Actress and radio presenter Jacqueline Nyaminde, also known as Wilbroda or Awilo, along with two other entertainment professionals, fell victim to a corrupt real estate developer in Kenya 12 years ago. The three actors, including Jalang’o, now an MP in Lang’ata, were sold the dream of owning a house in Kisaju by a real estate firm. Each of them paid a deposit of at least 500,000 shillings for a three-bedroom house that would be built in Kisaju. As brand ambassadors for the company, they were supposed to promote the development. However, the houses were never built, and the money they had paid was never refunded.
Another investor, John Otieno, also experienced a similar scam. He bought two plots of land in Syokimau with the intention of building on one and selling the other. However, it was later revealed that the land was designated as a flight path for the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport. Otieno and 3,000 other investors lost their money and have yet to be compensated.
A parliamentary committee report on demolitions estimated that land buyers lost millions of shillings in fraudulent deals. The report found that government officials and real estate companies were involved in criminal activities that deceived innocent land buyers. Individuals like Angeline Alusa also lost money in real estate scams operated by a company with offices in Nairobi.
These cases highlight the prevalence of real estate scams in Kenya, where unsuspecting investors become victims of unscrupulous developers. It is crucial for people to exercise caution, conduct thorough research, and seek legal advice before making any investment in the real estate sector.
Definitions:
- Corrupt real estate developer: A dishonest or unreliable person or company involved in real estate development.
- Deposit: A sum of money paid in advance as part of a purchase to secure an item or service.
- Off-plan: A property that is sold before construction is complete.
- Brand ambassadors: Individuals who promote and represent a brand or company.
- Due diligence: The process of conducting thorough research before entering into a business transaction or investment.
Sources:
– User-provided source article