Megna Homes’ Santana Project receives EDGE Certification

Megna Homes, known for pioneering modern gated communities in Mombasa, has received the internationally recognised EDGE certification.

The certification was awarded for its Santana project in Mtopanga, near Bamburi, which demonstrated strong performance in energy efficiency, water savings, and reduced embodied energy in construction materials.

EDGE (Excellence in Design for Greater Efficiencies) is a global green building certification system developed by the International Finance Corporation (IFC), a member of the World Bank Group, and is applicable in over 170 countries.

According to the certification report, the Santana project is designed to achieve energy savings of 31% to 46% through features such as insulated walls and roofs, energy-efficient lighting, natural ventilation, skylights, and solar-powered street lighting.

The development is also expected to reduce water usage by up to 36% through low-flow plumbing fixtures, water recycling from a sewage treatment plant, and water-efficient landscaping.

Green Business Certification Inc. (GBCI), the organization responsible for administering EDGE, noted that the project could reduce embodied energy in materials by up to 55% by using locally sourced or recycled materials and efficient structural design.

“This project demonstrates that it’s possible to create efficient indoor environments while preserving natural resources,” said Ken Simpson, Vice President at GBCI, in the award letter.

Spanning 12 acres, the Santana development includes 816 residential units and 64 commercial spaces. It offers a mix of one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments and community amenities such as a swimming pool, jogging track, fitness centre, football pitch, green areas, parking, and a community centre. The project also includes a police post and improved infrastructure like upgraded roads and drainage—critical for an area that experiences seasonal flooding.

Megna Homes CEO Ahmed Badawy said the certification marks a milestone for both the company and the city. “It’s an important step toward building functional, affordable, and environmentally conscious spaces,” he said.

The certification comes amid growing demand in Kenya for housing solutions that respond to climate risks and rapid urbanisation. Santana is now seen as a model for how private developers can align sustainable design with long-term community needs.

EDGE aims to encourage the construction of resource-efficient buildings by offering measurable benchmarks and demonstrating the financial viability of green design.