Amount You Can Use to Build This Type of House in Kenya.

Local families seek ways to own homes without big loans. Builders now share tips for low-cost three-bedroom designs in Kenya.

According to experts, a simple mabati house fits tight budgets best. "Use iron sheets for walls and roof to cut costs," said John Mwangi, a Nairobi contractor.

This approach keeps total spending under 500,000 Kenyan shillings. Plans start with basic sketches from local draftsmen.

First, survey the land for free drainage spots. Mark a 100-square-meter plot for the structure.

Next, gather materials like mabati sheets at 700 shillings each. Buy 150 sheets for walls and roof.

Add wooden poles for frames at 200 shillings apiece. Source 50 poles from nearby forests.

Dig shallow trenches for strip foundations. Pour concrete mix using 20 bags of cement at 600 shillings each.

Hire two fundis for labor over two weeks. Pay them 50,000 shillings total for skilled work.

Erect poles and nail mabati panels firmly. Leave space for three rooms and a sitting area.

Install a basic door from scrap wood. Fit small windows with wire mesh for light.

Roof the house with overlapping sheets. Seal edges with cheap tar to block rain.

Wire simple lights using 10,000 shillings on cables. Connect to nearest power pole.

Add pit latrine outside with 20,000 shillings. Dig and line it with mabati scraps.

Paint walls in white for brightness. Use leftover paint from neighbors to save.

Total cement costs 12,000 shillings. Mabati and poles run to 150,000 shillings.

Doors and windows take 30,000 shillings. Labor hits 50,000 shillings.

Wiring and latrine add 30,000 shillings. Paint and extras fill 20,000 shillings.

Foundations use 50,000 shillings for sand and ballast. Transport fees top 10,000 shillings.

Tools rent for 8,000 shillings weekly. Miscellaneous items like nails cost 10,000 shillings.

Grand total stays at 500,000 shillings. Families complete builds in one month.

Contractors advise buying in bulk for deals. "Shop at hardware stores in rural markets," Mwangi added.

Owners celebrate dry roofs under 500,000 shillings. More families join the low-cost trend.