Kenya’s Affordable Housing Programme (AHP) — a major government initiative building thousands of units (including in Mukuru) — is expected to generate large numbers of jobs for professionals and skilled labour. However:
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Many mass hiring adverts you see online are unofficial or fake — the government has warned the public not to trust unverified vacancies claiming 10,000+ openings.
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Employment in affordable housing construction tends to be project-based and tied to contractors working with the government or private developers, not centrally hired en masse by the government. Often, contractors post their own vacancies when they are recruiting.
🛠️ Typical Roles Available
📌 1) Construction & Skilled Trade Roles (e.g., masons, carpenters)
These roles are in demand on ongoing housing construction sites, including sites near Mukuru Kwa Njenga.
Common positions:
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Masons / bricklayers
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Helpers / assistants
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Carpenters
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Plumbers
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Electricians
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Ground workers / labourers
Typical requirements for masons / skilled labour:
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Basic education (KCSE with at least D+ preferred) or practical experience.
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Vocational training (TVET / NITA certification) is a strong advantage.
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Apprenticeship experience or on-site training is often all contractors require.
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Construction safety knowledge is beneficial but not always mandatory.
Note: Some contractors may hire informally — handing out work on-site without formal adverts — so physical attendance with a CV at construction offices or sites increases chances of getting hired directly.
📌 2) Engineering & Technical Roles
Large affordable-housing projects sometimes recruit:
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Civil engineers
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Structural engineers
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Quantity surveyors
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Building/Construction supervisors
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Site clerks of works
These roles typically need formal qualifications and experience.
Example: A recent public opportunity for Clerk of Works (site supervisor) required diplomas or degrees in Civil/Building/Construction Engineering plus project experience.
📌 3) Internships / Graduate Opportunities
Some government programmes and partners (including NGOs) offer structured internships for fresh graduates in construction-related fields (engineering, surveying, architecture, construction management).
For example, a stated internship initiative targeted around 4,000 positions in the broader affordable housing programme.
📍 Where to Find Real Job Openings
🔎 1) Government & Contractor Job Boards
Check the following regularly for genuine adverts:
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Public Service Commission Kenya (PSC) careers site
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National Housing Corporation (NHC) careers portal
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Ministry of Lands, Public Works, Housing & Urban Development
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Official contractor / developer websites for housing projects
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Kenya Gazette (official job advert publication)
These sources post legitimate government or contractor recruitment notices.
📎 2) Construction & Recruitment Agencies
Some local agencies specialise in placing workers in construction trades. Contact them in person or by phone/email to register CVs.
📎 3) Local Site Visits & Networking
Because many construction jobs — especially for masons and assistants — are filled locally:
✔ Visit construction offices or site labour camps near projects (e.g., in Mukuru areas) with your CV.
✔ Ask supervisors or foremen directly whether they’re hiring.
✔ Join local construction worker groups/WhatsApp chats where jobs are posted informally.
📌 Tips for Applying Successfully
🧾 For skilled trades (masons, carpenters, helpers)
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Prepare a simple CV listing any training/experience.
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Carry copies of your ID, certificates, NITA/TVET credentials if you have them.
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Dress cleanly and be prepared to talk in person with site supervisors; many jobs are offered directly on site.
🎓 For engineering/technical roles
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Apply through official channels (PSC, NHC, ministry or contractor career pages).
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Use LinkedIn and industry job sites (e.g., Fuzu, BrighterMonday) to find advertised openings.
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Tailor your CV/resume and cover letter to the specific construction role.
📌 Summary
| Job Type | Typical Requirements | How to Apply |
|---|---|---|
| Masons / Skilled Trades | Basic education + vocational training or hands-on experience | Site visits, local contractor contacts, agencies |
| Construction Helpers / Labourers | ID + willingness to work | On-site walking applications |
| Engineering / Supervisory | Diploma/degree + experience | Official job boards and contractor websites |
| Internships (graduates) | Relevant degree/TVET | Government/NHC/partner application calls |
