Long Time Friend, 2 Bedroom Apartment And An Idea

''There we are,'' said Anthony with a bright smile as we drove into 'Moon Valley Apartments'. We had just arrived at his residence in Kileleshwa, a luxurious 2 bedroom apartment. Anthony and I were long time friends who happened to lose contact at some point in our early life. Fortunately, he won international scholarship to study in UK and subsequently relocated for his new life there.Ten years later, we bumped into one another in a city shopping mall having come back home from UK. I was to learn that he even got a great job there and was here for a home holiday. Apparently, he looked good and prosperous even by his physical appearance. He drove me for a visit to his residence at his newly acquired apartment in Kileleshwa. As he parked at the controlled parking area, I could not help marveling at the fascinating view of the apartments and the surrounding right from the gate. Anthony noted my strong admiration obviously showing on my face. 

'' I got more than I was looking for,'' he uttered as we alighted.

''Sure, the place is just superb'', I responded as he led the way.

High level security right from the first entry at the main gate, CCTV and video intercom in the apartments was quite satisfying and potentially intimidating to any uninvited guest or intruder. Noting my curiosity for more view of the exterior, he decided to take me round before entering his apartment. So amazing and unique was beautiful large outdoor lounge area adjacent to a marvelous water feature. In fact,  Anthony had to distract my attention from the feature so that we could get moving.

''This is Dubai Style my friend'', he quipped, leading the way to an equally great BBQ area. 

The whole exterior was well landscaped with a freshly green grass carpet extending to a spacious and sheltered kids play area. Honestly, what I saw was just outstanding!

''How did you get here?'' I asked curiously. 

I had already fallen in love with the place even before entering the apartment. 

''Have got some nice guys who have helped me acquire various properties here and there'', he answered, while removing his sun glasses to scratch his left eye before wearing them back.

''And who are those nice guys?'', I impatiently followed up. 

'' VAAL REAL ESTATE''  he answered.

By then we were past a large charming swimming pool and headed right back into the building. We entered and headed to the lifts that I later noticed were high speed. On third floor I was led to the wonderful 2 bedroom apartment. The first thing I noted as I sat on a grey sofa was the natural lighting that 'flowed' through the large windows making the living room brilliant. In fact, I had to have a view through the window which treated me to panoramic views that encompassed Lavington and Riverside. 

''Wife and children are out of town but you will meet them soon. We are here for a three month period before going back to UK,'' said Anthony as if reading my mind. I was actually to ask about his family.

'' And what do you plan about this apartment when you are back in UK'', my usual curiosity struck again.

'' I have options..am thinking of airbnb business. This place is very strategic. This is a big investment my friend. I have many contacts from UK with frequent visits to Kenya. Both Kenyans and British. So I already have a market'', he answered convincingly, '' I will invest in more apartments at prime locations like this one in Nairobi and Coastal region for airbnb business. Its a booming business. A similar furnished apartment here is being rented out at a rate of Kes 8000 per day or between 150k and 180k per month. You can imagine how huge the returns could be. You just need as low as 12M for an apartment like this one. In future you may decide to sell it, and make a huge profit of course.''

''That is a fantastic idea'', I said, honestly inspired by his sense of wisdom on investment.

 That is how I developed a very strong interest in real estate investments. Meeting this long time friend of mine was actually an eye opening experience. Though he later returned to UK, he remains my mentor as I plan to make a move in this field of investment. Fortunately, am already referred to according to his own words, nice guys, VAAL REAL ESTATE as reliable partners in this journey.