Kenyan Women Builders Given Ksh 4,328,000 By Gateway

Skills development and the empowerment of women in construction received a major boost Gateway Real Estate Africa, handed over a donation of 4,328,000 shillings to Buildher Kenya.

The non-profit operation was founded in 2018 to equip disadvantaged women in Kenya with accredited construction skills and is the only female-focused organization registered to sit for the prestigious National
Industrial Training Authority exams.

“We are very proud to be a funder to Buildher and I hope this is the start of a long relationship. The empowerment of women in the construction sector is something we feel very strongly about, as reflected by a large number of females in our senior management team,” said GREA co-founder and CEO, Greg Pearson.

Buildher trainees consist of women aged 17 to 40 years and include all women from disadvantaged neighborhoods located in the east of Nairobi. The training program lasts for 12 months with new courses starting every year to allow for a systematic advancement through the technical skills curriculum including carpentry and joinery, painting, and decorating.

Each cohort enrollment accommodates 30 women and approximately four months are spent learning trade skills before being placed at pre-approved employees for two to eight months of training in a live working environment.

“Buildher develops artisans at a higher skill level in a shorter period of time. Our trainees surpass entry-level industry standards that contribute to higher quality, productivity, and increased efficiencies. In addition, they learn valuable life skills including communication, fitness, and mental health to ensure work readiness,” said Buildher Kenya co-founder and CEO, Tatu Gatere.

Buildher’s trainers comprise professionals with educational and industry experience. An impact team collects data and a dedicated placement team ensures candidates are successfully placed with employer partners.

Research has shown that after four months of training, cohorts report an increase in income of 520 percent on average. Employers report a 67% increase in productivity and 60% have changed their policies to incorporate gender, sexual harassment, and dignified pay.

GREA has contracted both local and international engineers and consultants. Considering its successful track record with companies such as MACE YMR, services including quantity surveying, project management, construction, and other sub-contracting services have been sourced locally, with Betts & Townsend Project Managers leading the consultant team