Kenyan Man Shows Off Simple One-Room Permanent House Which Cost KSh 55k, Breaks Down Costs

• In a post on the Dream House and Building Forum, Eric Fuja said Kenyans who cannot afford to build a big house can start with a small one
• Kuja said iron sheets cost KSh 7,000, bricks KSh 8,000, cement KSh 7,000, labour KSh 10,000 and timber KSh 5,000
• His post ignited a debate on Facebook, with Kenyans sharing different opinions as others congratulated him

A Kenyan man has shared a photo of a one-room permanent house whose construction cost an estimated KSh 55,000.

In a post on the Dream House and Building Forum, Eric Fuja said Kenyans who cannot afford to build a big house can start with a small one.

He noted that they could expand the house to accommodate more rooms with time.

"Some ask if you can build a small house with KSh 55,000. The answer is yes," Fuja wrote.

What's cost of building one-room house?

Kuja broke down the cost of constructing a permanent one-room house as follows:

What's the architect's view?

Fuja told TUKO.co.ke his idea of sharing the house's photo to encourage Kenyans to start from humble beginnings.

"I just wanted to encourage people to start small. This is because people think you must have millions to build a house. I wanted to change that narrative, especially among the youth," he said.

Many people live in slums and pay a lot of money. If somebody can save a little, they can live in a decent house," he added.

Adrian Gachewa, a graduate architect, explained that the cost of building a one-room house depends on the finishing one desires.

Hello. The estimate (KSh 55,000) is rough, from my assessment. But that could depend on the finishes that the client chooses.

With standard materials, finishes, and doors and windows, the estimated cost could be around KSh 80,000," he told TUKO.co.ke.

How Kenyans reacted

Kuja's post ignited a debate on Facebook, with Kenyans sharing different opinions.

TUKO.co.ke sampled some comments:

Shiko Joseph said:

"Very encouraging. keep up the good work."

ShikoAnas Rawlife:

"Congratulations. You have a home safer and better than mabati rentals, which most people live in Nairobi."

Damaris Nyingi disclosed:

"I also started with a single room like that, but now I have almost 30 rooms...I would advise anyone to begin and let God's grace drive you."

Nzyimi Kyalo said:

"Congrats. You have done yourself proud. I am happy for you."

Stella Mbevi added:

"Very impressive."

What's cost of roofing 3-bedroom house?

In related news, Kenyans shared their experience building a house, breaking down the cost of roofing materials.

This followed a social media post asking whether a three-bedroom house roofing can cost up to KSh 380,000.

In the post, a Kenyan man shared the cost of roofing materials and labour, amounting to KSh 382,780.