Superior Homes, a prominent real estate developer renowned for its masterplan developments, is making a noteworthy pivot towards agriculture as part of its sustainability strategy. This decision aligns with a growing trend among businesses seeking to address environmental concerns while diversifying their portfolios.
A New Direction in Sustainability
Under the leadership of Chief Executive Shiv Arora, Superior Homes has announced plans to acquire 300 acres of land, with Kajiado County being a primary focus. This land will be converted into farmland, marking a significant shift from the company’s traditional real estate ventures. The initiative is driven not by immediate profit motives but by a commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility.
Arora emphasized that the move is intended to set Superior Homes apart in the industry. “We are focusing a lot on sustainability. Every home that you buy from Superior Homes now comes with a full solar and battery backup that can last for 12 to 18 hours. That focus on sustainability will set us apart,” he said. The goal is to replace every acre of housing with an equivalent amount of agricultural land, thereby balancing the scales between urban development and agricultural use.
Impact of Real Estate on Agriculture
The decision to enter agriculture comes in response to the negative impacts of real estate development on farming. In Kiambu County, for instance, the expansion of rental properties has led to a decline in coffee farming—a trend the government is addressing through initiatives like the cherry fund to revitalize the coffee sector.
“Real estate development in the country means that land previously used for agriculture is repurposed for housing. We have decided to replace every acre of housing with agricultural farmland,” Arora explained. By integrating farming into their business model, Superior Homes aims to mitigate the adverse effects of their development projects on agriculture.
Recent Developments and Future Plans
Superior Homes continues to make significant strides in the real estate sector. Recently, the company unveiled the Kanzi Springs masterplan development in Kiambu County. This 60-acre project is part of a larger 300-acre master plan that underscores the developer’s commitment to sustainable and community-centric growth.
Additionally, Superior Homes has broken ground on the 172-acre Lukenya masterplan and is nearing completion of its flagship 163-acre Greenpark project along Mombasa Road. These developments illustrate the company’s ongoing expansion and its ability to balance new projects with its sustainability objectives.
Agriculture’s Growth Amidst Real Estate Expansion
The integration of agriculture into Superior Homes’ business model comes at a time when the agricultural sector has shown promising growth. In 2023, agriculture, along with forestry and fishing, recorded a significant growth rate of 6.5%, recovering from a contraction in 2022. This contrasts with the 7.3% growth in real estate over the same period, highlighting the robust performance of agriculture despite the challenges posed by urban expansion.
A Forward-Looking Approach
Superior Homes’ foray into agriculture reflects a broader trend among businesses recognizing the need for sustainable practices. By venturing into farming, the developer is not only addressing the environmental impact of real estate but also contributing to the local economy and agricultural sector.
Arora’s vision for the future involves a careful balance between development and environmental stewardship. While the agricultural venture may not yield immediate financial returns, it represents a long-term commitment to sustainability and economic support for areas impacted by real estate growth.
As the company continues to grow and innovate, its approach to integrating agriculture into its business model could serve as a model for others in the industry, demonstrating that real estate development and environmental responsibility can go hand in hand.
