How Muthoni's bold move from 'mama fua' to certified painter inspires Nakuru women

“If you had told me that one day I would stop being a mama fua and become a skilled worker with papers, I would have disputed it because I didn’t know how,” says Muthoni Mwangi, a certified painter now working at phase one of the Bahati Affordable Housing Units in Nakuru County.

For years, Muthoni worked as a mama fua, washing clothes for a living, before deciding to try her luck at the Bahati Affordable Housing Project.

Two years later, she now wears her yellow helmet and green reflector with pride, having risen from casual labourer to certified painter.

“When I heard in September 2023 that affordable housing units were being built in Bahati, I decided to stop washing clothes and try my hand in construction. I didn’t have any papers, so I started off as a casual worker,” she says.

Muthoni recalls that as a casual, she used to carry construction stones, a job she preferred to washing clothes, because of the cold related health conditions it came with.

However, as she worked at the site, she started admiring the masons and painters' work. Determined, Muthoni approached the foremen and told them she wanted to learn a skill. 

At the time, she was earning about Sh500 a day, but realized those with certified papers earned better. There and then, upskilling become her new goal.

A year in, she realized she could be an apprentice and acquire a painting skill at the construction project.

Muthoni then sat for her National Industrial Training Authority (NITA) exams in July 2024.

 Passing the test opened new doors for her. She was promoted and she could start working as a trained painter.

“Two years down the line, I’m happy that I can apply for jobs as a fundi rather than a casual. My dream is to one day run a painting company that offers services and creates jobs for other women, just as I was given a chance,” she shares.

Today, Muthoni earns Sh1,000 a day, double what she made before, and proudly says she can now provide for her child without worry.

Her message to women and girls across Nakuru being clear; bet on yourself.

As a single mother, Muthoni says working in a male-dominated site has made her stronger.

“Had I shied away from this job, I would not be where I am today. When we started, there were only 10 ladies at the site. But through my journey, I’ve inspired more women to join. Today, there are over 50 women working here, matching the men’s energy to build a better future for ourselves and our families,” she proudly says.

She now mentors other women at the site, encouraging them to pick specific skills they can get certified in before the project ends.

“Many people discouraged me from joining mjengo work, saying it was dirty and not for women. But I pushed through. My children are no longer sent home for school fees because I have a steady source of income,” she says with a smile.

For Muthoni, the dusty hands from painting are a dream come true.