launch ceremony.
Leah Mbugua, who spoke on behalf of Migaa Golf Estate residents said sustainability is at the heart of the house’s designs, with reliable water and electricity power sourced from eco-friendly systems ensuring both convenience and environmental consciousness.
Talking about Equity’s partnership with Komrades and the loan facility that ran into hundreds of millions, Equity Bank Kenya Head of Commercial Marketing Peter Muturi reiterated Equity’s commitment to uplifting and empowering groups and individuals.
“Today, we celebrate not just the new homeowners, but new opportunities and a bright future. Equity Bank is committed to transforming the lives and livelihoods of communities we serve socially and economically. We will continue supporting groups like Komrades as they help women and others have decent places to call home,” said Muturi, upon cutting a ribbon to commemorate the opening of the new homes.
Equity Bank Ridgeways Branch BGDM Jane Waweru congratulated Komrades for the housing project, describing the chama’s relationship with Equity as collaborative and reliable. Waweru used the opportunity to welcome other self-help groups to inculcate savings culture and enjoy the benefits of chama loans under Pamoja Banking. “Through Chama Loans, customers can access financial literacy and entrepreneurship training, flexible security requirements, and access business development advisory services,” said Waweru.
Komrades CEO Elizabeth Mugo further noted that the chama believes that when women are empowered, lives are transformed at individual and family levels and communities at large. Besides the real estate subsidiary, the group has partnered with Equity to operate their other three subsidiaries that specialize in insurance brokerage, medicare and saving cooperative.
“Komrades also offers several other services tailored for women’s needs, including a women-centred investment Sacco, insurance brokerage and medical homecare and ambulance services for the elderly,” said Mugo.