Beachfront property in high demand on the coast of Kenya

Medina Palms, KenyaMedina Palms, an environmentally sensitive residential development on the Kenyan coast, recently launched in Nairobi and is now over 40% sold. The launch event was attended by around 100 invited guests, the majority of them local to the area, with many purchasing on the day primarily for the investment potential.

Nigel Rowley, Managing Director, Medina Palms, comments: “I am delighted that both domestic and international investors with knowledge of Kenya have reacted so positively to the launch of Medina Palms.”

Set amidst seven acres of tranquil palms with private access to the powder white beaches of the Watamu National Marine Park, this ocean village has been designed with strong environmental principles. An exclusive collection of apartments, villas and penthouses, Medina Palms has been designed to echo a 12th Century walled village or medina, inspired by the ancient spice traders who once visited this coastline.

Ben Woodhams, Managing Director, Knight Frank Kenya, comments: “Stunning scenery, a glorious coastline and abundant wildlife makes Kenya an extremely attractive option for overseas buyers in search of a second home. There is a huge demand for high quality rental property in the area, especially in Watamu. Medina Palms will be professionally managed and owners can choose to join the Medina Palms holiday rental programme which will market their properties internationally and help generate valuable income.”

Medina Palms is committed to developing with an ecologically sound ethos and promotes sensitive land use whilst maintaining the unique cultural and biological diversity of the environment. Each property has been designed with a focus on alternative energy systems including solar and wind power. Bio Digesters are to be installed to minimise water consumption, effectively generating ‘free’ water for laundry, pools and irrigation for the gardens and indigenous trees. Solar power generates the hot water and a wind generator is to be used for pumping pool water and selected community lighting.

Medina Palms has partnered with leading international wildlife charity the Born Free Foundation and will be donating a percentage of the income generated to a new joint initiative for local coastal conservation projects. These initiatives aim to protect the marine life and its habitats in Watamu through community involvement in conservation, nest protection and environmental education activities. As part of this campaign, Medina Palms have already put forward plans to create an extra 10 metres of land to be added to the protected 30 metre Riparian Zone on the beach front to enhance conservation measures.

Owners can make use of communal amenities such as swimming pools, wellness centre, restaurant and landscaped gardens within a secure and incredibly beautiful location.

Prices are from £150,000 for a 1,500 sq ft two bedroom garden apartment.

Medina Palms is due to be launched in the UK in summer 2008.

For more information, visit knightfrank.com.