This archive report was first published on 21 June 2020.
On a mission to change the face of Kibra, Dennis Andere, a boda boda rider turned entrepreneur, is building a school in the slum using innovative brick technology.
Andere's journey began when he met Oliver von Malm, the founder of Start Somewhere Kenya, while working as a boda boda rider in the area.
"This was the first company to make twist and lock block bricks in Kenya. I used to ride a motorcycle and because of clients, I met the founder of this organisation. He is called Oliver," Andere stated during an NTV show on June 21, 2020.
Under the guidance of von Malm, Andere and his team have established a production team of three people and an intern, providing employment to many youth from Kibra.
"We saw no need of getting people from outside when we can get them in Kibra," Andere explained, noting that new employees are taken through a tutorial before they master the craft.
The project is not only creating employment but also changing the face of the slum, with the construction of a school being the first of its kind in the area.
"Once we are done with the school, people will be wondering, 'where is this brick from?' By then, we shall get more clients," Andere remarked.
Andere's vision for the future is to have the organisation become self-financed without overreliance on aid, empowering its employees and creating a sustainable impact in the community.
