The smart home concept is not new globally and even in Kenya as most home owners have automated various systems in their homes such as lighting, music among others and are able to remotely control them.
A smart home can allow you to view video from security cameras in your house when you’re away, create and play music playlist for your whole house or each room, turn off the lights in any room of our house, wherever you are, dim the lights and set the mood of your occasion, let the neighbour in to feed your dog while you’re at work, arm the security system from anywhere, mock occupancy when you are away for a long period or program your shades to open and close at sun rise and sunset among others.
However, the practice isn’t mainstream.
Kenya’s Flint Home Integrators is working with architects, builders, and interior designers to develop smart homes for the mass market in the country as IoT takes center stage.
Founded by Steve Ngosia, the firm says it aims to collaborate, design, engineer and install, integrated home technology solutions that allow various systems to work together in harmony for maximum comfort and control over their premises. The startup designs, engineers and integrates bespoke residential and commercial services such as; smart lighting, smart security systems, state of the art private cinemas, distributed home audio-visual, smart data networks, customer management systems among others.
Ngosia told TechMoran the designs come with multiple sub-systems controlled by a master home automation controller. This main automation controller is like the home automation CPU, receiving input from all devices around the home, issuing commands and controlling everything from lighting, security, climate control, entertainment and so much more. The various systems work together in harmony to maximize the comfort, convenience, and peace of mind of the occupants.
“Kenya’s booming real estate industry especially in the mid to high end market segments as well as hospitality and commercial spaces is in need of a game changer for the developers and the buyers,” Ngosia said. “The growing middle class home buyers are well travelled sophisticated and demand more value for money. Nairobi being a regional business hub is attracting global organizations that demand five star buildings that are energy efficient and easy to manage.”
Ngosia also sees that improved home internet connectivity has greatly influenced Kenyans into making this choice. According to him, 3G and 4G home fiber has made it easier for Kenyans to appreciate internet-based services like home automation.
“The possibilities are endless for both the client and the developer regardless of whether commercial or residential. For developers, smart homes are easier to sell as compared to basic structures. With home automation, the homeowner is able to run his or her house from any part of the world from drawing curtains, switching on the lights, monitoring air quality and so much more,” Ngosia said adding that Smart homes are able to save the home owner a lot money on lighting, heating and cooling due to automation.
Flint Home Integrators is now seeking to work with architects, interior designers and home developers looking for value to design, engineer and install, integrated home technology solutions that will automate their homes. The startup is also currently looking for strategic capital investors to enable set up a show house.
