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Networking Event focuses on Property Ownership
Date Published: Sunday March 16, 2008
OWIT is an international non-profit organization for women and men working in all facets of international trade is designed to promote the advancement of women in trade and business. OWIT – Nairobi is its first chapter in Africa which has been gaining momentum since its inception in April 2001. OWIT aimed at providing a forum for networking, education, information dissemination, professional growth and leadership, the organization engages its members and non-members in various events and activities that are aimed to benefit their members. This activities include both local and international networking, training and professional development.
OWIT – Nairobi Networking Event, March 04, 2008. Parklands Club, Nairobi.
OWIT –Nairobi, the local chapter of Organization of Women in International
Trade held its monthly networking meeting on Tuesday, 4 March 2008 at the
Parklands Club Nairobi. The attendance was surprisingly good in spite of the
time (12.30 noon – 2pm) and the venue (out of city centre).
The day’s discussion was centered on Property Ownership. Hence the presence of
Housing Finance’s MD, Frank Ireri, the main speaker and his team who were
on hand to answer any questions and quell any fears. MD, Frank Ireri and
his team, not cowed by a roomful of women, gave an excellent presentation.
First, by introducing Housing Finance (HF) to those gathered.
HF has been in Kenya’s property industry for over 42 years. As a premier
financial enabler in the industry it has come along way to ensure that Kenyans –
individuals or otherwise – have access to housing. In doing so HF offers various
products including mortgaging and construction finance. In the last two years,
in order to make their products and services more accessible and flexible they
have also introduced new ones including:
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1st
Hop –
which stands for First Home Ownership Plan – is a savings plan for a max of
10 years, designed to help you save up for the purpose of purchasing your
first home either directly or through a mortgage. It’s designed for 25 – 30
year olds with steady incomes and who are willing to save. But it does not
restricted by age.
http://www.firsthop.co.ke/
-
Property Point
– a one-stop point for property developers, estate agents, suppliers of
housing and construction materials and customers designed to make the
process of property acquisition easier.
http://ww.propertypoint.co.ke
-
Makao –
which helps reduce the cost of building by at least a fifth and spur
development in low and middle-income areas.
Various
issues were raised during the Questions and Answers session including; Interest
rates and initial deposits, legal and statutory matters, valuation process,
taxes and length of time thereof and even schemes (funded and non-funded).
Personal issues were also raised including the clincher: ownership of property
as a single entity separate from ones husband and without their knowledge. Would
HF go ahead and procure such a deal? The answer to these was yes, they do (no
elaborations). But you get the gist!
A lot more can be learnt about these products from the links provided about or
from their official website:
http://www.housing.co.ke/
and
http://www.propertypoint.co.ke/
ABOUT OWIT
OWIT is an international non-profit organization for women and men working in
all facets of international trade is designed to promote the advancement of
women in trade and business. OWIT – Nairobi is its first chapter in Africa which
has been gaining momentum since its inception in April 2001. OWIT aimed at
providing a forum for networking, education, information dissemination,
professional growth and leadership, the organization engages its members and
non-members in various events and activities that are aimed to benefit their
members. This activities include both local and international networking,
training and professional development.
OWIT – Nairobi holds monthly networking meetings to which they invite Guest
Speakers to talk on diverse topics. The members also become part of the
international network, as there are OWIT chapter across the globe include, US,
Europe, Canada, Latin America and Malaysia.
March’s meeting saw a great turnout with various industries represented as well
the renowned politician, Hon. Njoki Ndung’u. Hon. Ndung’u together with
Jennifer Barasa of Top Image Advertising both received recognition at the event
for there continued support and contribution to Kenya’s young women. Ever heard
of a Professional Babysitter? No? Well there was one in the house. I met
a Bachelor’s Caterer the other day too. Her story later.
OWIT – Kenya Board Members include:
-
Chairperson – Mwikali Matu
-
Vice
Chairperson, Programmes
– Joanne Mwangi
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VC
Membership – Kanyiva Kahare
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Secretary - Jackie Kiaharo
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Head
of Publicity Committee – Ivy Mwai
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Treasurer - Maggie Kaba
- Advisory Board –
Lydiah Waithaka
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