SOLICITATION FOR GOVERNMENT ACTION RELATING TO CONSTRUCTION MATERIAL COSTS

Benmike Wekesa

The rising cost of construction materials has sparked calls for government intervention to alleviate the burden on families struggling to afford essential housing supplies. Karanja Mburu Wamatangi, a noted philanthropist from Murang’a, highlighted the plight of many families who find it increasingly difficult to purchase materials like cement and iron sheets due to significant price hikes.

Speaking on Tuesday at the ground-breaking ceremony for a new house in the Thengeini area of Muchungucha, Wamatangi emphasized the urgent need for the government to consider lowering construction costs. “Many families are grappling with hard economic times, and the government should step in to make building materials more affordable so that everyone can have a decent home,” he stated.

Wamatangi cited the dramatic price increase of cement as a critical issue, noting that the price of a 50-kilo bag has risen from Sh650 to Sh850 since December last year, a 20 percent increase. He warned that if the trend continues, families might revert to building traditional houses, which are less suitable for modern climate conditions.

One such family benefiting from Wamatangi’s generosity is that of Obadiah Kariuki. Obadiah, a father of four, has been living in a makeshift structure due to his inability to afford a permanent home. Witnessing his struggles, Wamatangi mobilized resources through his foundation, Can-Do-Kids International, to build a four-bedroom house for Obadiah’s family. The project, estimated to cost Sh700,000, is expected to be completed in 90 days.

Obadiah expressed immense gratitude for the support, saying, “I can’t comprehend that I will live in a permanent house; we are used to enduring torrents of rain, sleeping under harsh conditions, and most of the time without food.” He added that his previous attempts to build temporary structures were thwarted by natural calamities, and his meager income of Sh7,000 per month could not cover both building and basic needs.

Tabitha Wanjiku, another resident, echoed the call for government action, explaining that her daily earnings of Sh250 from menial jobs are insufficient to save for construction materials. “The escalating costs are forcing many families to build temporary houses, which are not sustainable,” she lamented.

Wamatangi’s efforts highlight the broader issue of housing affordability in Kenya, urging both community members and the government to collaborate in finding sustainable solutions for those in need.