Habitat for Humanity Kenya Participates in the 2024 Association of Grassroot Journalists of Kenya Conference
Recently, Habitat for Humanity Kenya had the privilege of participating in the 2024 Association of Grassroot Journalists of Kenya (AGJK) conference held in Mombasa. Themed “Unlocking the Potential of Community Media in Kenya,” the two-day event brought together over 100 grassroots journalists, media professionals, and key stakeholders to explore the vital role of community media in driving social change and advocacy.
During the conference, Habitat for Humanity Kenya led a pivotal session on land and housing reporting, underscoring the critical role of community media in advocating for secure land tenure and affordable housing. Media plays an undeniable role in amplifying housing challenges that affect vulnerable communities across Kenya. Through impactful storytelling and reporting, journalists can highlight housing as a fundamental human right and drive policy discussions that influence positive outcomes.
Grassroots media is a lifeline for the communities. By focusing on local issues, it amplifies the voices and needs of marginalized communities, ensuring their concerns are heard. Importantly, grassroots journalism serves as a bridge between vulnerable groups and decision-makers, bringing urgent issues such as:
- Access to secure housing
- Land rights
- Water, hygiene, and sanitation services
- Social services and inclusion
In this way, community media empowers residents to engage actively in solving local challenges while fostering collaboration among key stakeholders.
The AGJK conference served as a platform to reaffirm Habitat for Humanity Kenya’s commitment to strengthening partnerships with grassroots media. By working together, we aim to amplify the voices of those in need, ensuring that housing issues, land rights, and related challenges remain at the forefront of public discourse.
Through these collaborations, Habitat for Humanity Kenya believes in the power of media to spark real change, shape conversations, and advocate for solutions that improve the living conditions of communities across Kenya. We look forward to continuing our collaborative efforts with grassroots journalists, using media as a tool to build hope and drive social transformation.
Building Resilience, Health, and Hope in Solio, Laikipia County
In the semi-arid plains of Solio, Laikipia County, a silent but pressing challenge has long shaped the lives of its residents. Unstable ground conditions have caused toilets to collapse frequently, exposing families to serious health risks such as cholera and diarrheal diseases. However, amidst these challenges, a story of resilience, innovation, and empowerment is emerging, thanks to Habitat for Humanity Kenya (HFHK) and its partners, the Lions Germany.
Addressing the persistent issue of collapsing toilets, HFHK introduced the Safi VIP toilet, an innovative facility designed to withstand the unstable soil conditions in Solio. At the heart of this solution are Safi rings—specialized culvert-like structures that reinforce the foundation, ensuring long-term durability. This simple yet effective design provides families with access to safe and dignified sanitation, mitigating the risks of disease outbreaks.
Beyond infrastructure, HFHK is empowering the Solio community to take ownership of their health and hygiene practices. Twenty Community Health Promoters (CHPs) have been trained to educate families on sanitation and hygiene, encouraging behavior change and demonstrating the use of simple yet impactful tools like tippy taps for handwashing.
James, one of the CHPs, shared his experience:
“We’ve seen fewer illnesses and increased awareness of hygiene practices. Tools like the tippy tap are small changes that make a big difference.”
Central to this initiative is a focus on youth empowerment. HFHK invited young people from Solio to participate in specialized training on constructing Safi VIP toilets. This training not only addresses immediate sanitation needs but also equips the youth with practical skills for economic independence.
Among the trainees is Louise, a high school graduate whose determination to uplift her community led her to join the month-long training program. As she constructed a Safi VIP toilet for a partner family, she shared her vision:
“This isn’t just about building toilets—it’s about saving lives and giving families dignity. I’m proud of what I’ve learned and excited for the future.”
The impact of HFHK’s efforts extends beyond sanitation. Through the Farmer Field Schools, the project is equipping local farmers with climate-smart agricultural practices. This initiative ensures that rehabilitated boreholes provide water not just for drinking but also for sustainable farming activities, empowering the community to build resilience against climate change.
Elizabeth, a resident of Solio Village 3, captured the transformative spirit of the project:
“With the rehabilitated boreholes, our village will turn evergreen. We’ll grow and sell crops throughout the year, regardless of weather changes.”
HFHK’s work in Solio is a testament to its mission of building hope and resilience alongside homes. The ultimate goal is clear: zero cases of cholera and improved sanitation for all families in Solio’s four villages.
The Safi VIP toilets, combined with ongoing hygiene education and community involvement, are setting the foundation for a healthier, more empowered community. With every effort—from James’ hygiene campaigns to Louise’s construction skills—Solio is moving closer to a future where every family can thrive in dignity and health.
A New Dawn for Families as Habitat for Humanity Kenya hands over 51 homes in Laikipia and Machakos marking World Habitat Day 2024 celebrations
Habitat for Humanity Kenya (HFHK) handed over 51 newly built homes in Laikipia and Machakos in a vibrant celebration of World Habitat Day (WHD)2024. Embracing the theme ‘Engaging Youth to Create a Better Urban Future,’ the festivities took place in Naibor, Segera Ward, Laikipia County, and Kiasa-Kyumbi, Machakos County. Communities came together to celebrate the transformative power of safe and adequate housing. The event highlighted the importance of housing as a foundation for a sustainable future.
Habitat officially presented the 51 newly constructed houses (11 in Laikipia and 40 in Machakos) to vulnerable families built in collaboration with Tithers, Global Volunteers and Hope Builders donors. These homes have brought transformative change to the lives of its beneficiaries, providing them with safe, decent, and secure shelter.
Transforming Lives in Kiasa, Kyumbi as 40 Families Embrace New Homes
In the heart of Kiasa, Kyumbi, a life-changing moment unfolded as Habitat for Humanity Kenya handed over 40 new homes to families who previously lived in challenging conditions. For beneficiaries like Jotham Busoro and Sharon Mutindi, this was more than just a handover—it was a fresh start filled with hope, dignity, and security. With the support of Tither Affiliates, these houses were constructed using Insulated Concrete Forms housing technology.
Jotham, an 80-year-old grandfather, had endured life in a crumbling house with leaking roofs and decaying walls, which took a toll on his health and contributed to a recent stroke.
Despite these difficulties, he cared for his three-week-old grandchild in these precarious conditions. “My life was filled with despair. I had no shelter, no safety, and my health kept declining. But now, thanks to Habitat for Humanity, I have a home that protects me and my family. This home has given me peace, security, and a new chance at life,” Jotham shared.
For Sharon Mutindi, the transformation is just as profound. Her previous home exposed her children to harsh weather; whenever it rained, she would move them to a corner to escape the leaks. “We were constantly moving to avoid the rain, but the cold would still get to us,” she recalled. Now, Sharon and her children live in a safe, dry home. “This house has transformed our lives—it’s more than just walls and a roof; it’s our protection, our comfort, our future.”
The handover event brought together Machakos County leaders, and Community leaders to celebrate this milestone. Governor H.E. Wavinya Ndeti, EGH, highlighted the broader impact of housing. “These 40 homes are not just structures; they represent hope, security, and a future full of possibilities. We are committed to ensuring that every family in Machakos has a safe and decent place to live. I thank Habitat for Humanity Kenya for their unwavering support in making this vision a reality.”
Winnie Kivuti, Director of Special Programs, emphasized the dignity restored through these homes: “This partnership with Habitat for Humanity Kenya has brought new dignity to our families. The Governor has pledged additional support to ensure they thrive, and we look forward to building even more homes in the future.”
Chief Officer for Gender and Social Welfare, Bernette Wavinya, discussed the initiative’s expansion. “Housing is a basic need, and what we’ve done today is provide safety and stability. Our goal is to reach more disadvantaged areas, such as the plains beyond Lukenya, and give families the chance to rebuild their lives.”
Local leaders also underlined the importance of youth empowerment, with Area MCA Hon. Francis Wambua envisioning a community resource center to equip young people with skills for the future.
The handover was a testament to the power of partnership and a reminder that housing is more than just a roof—it’s the foundation for a better life. As Habitat for Humanity Kenya and Machakos County continue this journey, the transformative potential of affordable housing is evident, with families like Jotham’s and Sharon’s now able to dream of a brighter future.
Read more: HFHK October Newsletter 2024