Reliance building on real estate interests in Kenya

Mumbai: Reliance Industries is expanding its presence in the real estate sector in Africa.

In its second major foray, the Mukesh Ambani-owned Reliance Industries has acquired 10 prime plots of land in Kenya’s capital, Nairobi, for around Rs 202 crore ($33.9 million).

The land, which has a developable area of about 1.2 million sq. ft., has been acquired for commercial and residential property development.

Reliance Industries’ (RIL) real estate interests in Africa started around 2008, through Delta Corporation East Africa, a local subsidiary.

According to people familiar with the development, RIL entered Africa’s real estate market with a few small buys. In 2011, the company extended its foray into Kenya’s real estate market with a series of office and residential property developments. The company bought prime plots of land in Nairobi, and developed them for residential and commercial use.

In some instances, it also sold or rented plots to global agencies, private firms and some government organisations.

For the 10 Nairobi plots, Reliance Industries is the major stakeholder with a 60 per cent shareholding, while Delta Corp has a 40 per cent holding.

Through Delta Corporation, RIL is currently building office towers in Nairobi’s Upper Hill and Westlands areas. Delta Corporation is also developing a multi-million dollar residential estate along the Athi River.

Nilesh Shah, executive director, Delta Corporation East Africa, could not be reached for comment.

In a recent annual report, Delta Corporation said it has four projects under development. The company owns around 27.5 acres of land.

Real estate major Knight Frank has ranked Nairobi as the city with the fastest growth rate in rentals for high-end commercial property in 2012.