As construction costs in Kenya continue to rise, the demand for affordable housing solutions is increasing. Prefabricated houses, commonly known as prefabs, are emerging as a viable option for homeowners seeking faster, cost-effective, and sustainable building alternatives. While this technology has gained widespread acceptance in developed countries, Kenya is gradually catching on to the benefits of prefabricated housing.
Understanding Prefab Technology
Prefabricated homes are constructed in a factory setting, where the components are built and then transported to the site for assembly. This process helps reduce costs, prevent material wastage, and speed up construction times, allowing homes to be completed regardless of adverse weather conditions.
One of the key advantages of prefab houses is the ability to cut costs without compromising quality. With construction work largely taking place indoors, delays caused by rain or other weather conditions are avoided. Prefab technology is quickly becoming a solution to the high construction costs plaguing the industry, but it still faces a challenge—many Kenyans remain unfamiliar with how it works.
Prefab Construction: A Step-by-Step Guide
Building a prefabricated house follows a streamlined, efficient process that starts with the homeowner acquiring a plot and securing the necessary approvals. Once this is in place, the following steps are involved:
- Floor Assembly: Construction begins with the floor structure. A wood frame is placed under the floor to support the wall panels that will later be installed.
- Wall Panels Installation: Pre-insulated wall panels are attached to the floor frame with bolts and nuts. Windows and door openings are created in the panels before attachment.
- Wiring and Plumbing: After the structure is in place, electricians and plumbers install the necessary systems. Drywall, ceilings, and interior fixtures are also added.
- Roofing: Depending on the design, the roof can be installed either at the factory or after the house is assembled on-site.
- Finishes: Both interior and exterior finishes are completed, including cabinets, vanities, siding, and painting.
- Transportation: The house is transported in modules to the plot, and careful planning of the transportation route is required to avoid obstacles like power lines or narrow roads.
- Installation: Once on-site, the modules are checked for any damage and then assembled. Special attention is given to the “marriage walls,” which bind the structure together. Staircases, decks, and other features are then added, and the entire installation can be completed in a single day.
EPS Panels: A Game-Changer for Affordable Housing
To further promote affordable housing, Kenya’s National Housing Corporation (NHC) is advocating for the use of expanded polystyrene (EPS) panels. These panels, made from polystyrene, offer a strong, lightweight alternative to conventional stones and can reduce construction costs by up to 30%.
Manufactured at NHC’s factory in Mavoko, Machakos County, EPS panels are becoming a key component in Kenya’s effort to meet the growing demand for affordable homes. Each panel costs approximately KSh 5,000, translating to KSh 1,111 per square meter. Despite the additional costs of transportation and concrete plasterwork, EPS panels are seen as a cost-effective solution to the housing shortage.
The Future of Housing in Kenya
As prefab technology and EPS panels gain traction, there is hope that these innovations will play a pivotal role in addressing Kenya’s housing crisis. While educating the public about these technologies remains a hurdle, the advantages of affordability, efficiency, and durability could make prefabricated housing the future of construction in Kenya.