Kenyans have raised questions about the cost of the house that the government constructed for the late Kelvin Kiptum after it was reported that the state spent Ksh7 million.
While many praised the government’s gesture in providing housing for Kiptum’s family, some Kenyans expressed doubt and raised concerns about the cost and quality of the house.
Following the death of Kiptum, President William Ruto directed a contractor to build a house for the late marathoner’s family ahead of his burial.
The contractor raced against time to complete the house in a week, before his burial.
According to Housing Principal Secretary Charles Hinga, the contractor employed modern precast or prefabricated technology along with light gauge steel.
“This technology, which is gaining popularity across the world, allows constructors to fabricate concrete components off-site.
Not only is it faster but it is considered a cost-effective alternative to the brick-and-mortar walling system.”
Also Read: EXPLAINED: Technology Used by Contractor to Finish Kiptum’s House in Five Days
Debate over Kiptum House Cost
“Is that inclusive of the land or not. If not, then the contractor needs to be arrested. Asap,” an X user commented.
Some argued that Ksh7 million was too high for a three-bedroom house.
“How? in what right did Kiptums house cost 7M? With 1M, going normal route, a perfect 3-bedroom house would have been built with the same speed. How is Ksh7 million affordable honestly,” Soko Analyst wondered on X.
“We don’t have a problem with building a Ksh7 million house for Kiptum, but does the house meet the standard of a Ksh7 million house,” added another user.
In response to criticisms, some argued that the house was a generous gesture from the government.
It’s a large house and more solid steel structure. Many Kenyans widows and children can only dream of such government help and would be grateful if they had the opportunity to receive such a beautiful house,” another user lamented.
Also Read: Johansen Oduor Finally Reveals What Killed Kelvin Kiptum
The house has a light cream tint exterior, adorned with a small flower bed at the entrance, sitting on a four-acre piece of land.
In addition, the living room features stylish wallpapers, unique decorations, and cozy furniture, reflecting the stature of the late Kiptum as a celebrated hero in the world of marathon running.
At the same time, the house, which will now be occupied by his wife and children, has three fancy bedrooms, all master ensuite.
About Kelvin Kiptum
The World marathon record holder Kelvin Kiptum died on February 12, 2024, alongside his coach Gervais Hakizimana in a grisly road accident along Eldoret-Kaptagat road.
He was the first athlete to break 2:01 in a record-eligible marathon, taking 34 seconds off the world record at the Bank of America Chicago Marathon on October 8, 2023 .
Kiptum was laid to rest on Friday 23, in a ceremony that President Ruto attended.
The Head of Stated announced that the government would gift his widow another house.
“I have already given the family Ksh5 million and apart from the house that we already built here, we shall give him a good house which shall go to his widow,” he said.
