The government’s Affordable Housing Programme(AHP) is not only addressing the housing deficit in the country but is also emerging as a major source of employment, internships and skills development for young people in Chuka and across the country.
At the Chuka Public Works Affordable Housing site, several youths have secured internship opportunities and casual jobs, allowing them to gain hands-on experience, earn an income and build professional networks.
Speaking at the site, Maurice Gitonga, an intern attached to the project, said the programme has provided practical training aligned with his studies in Building Technology at Chuka Technical Vocational College.
“I’m here at Chuka Public Works Affordable Housing as an intern. I studied Building Technology and I was sent here by the government as a Building Inspector to inspect and monitor the progress of the housing units to ensure the work is progressing well,” he said.
Gitonga noted that the experience is helping him apply classroom knowledge in a real working environment while sharpening his technical skills in the construction sector.
Wycliff Mwenda, a resident of Chuka working at the site, praised both the national and county governments for fulfilling their promise of creating jobs through the housing programme.
“I congratulate the county government and national government for bringing employment opportunities like this Affordable Housing project. As Gen Z youth, we cannot remain idle. We can work, save money and even pursue skills training,” he said.
Mwenda added that the project is giving many young people hope and a chance to become financially independent.
Another intern, Marvice Wanja Mugambi, said the programme has become an important stepping stone for graduates seeking experience in their professional fields.
Mugambi, who graduated from Karatina University with a Bachelor’s degree, works in project communication and stakeholder engagement at the Chuka Affordable Housing project.
“Here at Chuka Public Works Affordable Housing, I am tasked with designing and disseminating project communication materials, supporting branding and stakeholder events,” she said.
Mugambi noted that the President’s launch of the internship programme at various Affordable Housing projects benefited over 5,000 young people. She highlighted that the initiative provided invaluable skills, career opportunities, and a vital platform for networking with industry professionals.
“This internship helps us gain capital at the end of the month, create networks and acquire skills that can even help us start something of our own after the internship,” she added.
The Affordable Housing Programme, championed by the government under President William Ruto, continues to create employment opportunities for engineers, technicians, interns, communication professionals and casual workers while supporting skills transfer among young people.
Speaking early this year, during the onboarding of graduate interns under the AHP, President William Ruto emphasized that sustainable growth relies heavily on investing in people.
“We all know that any country that has made any meaningful development has done so by building their human capital,” President Ruto stated. Addressing the cohort of interns, the President highlighted the value of practical, real-world experience over classroom theory.
“Education is significant, and that is why today as I talk to these interns, we are giving them an opportunity to go and experience live infrastructure projects. This is a chance to sharpen the skills you have learned and to actualize what you were taught in the classroom.” He added.
