Julias Andeyi’s path into masonry started before he finished primary school. Growing up in a low-income household in Kenya’s West Pokot region, he set his sights on practical work that could help him and his family get ahead.
On weekends and during school holidays, he joined construction crews as a site helper, locally known as “mtu wa mikono.” Working alongside experienced masons, he picked up hands-on skills, job-site confidence, and a feel for what steady production looks like over time.
Andeyi began at Tuwani Primary School in 2004 and later sat for the Kenya Certificate of Primary Education exam, which earned him admission to Matisi Secondary School. He attended from 2013 to 2017. Even while in school, he kept returning to the work during breaks, and he said he used his wages to buy books and stationery. He also helped at home by purchasing basics like maize flour and sugar.
As his reputation grew, so did his options. In 2018, he traveled to Nairobi and worked on a multistorey building in the Lenana area. In 2019, he moved to Busia County, working on several rental-house projects. He later relocated to West Pokot County after finding more opportunities in Ortum and Lomut. Since 2020, he has been based in Kapenguria, where he settled after getting married.
Andeyi says his progress came from discipline, persistence, and learning early. For mason contractors and crews, his story is a reminder that job-site learning builds careers when helpers get consistent work, clear expectations, and a chance to grow into bigger responsibilities.
Read the full, original article from Education News here.