Nipool Shah, the founder and owner of Dunhill Consulting, is a low-profile yet influential player in Kenya’s real estate sector. His firm is credited with developing the prestigious Dunhill Towers, a 21-storey commercial building situated on Waiyaki Way in Westlands, Nairobi. Dunhill Towers has become a prominent address, drawing high-profile tenants such as the European Union and Microsoft’s Africa Development Centre (ADC).
Dunhill Consulting: A Growing Real Estate Empire
Founded in 2003, Dunhill Consulting focuses on property management, residential and office property sales, and large-scale warehousing. Shah’s commercial property portfolio crossed Ksh 7 billion in 2016, with his warehousing portfolio exceeding 2.5 million square feet. The firm operates on a build-and-operate model, handling development projects both for sale and long-term ownership.
Dunhill Consulting’s expertise is sought by a wide range of clients, including multinational corporations, high-net-worth individuals, government-linked organizations, and NGOs. The firm manages over 20 commercial buildings (spanning 1.2 million square feet) and apartment complexes with 600+ units. Annually, Dunhill collects approximately Ksh 2 billion in rent and service charges on behalf of clients and oversees about Ksh 130 million in client funds kept in deposits.
Dunhill Towers, the crown jewel of the company, was awarded a 5-star green status by the World Green Building Council in 2017, thanks to its sustainable design. The building features three high-capacity generators generating 1.2 MW of power, self-heating windows, solar panels, and an advanced water treatment system to ensure eco-friendly operations.
In 2018, the European Union Delegation to Kenya relocated to Dunhill Towers, citing congestion at its former Upper Hill offices and the strategic advantages of Westlands. Deputy Ambassador Bruno Pozzi lauded Dunhill’s developers for their collaboration in meeting the EU’s stringent security and space requirements.
More recently, Microsoft opened its Africa Development Centre (ADC) at Dunhill Towers in March 2022, with the facility employing over 450 engineers. It aligns with Microsoft’s sustainability goals, aiming to be carbon-negative by 2030. The center also includes an innovation hub called the Microsoft Garage, fostering collaboration with interns, schools, and community groups to develop tech products.
Shah’s business ventures are supported by Dunhill Africa Valuations Ltd, the firm’s sister company that offers valuation and survey services. These services are widely trusted by Kenya’s banking sector, adding another layer to Dunhill’s business influence.
The firm’s strategic presence in Westlands, a rapidly expanding business hub, reflects Shah’s foresight. His developments have capitalized on Nairobi’s evolving real estate trends, drawing businesses and organizations that prioritize accessibility and sustainability.
Though reclusive, Nipool Shah has left an indelible mark on Nairobi’s real estate landscape. Through Dunhill Consulting and its projects like Dunhill Towers, he continues to shape Westlands’ status as a prime commercial hub. His ventures have drawn global attention, cementing his position as one of the most influential figures in Kenya’s property sector.
With sustainability at the forefront and an expanding portfolio, Dunhill Consulting’s future looks bright under Shah’s leadership. As Westlands continues to attract more businesses, Shah’s developments are poised to remain key players in the region’s growth.
