Actis, UK-Based Company Behind Garden City Mall

Garden City Mall is located along Thika Superhighway, next to the headquarters of East African Breweries Limited. The mall is owned by Actis, a United Kingdom-based company. Garden City Mall officially opened in September 2015.

Actis is a global platform offering a multi-asset strategy across the asset classes of private equity, energy, and real estate. The company has raised US$15 billion since its inception in 2004.

It has also employed more than 200 people, including approximately 120 investment professionals working across 16 offices globally.

Actis is invested in about 70 companies employing around 114,000 people. Actis has a successful track record of real estate projects in Kenya.

It acquired the site in December 2011 and adopted a ‘green by design’ approach from the project’s outset. This incorporates environmental measures under the seven LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design).

Sustainability Principles During Construction

The first step involved creating a master plan, which set aside 10% of the land parcel for public open space—a radical departure for urban development in Kenya.

The second step focused on maximizing natural light and ventilation throughout the building frame.

The third element involved transforming the roof of the shopping mall car park into Africa’s largest solar photovoltaic (PV) carport.

Garden City features 33,500 sq m of retail space across three floors. It is home to over 120 stores, offering a range of international and top Kenyan brands.

The mall has three acres of landscaped green space, with extensive planting of indigenous trees and gardens designed for families to enjoy, incorporating play fountains, a playground, and an art installation.

At its construction stage, Garden City created an average of 1,075 jobs per month. Approximately 91% of the construction labor force were local people.

Additionally, over 300 young individuals were trained in construction skills.

Also Read: Who Owns Iconic Afya Centre Building in Nairobi CBD

Future Plans for Garden City Mall

Actis is planning to build a new Business Park on an additional 15 acres adjacent to Garden City.

The park is situated 9 km from the Nairobi Central Business District (CBD), with excellent transport links.

It brings the total of modern executive offices to 60,000 square meters, featuring market-leading parking ratios.

The company will also build a four-star, 150-key business hotel and a hospital with a pedestrian boulevard linking the Business Park to the mall and park.

When complete, the entire Garden City site will extend to 47 acres.

Actis Partnerships with General Atlantic

In October 2024, Actis joined forces with General Atlantic, a leading global growth investor.

The two companies have created a diversified global investment platform, boasting approximately $87 billion in combined assets under management.

Actis operates as General Atlantic’s sustainable infrastructure business.

This strategic combination further enhances Actis’ focus as a leader in global sustainable infrastructure.

Also Read: Billionaires and Companies Owning Two Rivers Mall, the Largest Mall in East Africa

Completed and Ongoing Projects

Actis has a long history of building businesses and operating assets worldwide.

The heritage and footprint enable it to invest thematically in sustainable infrastructure and pursue the most attractive risk-return profiles, unlocking opportunities wherever found.

The company has 34 completed projects, while 45 are ongoing.

Some of the finished projects include Zuma Energia, Young City, Umeme, Tsavo, Spring Energy, Songas, Skyline, RGB Textile Printing & Dyeing, Paycorp, Ostro Energy, Octotel, NXT Infra, Nanjing Micro-Tech, and Mentor Management.

Others are Lekela Power, Ikeja City Mall, GVK Energy, Globeleq Mesoamerica Energy, Globeleq Africa, Eolo, Energuate, Echoenergia, and Companhia Sulamericana de Distribuição.

Leadership

Actis management consists of individuals with diverse backgrounds and skills.

Torbjorn Caesar is the current Chairman and Senior Partner, Michael Harrington serves as Partner and Chief Investment Officer, while Lucy Heintz is the Head of Energy Infrastructure.

Adrian Mucalov is the Head of Long-Life Infrastructure, while Brian Chinappi leads the Real Estate division. Mikael Karlsson and David Morley serve as Vice Chairmen.

Other positions include Shami Nissan (Partner Sustainability), Nisha Raghavan (Chief Operating Officer), Paul Owers (General Counsel), and Neda Vakilian (Investor Solutions Group) and Vakilian (Investor Solutions Group).

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