Lenterit Village

In June 2024, we conducted a comprehensive survey among the Turkana community in Lenterit village, located in the Loyangalani Ward of Marsabit County. Our mission was to understand the challenges faced by the community regarding their traditional housing and explore potential solutions for improving living conditions.

Scarcity of Building Materials

The community shared that the availability of essential building materials, such as sisal and building sticks, has significantly dwindled. This scarcity makes constructing a durable home increasingly difficult, leaving families to struggle with small and fragile shelters.

Small and Vulnerable Shelters

Most traditional homes are not big enough to fit an entire family, with many households having to squeeze into cramped spaces. The materials used — old clothes, palm trees, and boxes — are not durable, making the structures vulnerable to harsh climate. During the rainy season, leaks are a constant problem, and storms and fire outbreaks further threaten the safety of these homes.

Time-Consuming and Costly Construction

Building a traditional home takes considerable time, as there is a lack of skilled labor. On top of that, the cost of transporting materials has become an added burden, with vehicles being used to carry building supplies, further increasing the financial strain.

A Desire for Modern Housing Solutions

The community expressed a clear desire for more robust and spacious homes that can withstand the changing weather patterns and improve their daily lives. Modern shelters could provide better protection against extreme weather, enhance security, and create healthier living conditions for all family members.

Benefits of Transitioning to Modern Housing

The introduction of modern housing would bring a host of benefits. Women would no longer have to spend so much time gathering building materials from the forest. Additionally, modern homes could lead to improved hygiene, better protection from wild animals, and safer environments for children to attend school regularly.