Inside Kelvin Kiptum’s marathon Ksh.7M house built in 7 days

Last week, President William Ruto directed a contractor to ensure that a pair of houses is built for the family of the late marathoner Kelvin Kiptum ahead of his burial in Naiberi, Uasin Gishu County.

The construction, which kicked off on Friday, was expected to be completed by this week on Thursday.

A week later, a state-of-the-art house had been erected at Kiptum's farm in Naiberi.

Painted in a light cream tint bringing in the required brightness, a small, yet dainty flower bed decorates the entrance of the magnificent house which sits on the four-acre piece of land.

As you enter, you see an elegant living room with stylish wallpapers, unique decorations and cosy furniture perfect for a home befitting a hero, Kiptum, who unfortunately didn’t live long enough to enjoy his rest there after the long and torturous marathons. 

The house, which will now be occupied by his wife and children, has three graceful and fancy bedrooms all master ensuite.

The house was officially handed over to the family, with residents and Kenyans at large still in awe at how all this was achieved in slightly less than a week.

“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,” said Housing and Urban Development Principal Secretary Charles Hinga said.

The government is also putting up a house for Kiptum's father as it promises to put in necessary measures to address the welfare concerns of all athletes who continue to fly the Kenyan flag high in the global sports arena.