Spotlight

When Bitcoin initially surfaced in 2009, it seemed out of this world—a digital currency that couldn't be touched but could be bought, sold, and increased in value.

A few years ago, preparing for a road trip, especially a long one, meant shopping for all necessary supplies in advance. Travelers had to anticipate every need before setting off. Today, that level of preparation is no longer essential, thanks to the rise of stopover malls.

Travel has evolved in so many ways, and in a country like Kenya, several companies have stepped in to make long-distance journeys more comfortable and accessible for everyone. One of the busiest and most frequently used routes is the Nakuru–Naivasha highway, which, on a typical day, sees a steady stream of vehicles making their way across the Rift Valley.

Mothers in Kenya are the bedrock of homes, communities, and economies, quietly moving mountains while the world watches in awe or fails to notice at all. As Mother's Day approaches, Acre Magazine takes a moment to not just say thank you but to spotlight their strength, stories, and silent revolutions, especially in the property and lifestyle spaces we live and breathe every day.

Etta Madete, an architect and sustainable housing developer, began her journey into the field of affordable housing with a vision—one that aspired to tackle today's housing crisis while simultaneously honouring the past and embracing a sustainable fuadete,ture. After years of studying at the University of Nairobi and Harvard, Etta created Zima Homes in 2019 with a clear mission: to develop homes that not only suit today's requirements but also honour the legacy of the past and prepare for the future. Sustainable housing became especially urgent for Etta during the COVID-19 pandemic. As the world locked down, people spent more time than ever at home. Etta realised that the quality of a home goes beyond just shelter—it impacts health, well-being, and community. She often reflects, “If we get housing right, we can change lives—improve their well-being and strengthen communities.”

Kenya's dream of affordable housing has been a cornerstone of national policy since the country's independence, with successive leaders promising homes that every family can afford. Yet, decades later, the gulf between these political pledges and the everyday reality for many Kenyans remains stark. From urban workers helping to build Nairobi's gleaming skyline but living in overcrowded informal settlements to rural families facing their own daunting housing challenges, access to affordable shelter continues to elude large segments of the population. Despite the government's renewed focus on ambitious new housing programs, questions linger: will these efforts finally deliver on the long-standing promise of secure and affordable homes for all Kenyans, or will deep-rooted financial, social, and bureaucratic barriers continue to hold people back?

Graeme Reid's remarkable journey as CEO of Tilisi Developments has been delightful. His decision to embark on this path was rooted in a lifelong involvement in development, beginning with his dedicated work in the NGO sector. Amid the transformative era following apartheid in South Africa, he collaborated with trade unions and civic movements. In 1994, his journey took a significant turn as he assumed a pivotal role in the metropolitan council post-democratic elections, spearheading impactful projects with a primary emphasis on the rejuvenation of downtown Johannesburg.