Nairobi: Houses Made From Soil

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Houses Made From Soil
The Nation (Nairobi)
February 9, 2006
Isaiah Esipisu
Nairobi

A building technology introduced from India promises strong, cheaper and beautiful residential and commercial houses made from ordinary soil and a little cement.

Already a pilot project is under construction at Kwa Vonza in Kitui District where 32 four bedroom houses have been put up for a model village. "In the past one year, we have been able to put up 32 four bed roomed houses, using this technology. We plan to erect 160 houses by the end of next year," said Anthony Kiragu, the project director for the Nyumbani village.

Anthony Kiragu of Nyumbani village demonstrates how the blocks are interlocked to create a wall.

Using ordinary soil on whatever site in the country, the technology offers houses that are 42 per cent cheaper than conventional structures. The technology has been tested by the University of Nairobi's department of Architecture and Building Science and found suitable.

"All one needs is to stabilise the block, in order to reduce the amount of moisture absorption, and to compress it, making it strong to the accepted standards," says Dr Laban Shihembetsa of the university. (....)

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