Sociology graduate finds new calling in health, safety at Nyeri Modern Market

A construction site is giving young people an opportunity to apply their academic training in new ways, with intern Diana Muthoni-Getira taking on a health and safety role at the Nyeri Modern Market in Rware Ward.

Muthoni-Getira is a sociology and economics intern at the project but says her experience on site has enabled her to develop a new career pathway as a health and safety officer.

“I’m a sociology and economics intern, but I’ve also taken a turn in my career. I’ve achieved to become an HSO, that’s a health and safety officer on this site,” she says.

She is currently working as construction activities continue at the terrace level. Muthoni-Getira says the experience has exposed her to aspects of construction that were outside her academic background.

“When I came here, I didn’t know much about construction, I didn’t know much about the development happening,” she says.

The site has also brought her into contact with people from different places who come for employment, giving her an opportunity to build professional networks and gain practical experience beyond the classroom.

Project Clerk of Works Dorcas Kathambi Kang’ethe says seven interns have been engaged on the project, providing young people with opportunities to gain practical experience.

Kang’ethe says the interns have developed their skills during their time on site, with some becoming interested in construction.

The project brief states that construction of the Nyeri Modern Market has generated employment opportunities for skilled and unskilled workers within the locality.

At 70 per cent physical progress, the project is taking shape as a modern trading facility designed to provide improved trading spaces and accommodate a higher number of traders.

The development is also intended to facilitate the relocation of traders from the bus terminal and provide dedicated spaces for different categories of traders.

The market will include areas for fruits and vegetables, clothes and shoes, household goods, as well as cold stores and bulk stores. Supporting facilities will include an ICT hub, social hall, M-Pesa shops, a children’s play area and waste management facilities.

The project brief also notes that significant time was required during mass excavation after the site was found to be located on a former dumping area, requiring excavation of more than 10 metres.

For Muthoni-Getira, the experience has demonstrated the value of practical exposure for young people entering the workforce.

She says the site provides opportunities for people to learn from one another, with qualified workers taking on responsibilities while others receive practical training.

“To my fellow youths, we don’t have discrimination on this site. If you are qualified for the job, you get the job. We also teach guys jobs here,” she says.

She encourages young people to take advantage of opportunities that allow them to gain practical experience and develop skills.

The Nyeri Modern Market campaign brief identifies employment, expanded trading space and increased opportunities for businesses among the anticipated socio-economic benefits of the development.