This archive report was first published on 8 July 2019.
Published on July 8, 2019, a remarkable story of self-empowerment and collective effort emerged from Nanyuki, Kenya, where a group of Boda Boda riders achieved their dream of owning multi-million homes.
The 120 beneficiaries, members of Nabosa Housing Cooperative Society, an offshoot of the Nanyuki Boda Boda Sacco, had been contributing a minimum of Sh. 350 weekly since October 2015. Their savings added up to Sh. 120,000 by December 2016, a crucial milestone in their journey to homeownership.
With the support of the National Cooperative Housing Union (Nachu), the riders partnered to finance the project, which began in January 2018. The first phase saw the completion of starter units, popularly known as bedsitters, each worth Sh. 700,000. The second phase, which started in July 2018, included the construction of one-bedroom houses worth Sh. 960,000 each.
Located in Ichuga village, seven kilometres from Nanyuki town, the houses are in a gated community on a six-acre piece of land that cost Sh. 7 million. The project's success can be attributed to the guidance of the Laikipia County Government and the local co-operative office, which advised the riders on how to secure financing.
According to Nabosa Housing Sacco Chairman Patrick Waithaka, the members were required to raise Sh. 159,000 by December 2017 to occupy the small houses and pay the balance within five years. However, members were free to contribute more by the occupancy date to reduce the balance of the Sh. 700,000 loan.
Already, the project is at an advanced stage, with roofing in progress. The second phase of the project is open to non-members, and the chairman, who is also the chairman of the Laikipia Boda Boda Sacco Unions, says they will incorporate outsiders in the second phase since there is enough space to build more houses.
