Abigail Chepkemboi, a second-year electrical engineering student at the Eldoret National Polytechnic, has bought a bedsitter in the Pioneer Affordable Housing Project in Eldoret, using money she earned from casual construction work.
Abigail received her keys alongside other beneficiaries during the commissioning of the housing development, an event attended by President William Ruto.
Her path to home ownership began when she joined the project for her industrial attachment, where she gained practical experience in scaffolding and tiling. She did not leave after the attachment ended. She continued working on weekends and after classes, earning money while she pursued her studies.
During the early stages of the project, she took on demanding duties, including carrying heavy loads up several flights of stairs. When fellow workers learnt that she was studying electrical engineering, she was also given electrical installation jobs, which allowed her to apply her training while earning an income.
Her parents reportedly became concerned at one point, as they were unaware that she was spending much of her time at the construction site alongside her studies.
When she learnt that bedsitter units were still available, she made inquiries at the housing office and moved quickly. Within three days, she had paid a deposit of Sh32,000 and secured a unit on the 12th floor. She is expected to pay Sh3,800 monthly in rent, according to the report.
Chepkemboi plans to complete her studies and will use hostel accommodation during the coming academic term.
Her story points to the potential of technical and vocational education to link classroom learning with practical work. The experience at the site gave her exposure to the construction industry while helping her pursue a personal financial goal.
The Pioneer Affordable Housing Project is part of the government's wider affordable housing programme, which seeks to increase access to housing for Kenyans who may otherwise struggle to acquire homes through conventional property markets.
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