Editor's Review

The lead contractor said the house built within seven days would stand strong for years.

It cost the national government upward of Sh 7 million to put up the late Kelvin Kiptum's house.

The tiny home was built within seven days as per President William Ruto's instruction to have it up before the deceased marathoner's burial.

Speaking to the press, Housing and Urban Development Principal Secretary Charles Hinga revealed that the precasting technology used was cost-effective and time-conscious.

"The contractor adopted modern precast or prefabricated technology and light gauge steel in the construction of the house at a cost of KSh 7 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," Hinga stated.

Housing PS Charles Hinga.

Hinga revealed that the engineers on site strived to beat up the seven-day deadline, and had to put up with the criticism by Kenyans.

But he was proud that the finished product disapproved of the naysayers.

"It's been seven long nights. At some point just as many Kenyans who were trolling it I was of course I got a lot of messages and photos sent to me and at some point, I was also a bit worried whether the end product would actually turn out to be this good. I am very happy," he stated.

The house was put up using the precast technology.

While observing curiosity from Kenyans, the PS said the prefabricated technology was not new.

He explained that the outside world had adopted it in construction houses, shelving the traditional methodology of construction works.

Addressing the queries of durability, lead contractor Navin Patel said the small abode would be up for years, borrowing an example from his own house which he revealed was still standing strong 10 years on.

The keys to the fully-furnished three-bedroom house were handed to Kiptum's widow, Asenath Rotich.

The living-room of Kelvin Kiptum's three-bedroom house.

The house was built in line with the marathoner's wish to have a home for his family.

Kiptum perished in a tragic road crash on February 11.