How a Former IT Specialist is Reinventing the Real Estate Industry in Kenya

As an early 1990’s IT practitioner, and finding himself in the real estate world, John Muchiri might quite have had an amazing career life. I mean, who thought people back in the days would venture into IT courses, and there wasn’t much if at all an exposure to the technology world.

At an early age, Mr. Muchiri was an ambitious young man who was passionate about practicing many things. He describes his childhood acts as something full of ‘reverse engineering curiosity’. From destroying his father’s sanyo radio to television sets and record players. All this was just to know how they worked and they inspired him into studying IT.

For a decade, he worked in the IT industry with various companies such as Satellite Options and as an independent consultant and contractor for other companies across Africa. Later on, he finished off doing satellite telecommunications in the very rural African communities. “It was fun, it takes you to very humbling locations, teaches you about patience, prudence, being accurate in what you do, and always having the correct tools in your toolbox,” he told Inverk’s Kimani Patrick at an interview.

His interest in real estate grew more than ten years ago when he invested in a project that has not been actualized up to date. This happened due to a misstep he did by not conducting proper due diligence when purchasing the property. “It is one misstep that a lot of people make, it is devastating, it is fatal, and for some, it is life-changing,” he says.

That big mistake saw him become the today CEO of Mintvilla Housing – a real estate firm that develops integrated and affordable lifestyle communities offering value to aspiring homeowners.

His experience on buying property is something that he says most Kenyans need to learn is being patient, persistent and prudent. “Before purchasing, one should do thorough research until they reach the property that fits their needs, budget and has legal documentation, with the help of professionals.”

MintVilla Housing sells properties that are ready and properly titled with all the documentation. Mr. Muchiri urges purchasers to ensure that the property has approval and is conveniently located. All his clients are made sure that they are well informed about the property.  John emphasized, “we consider a property is sold when the process is complete.”

His newest project is a beautiful estate known as Twin Falls City – a mixed-use development with a residential area, shopping place, and a recreational area in Malaa, Machakos County. Savanna Greens Estate is another of the developer’s projects that began construction in 2019 with 46 bungalows within a gated community. The project has already been handed over to its rightful owners.

Story by Jackline Kimathi – Jackline is the Public Relations officer for The Carlstic Group Limited