Kenya embarks on construction of $8 million private cemetery targeting the super rich

david nganga

December 29, 2017 5:04 PM

The cemetery will provide 35,000 ‘‘resting places’’ for wealthy Kenyans at a premium price.

Kenya is set to construct its first ever private cemetery after the government gave the nod for its establishment following the lapse of two months allowed for the public to make comments.

Health secretary Cleopa Mailu in a gazette notice approved the construction of the 69-acre property in Nyandarua county estimated to be worth Sh800 million($8 million).

Gates of Pearl, located next to Kinale Forest, Nyandarua, will provide 35,000 ‘‘resting places’’ for wealthy Kenyans at a premium price.

Officials expect to charge upwards of Sh130,000 per unit with a single grave having a lease of 50 years.

Fusion Capital chief executive Daniel Kamau, confirmed that a special purpose vehicle Peponi Investments — where they are a minority investor — will implement the project whose majority stake holder is Alliance Capital Partners.

Mr. Kamau cited the high demand for cemeteries by Kenyans as the reason behind its establishment.

“We saw it as an opportunity and will break ground later this year to meet this need by giving our loved ones a decent burial,” he said while speaking on a TV property show.

Two Canadian landscape architectural firms, Erik Lees & Associates and Birmingham & Wood Architects, have been hired to implement the project.

“The memorial park will provide premium interment lots and memorialisation sites for families seeking to memorialise their loved ones in a secure and serene setting,” said Alliance Capital on its website.

david nganga