Kenya’s Buildher Aims to Transform Women’s Roles in Construction Through Training and Advocacy

Kenya’s construction sector remains overwhelmingly male-dominated, with women comprising just 3% of accredited artisans, according to the Kenya National Construction Authority. A Nairobi-based nonprofit, Buildher, is challenging this imbalance by offering vocational training and support to women, helping them secure higher-paying, skilled roles in the industry. Since 2019, the organization has trained more than 1,000 women, with graduates increasing their average daily earnings roughly five- to six-fold within a year of training — from about $1.50 to between $11 and $12, according to Buildher.

What Challenges Do Women Face in Kenya’s Construction Sector?

Women in Kenya’s construction industry often encounter systemic barriers, including limited access to formal training, lower wages, and workplace harassment. A 2024 Dalberg survey of 354 women in construction found that many were confined to informal roles such as carrying materials or cleaning sites, while skilled positions remained inaccessible. Cultural norms also pressure women to prioritize caregiving, exacerbating economic instability. “Even as women increasingly entered leadership positions within their firms, construction sites remained hostile environments,” said Tatu Gatere, a Buildher cofounder and architect, noting that harassment and lack of safety measures persist.

How Does Buildher’s Program Work?

Buildher’s year-long training covers trades like tiling, carpentry, and painting, paired with wellness and soft-skills development. Trainees participate in yoga, mindfulness sessions, and physical fitness classes to build resilience for demanding work environments. The curriculum also addresses practical challenges, such as navigating male-dominated workplaces and managing household responsibilities. “These women come here knowing nothing about tiling. By the end of this training, they are able to work, earn money and improve the life of their family,” said Robert Ndungu, a Buildher trainer.

The program’s success is evident in outcomes like those of Diana Ojiambo, a 24-year-old machine operator at Nairobi’s Furniture International. After completing Buildher’s training, she now earns more and plans to start her own carpentry business. “If you know what you want, and you believe in yourself, you show them that whatever they can do, you can do better,” she said, referencing male coworkers who initially doubted her capabilities.