- Julias Andeyi transformed childhood hardship into a successful career in masonry through determination and hard work.
- The skilled mason used his earnings to support his education, assist his family and eventually build a better life.
- He now encourages young people to embrace vocational skills as a pathway to self-reliance.
For Julias Andeyi, the dream of becoming a mason began long before he completed primary school.
Growing up in a humble family, he watched his peasant parents struggle to provide food and educate him alongside his siblings. Those challenges inspired him to seek practical skills that could help improve both his life and that of his family.
During weekends and school holidays, Andeyi joined experienced masons at construction sites, working as a helper—popularly known as mtu wa mikono. As he assisted the craftsmen, he gradually acquired practical skills, confidence and experience that laid the foundation for his future career.
Andeyi began his education at Tuwani Primary School in 2004 before sitting the Kenya Certificate of Primary Education (KCPE), which earned him admission to Matisi Secondary School, where he studied from 2013 to 2017.
Even while in secondary school, he continued working at construction sites during holidays, eventually performing the duties of a fully qualified mason.
“I used my wages to buy books and stationery. I also helped my family by buying basic household items such as maize flour and sugar,” he recalled.
Building a career
His growing reputation as a skilled mason opened opportunities beyond his home area.
In 2018, he travelled to Nairobi, where he participated in the construction of a multi-storey building in the Lenana area.
A year later, he moved to Busia County, where he worked on the construction of several rental houses before relocating to West Pokot County in mid-2019 after identifying better employment opportunities in Ortum and Lomut.
Since 2020, Andeyi has been based in Kapenguria, where he settled after getting married.
Reaping the rewards
Through his earnings, Andeyi has transformed his life.
He has purchased a parcel of land, bought a motorcycle to ease his movement to work and built a decent home for his family.
He attributes his achievements to perseverance, discipline and the willingness to learn practical skills from an early age.
“I encourage young people to engage in meaningful vocational work so that they can support themselves and their families,” he said with a smile during an interview in Kapenguria, West Pokot County.
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Today, Andeyi’s story stands as a testament to the dignity of skilled labour and the opportunities that vocational skills can create for young people determined to transform their lives through hard work.
By Martin Ruto
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