Women Empowered in Kenya’s Construction Industry
In Nairobi, Kenya, the Buildher training facility provides a unique education opportunity for women. At Furniture International, Diana Ojiambo is among those benefiting, working with machinery to produce cabinet panels. Ojiambo overcame initial shyness to speak confidently in her role. Supervisor Jane Mwangi joins her and other women in a male-dominated space that they are steadily infiltrating.
Traditionally, women have been scarce in Kenya’s construction industry, with a mere 3% as accredited artisans according to the National Construction Authority. Most are relegated to lower-paid informal jobs. Buildher, however, aims to change this by offering year-long programs in trades like tiling and carpentry, improving employment prospects and pay for women.
Since 2019, over 1,000 women have gone through Buildher’s training, vastly increasing their incomes. A 2024 study by Dalberg underscores the program’s success, showing that 65% of graduates remain in construction a year later. Architect and co-founder Tatu Gatere emphasizes breaking mental barriers to help women realize their potential.
Gatere, inspired by progress and word-of-mouth promotion, sees her efforts as pivotal. Ojiambo, a single mother, found new possibilities through Buildher, aiming to establish her carpentry business. Despite skeptics at work, her drive and belief in herself provide a foundation for success.
At Buildher’s training center at Spectrum Business Park, trainees learn new skills with meticulous guidance. Their journey includes mastering trades and tackling social barriers, such as financial struggles and societal resistance. Gatere notes that even as women gain leadership roles, sites still pose challenges.
Buildher addresses these issues by preparing trainees holistically, offering yoga, calisthenics, and wellness sessions. Mental health and nutrition support cater to emotional and physical readiness. Dalberg’s research confirms improvements in income, household decision-making, and community support.
Ruth Kiarie, a recent trainee, joins sports and mindfulness activities, exploring painting influenced by community projects and personal experiences. Her future goal is to work in color psychology.
In Tatu City, Buildher trainees showcase their skills. Pumi Lukhele from Gateway Real Estate Africa highlights their impressive work, with seven hired full-time. With over 150 partnerships, Buildher aspires to increase women’s construction participation to 10% by 2030.
Gatere envisions fewer battles for women’s inclusion, focusing on growth and independence, fostering entrepreneurial potential. Margaret Klamaitha, another Buildher graduate at Tatu City, plans to advance into quality control and grow her business, illustrating the program’s mantra: mindset defines achievement.