Cytonn Real Estate Partners With Finnish Architectural Firm For Its Latest Development in Ruiru

Cytonn Real Estate, the development arm of Cytonn Investments has formed a partnership with Finnish architectural firm, AUD Architects to design its latest development, an upcoming master planned development on a 100-acre piece of land in Ruiru, Kiambu County.

The development valued at over 15 billion shillings shall comprise over 1,400 residential units in the form of townhouses, maisonettes and low-rise apartments, a commercial center and a state of the art hotel with a frontage of a salient water feature.

Speaking during the event held at Cytonn’s Chancery Office on Valley Road, Finland Ambassador to Kenya H.E. Tarja Fernandez said that Africa is an investment destination where the world is looking at, with Nairobi being one of the fastest growing cities.

“Africa’s growth levels are high that the West can only dream of. Therefore, partnerships are the way to do business. There is a great interest by Finland to Kenya and the partnership between Cytonn and Taaleri of Finland solidifies the relationship between both nations.  We hope to see more partnerships in future and strengthen our bond,” said Her Excellency.

The Ambassador added that Finland is rich in architectural talent which they export to the rest of the world noting that they are hoping to see more Finnish representation in the continent.

Cytonn Chief Executive Officer Edwin H. Dande said that Cytonn began its partnership with Finland in 2014 through Taaleri, a private equity investment firm that saw good returns from the projects they had invested in, such as The Alma in Ruaka where they exited early and made a 25 percent return on the investment.

“We are extending our partnership beyond investment level to partnering with consultants such as AUD Architects to ensure we deliver the best designs to the market,” said Edwin.

Edwin further said that the company is keen on partnerships both locally and internationally through joint venture agreements with landowners, fundraising and other engagements that will see the clients get the best returns from their investments.

“To deliver the best, we seek to partner with people who are aligned to our core values and who we believe can deliver beyond expectations. It is for this reason that we have partnered with AUD architects and Aspera designs to deliver this world class project that will incorporate a variety of designs thus giving the clients many options with an East African and European touch in order to create a unique look and feel for the development,” he added.

AUD Architects Chairman Niko Tiula said that the development shall be a signature for the firm and he shall work to incorporate the Finland touch to the local architecture to create a masterpiece.

Cytonn Project Manager Peter Karenju said that the Ruiru project is a unique project that requires unique partnership with the right people.

“It is for this reason that we ran a worldwide architectural competition in an effort to get the best design for the development and after an exhaustive architect competition, AUD emerged as the winner,” he said. He applauded Aspera Designs of Kenya and AUD for their collaborative efforts adding that he hopes for a smooth working relationship throughout the life of the project,” he said.

AUD Architects are a Finland based firm with offices in USA and China with vast experience in master planned developments in various countries. The firm brings creative ideas to industry sectors including urban design, office, hospitality, civic and community, and interiors. Aspera Designs has also had a ton of experience in master planning including the upcoming Newtown City masterplan on 1000 acres in Athi and similar developments in the Middle East.