Housing Principal Secretary Charles Hinga has revealed that the house of the late world record marathon holder Kelvin Kiptum cost Ksh7 million.
Speaking during the handover of the house to the deceased's family, the CS noted that many Kenyans had trolled the three-bedroom house with some online users questioning whether it would meet the standards expected.
Hinga defended the pre-cast technology used to construct the house which he argued was affordable as compared to others built with the brick and mortar technology.
In addition, Hinga emphasised that the technology was gaining momentum across the globe given the short time taken to put up the house.
Kiptum's house was undertaken within seven days with workers working day and night shifts to beat the deadline set by President William Ruto.
On the other hand, Hinga also called on Kenyans who intend to build homes in the future to adopt the technology which had proven successful.
“The contractor adopted modern precast or prefabricated technology and light gauge steel in the construction of the house for Ksh7 million.
"This technology which is gaining popularity across the world, allows constructors to fabricate concrete components off-site. Not only is it faster but it is considered a cost-effective alternative to the brick-and-mortar walling system,” he stated.
On his part, the contractor, Navin Patel, also addressed concerns about sustainability, maintaining that Kiptum's house would stay intact for many years to come.
"In terms of durability, my house has stood for 10 years. The technology has also been there for over 50 years and has been used in America, South Africa and New Zealand.
"This technology is mostly used in America where wood is very expensive," he stated.
Meanwhile, the contractor is also undertaking the construction of another house for Kiptum's father in honour of the athlete who desired to see the dream come true.
Ruto also gifted Kiptum's wife and kids another house under the affordable housing programme.
"Just the way we had said, we have already given the family Ksh5 million and now the government will give him another new house beside the house we have built here and it will belong to his wife," the Head of State announced and further promised her a job.
