Early Christmas for Bomet family as Berur FM, fans build new home

Section of the Sh500,000 house built by Berur FM in collaboration with fans for a family in Singorwet in Bomet county. [Gilbert Kimutai, Standard]

Christmas came early for a family of six from Singorwet after Standard Group's Berur FM presenters put a smile on their faces by mobilising fans to build a house for them.

Tears of joy flowed as the family, which had been living in a dilapidated structure, received the two-bedroomed house on Saturday.

Hundreds of fans of the radio station broadcasting in Kalenjin braved a heavy downpour to witness the grand opening of the house, presided over by Africa Gospel Church Reverend Caleb Langat.

Berur FM Gospel Show presenter Vivian Kurui Cheptugeniot said she was touched when she learned about the plight of the family.

"One of the sons from the family, who is a frequent listener and contributor to my morning Gospel Show, once called me and told me about what their mother Jane Chepkwony was going through. I was compelled to visit and found that they needed help to get shelter," said Kurui.

She said she went back to the station and discussed with Programmes Controller Edwin Kwambai before embarking on four months of mobilizing resources to build a house for the family.

Jane, a widow and their mother, said when her late husband fell ill, she sold their properties to seek treatment for him, and unfortunately, he passed away.

"With barely a small piece of land, we could do much to sustain ourselves. We went out daily to do menial jobs to get food and could not afford to build a house," she said.

Jane said it took the effort of their firstborn son, who is an ardent listener of Berur FM, to get them a house big enough to accommodate them.

"I cannot thank him enough; he has helped us get this house, and I pray that God will open ways for him in the future," she said, fighting back tears.

Berur FM Programme Controller Edwin Kwambai said they could not hesitate to help the family.

"We sacrificed our airtime to mobilise fans to raise money that we used to build this house, and I am happy that we have completed it. It is now open and ready for the family to occupy," said Kwambai.

Besides Standard Group, Bomet-based retailer Kipchimat Super Market also stepped in and helped the family with the shopping of food items.

Locals who turned up could not hide their joy, saying the family of Jane has been through thick and thin.

"Every time the rainy season sets in, we always fear for this family because of the structure they live in," said Josea Chepkwony.

Chepkwony said they were elated and even offered their labour to support the construction works. Kwamba said they were overwhelmed as a station when they saw the generosity shown by the fans in helping the family.

"Today I will sleep easy knowing the family of Jane has a house to call home," added Kurui.