Rising high: How Nyeri's real estate boom is empowering the juakali sector

An artisan in Nyeri. [File, Standard] The sight of cranes piercing through Nyeri Town's skyline has become more than a sign of construction-it is now a symbol of progress. But beyond the scaffolding, cement mixers, and dust clouds, a far more powerful transformation is underway - the rise of local opportunities and economic inclusion. In the estates of Ruring'u and Blue Valley, two major government-backed affordable housing projects are doing more than changing the physical landscape. They are reshaping a future for artisans, youth, and small enterprises. For them, these are not just construction sites-they are bridges to dignity, income and entry into Kenya's evolving formal economy. The Ruring'u development is a high-rise residential estate rising across four 11-floor blocks. Once completed, the estate will host 468 housing units, five commercial blocks, a school, and an early childhood development centre. Just a few kilometres away in Blue Valley, another 381 housing units are under construction across three residential blocks, accompanied by two commercial complexes. But beyond the walls and beams, the heartbeat of these projects lies in the people building them-welders, carpenters, electricians, masons, and painters-many of them from Nyeri's juakali sector, now finding a place in formal development projects. Erick Karaba, a veteran welder and member of Nyeri's Grogon Welders Association, said the Affordable Housing Programme (AHP) has opened a new chapter for artisans who were previously sidelined. "In the past, you'd hear tenders were awarded, and you knew you had no chance. They went to people from Nairobi or those with government links," he said. Although he has not yet been contracted, Karaba recently attended a government-organised forum where local artisans were briefed on tender requirements and guided on how to prepare their bills of quantities. "For the first time, we're being told exactly what is needed to qualify. That never used to happen. We were always on the outside, watching tenders go to people with connections," he noted. Alex Nyoro, another welder from Nyeri, echoed similar sentiments. He said the juakali sector has waited too long for this kind of recognition. "Before this, the Juakali sector was rarely involved in government construction projects, they said we didn't have the papers. They doubted our capacity. But now, they're calling us in," he said. Nyoro's team is now preparing to submit a Bill of Quantities for upcoming installations. He hopes that the current level of recognition will lead to long-term inclusion in national development programmes. "This project has proved we can work at the same standard as big companies. If we're supported with tenders and training, we'll go far," he said. Nyeri Town Member of the National Assembly Duncan Mathenge, who has championed youth participation in the affordable housing programme, believes the shift is both economic and cultural. During a recent tour of the Ruring'u site, now on the eighth floor, he encouraged the youth to rethink how they pursue opportunities. "We have told the young people not to put finance ahead of their ability to deliver. If you have the skills, the money will come," the MP said. Mathenge said the government, through structured programmes under the Governor's Office, the Youth Enterprise Development Fund, and the Enterprise Development Fund, is committed to supporting skilled artisans and micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs in entering public procurement spaces. "Let's focus on proving we are skilled and ready. Once the skill is visible, support will follow-be it from Sacco or friendly banks," he said. According to Mathenge, several financial institutions have already begun tailoring products for artisans in the construction and manufacturing sectors. Cooperative Bank, KCB, Equity Bank, and Family Bank are offering customised financial packages for MSMEs, while Saccos such as Taifa, Biashara, and New Forties have introduced group-based lending models to support artisans collectively bidding for contracts. This financial backing is crucial. At Ruring'u, tenders are already open for window and door installation. Each floor has 10 units, with each unit requiring six doors. That amounts to over 1,000 doors and 1,200 windows across just three blocks, most of which can be locally fabricated and supplied. John Mwangi, the site manager at Ruring'u, confirmed that the fabrication phase is now active. "We are sourcing timber doors-roughly six per house, 10 houses per floor, 11 floors, across three blocks, the quantities are high. We want local artisans to take up this work. We are already seeing good quality from local suppliers," he said. Still, the transition from informal to formal systems presents significant challenges for many Juakali artisans. Many lack business registration, tax compliance certificates, capital to purchase materials upfront, and experience with government procurement systems. Some worry that larger firms may undercut them with lower bids and better logistics. To address these barriers, the Nyeri office of the Micro and Small Enterprises Authority (MSEA) has launched pre-qualification clinics to help Juakali artisans become tender-ready. These workshops guide groups like the Ground Shapers Association and Grogon Welders on how to fill the Bills of Quantities, organise compliance documents, and strengthen their group capacity. "We are trying to ensure our people are not left out just because of paperwork; the work is there. They just have to organise themselves," MP Mathenge said. According to Seth Amollo, the lead engineer for both Ruring'u and Blue Valley, beyond direct employment, the projects are also proving to be job incubators. Over 2,000 workers-both skilled and unskilled-have been engaged across the two sites. Many are learning on the job, gaining technical skills in masonry, scaffolding, painting, electrical work, and plumbing. "These are not just buildings-they are economic engines, each door, tile, window, or railing is a chance for someone to earn and grow," he said. The projects are also reshaping how Nyeri locals think about urban housing. Rather than separating commercial and residential zones, both Ruring'u and Blue Valley are embracing mixed-use design. Grocery stores, salons, cyber cafes, daycare centres, and eateries will be integrated into the estates, allowing residents to access everyday services without leaving their community. "We're building estates that are small cities, you can work, shop, eat, and live in the same space," Amollo added. This mirrors emerging trends in Nairobi and other urban centres where convenience and proximity are becoming major drivers of real estate design. With land in Nyeri's urban core becoming scarce and expensive, vertical construction is proving to be the most viable model. The 12-storey towers in Ruring'u mark a significant shift away from the traditional bungalow-style homes toward high-density, space-efficient housing. As Nyeri urbanises, the question is no longer whether high-rise estates belong in the county, but how well local communities are prepared to plug into their construction, maintenance, and management. "We want these young people to see housing not just as something to live in, but as an economy to plug into," Mathenge said. His office has also committed to working with MSEA and the county government to accelerate artisan registration, certification and compliance. From welding and carpentry to electrical fittings and sanitation, the projects are designed to reflect a Kenyan workforce that is skilled, self-reliant, and community-driven. "Every time I walk into that site and see a local boy fitting windows or a woman running the food tent for workers, I know we're building more than houses. We're building dignity," Mathenge said.

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