A widow has shared her story of how the Affordable Housing Programme (AHP) has transformed her life from being a housewife to owning an eatery.
Chepkirui Joan, a mother of two, narrated how she started selling fast food when the government first rolled out the housing program in her village.
Joan said she always had a dream of becoming self-reliant after the death of her husband three years ago.
However, she did not have the opportunity until the introduction of the housing program in her village, which presented opportunities for many.
“I never imagined that I would become self-reliant after the death of my husband. I thought it was the end of my life. When this program came to fruition in town, I saw an opportunity to bake mandazis, chapatis, mandazis, githeri, and other foods for the youth and other people working on the construction sites,” Joan said.
Joan says that she started selling food and built a semi-permanent eatery near the Emgwen Affordable Housing project, located in Nandi County.
She now thanks the government for the programme, stating that she now feeds her family and covers her daily needs in the town.
“We thank the government and call on them to continue with this project so that the low class and the hustlers can get a chance to reap,” she said.
Affordable Housing Project Change Life of Youth
Similarly, John Kipkorir, a 39-year-old renowned welder in Bomet town, used to make about 3 windowpanes a day at his Juakali workshop in Chepalungu.
He had a small segment of the market where he would supply the panes, but the demand was sometimes unreliable. At times, Kipkorir could go an entire year without any orders.
His business suddenly sprang when AHP was launched in Chepalungu, Bomet County.
“This programme has really improved my business. I am now busy, and my small workshop has been turned into a factory that produces more than I could have imagined. I hope this programme continues so that we can benefit from it,” he said.
The Programmes provided employment opportunities for youth who were once idle and caused terror in the region.
Additionally, the economic impact has been felt across nearly all the towns where the programme has been implemented.
Also Read: From Artisans to Directors: How Juakali Group Turned Affordable Housing into Thriving Company
Civil Engineer Moves from Labourer to Supervisor
Joyce Waceke, a civil engineering graduate, on her part expressed her joy at being employed in the Kidiwo Affordable Housing project in Eldoret, Uasin Gishu.
According to Joyce, she started as a casual laborer but was later promoted to supervisor.
She now earns income and is able to rent in Eldoret town.
“I applied for a job and accepted any position as a casual laborer. I was promoted to supervisor and now manage other staff within the project,” Joyce said.
“I am grateful to my head supervisor for recognizing my skills and ability to turn things around. This programme has enabled me to pay my rent, and I no longer rely on my parents for upkeep.”
At the Makenji AHP in Murang’a, Site Agent Michael Mwololo said the programme engages between 120 and 150 youth daily, which has brought an end to criminal activities.
Mwololo noted that the project has been a lifeline for many families, as it has kept the youth from joining criminal gangs or indulging in alcoholism.
“The area has been turned into an economic venture after decades of dormancy. Once the project is completed, the area will transform, and locals will supply tenants with food, milk, and other goods,” Mwololo said.
Also Read: Debunking 7 Common Myths About the Affordable Housing Programme
Boosting TVETS
The construction projects are expected to improve the demand for skilled labor in the region, leading to increased enrollment in TVET courses, which are now in high demand.
According to data obtained from the State Department for Housing and Urban Development, between 120 and 250 youths with skills work daily on these projects.
Some of these youths have established their own businesses, becoming self-reliant and independent, instead of relying on betting or other vices.
Kericho County Commissioner Gilbert Kitiyo, in a past address to the media emphasized the need for youth to participate in the programme to become champions for it.
He noted that there has been a reduction in crime rates, gambling, and alcoholism in the county due to the youth involvement in the Affordable Housing programme.
“The youth must take part in this project. So far, in Kericho, there has been a reduction in crime rates, betting, alcoholism, and domestic violence caused by lack of food and other poverty-related vices,” said Kitiyo.
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