A 15-year-old boy from Bungoma, Emmanuel Samara, has ingeniously addressed his family’s land shortage by designing an underground home for his parents and siblings. Faced with financial constraints, Emmanuel, hailing from Sitabicha village in Kimilili, creatively conceptualized this unique living space.
At first glance, the structure may seem too small to house a family. Its roof, covered with four iron sheets, and walls made of soil give it a modest appearance. However, beneath this small structure lies a network of tiny rooms connected by tunnels that Emmanuel excavated, effectively maximizing the living area.
Inside one of the bedrooms, a double-decker bed accommodates family members, while a cozy sitting room provides a space for relaxation. To navigate between these rooms, family members traverse the narrow tunnels, showcasing Emmanuel’s resourcefulness.
Emmanuel explains that he initially worked with the limited space available in their family compound. “Our home has a small piece of land and we are many young people. The house was constructed with four iron sheets, but space was tight. So, I built an underground sitting room and created a tunnel to another sitting room,” he shared.
This underground space has evolved into a gathering spot for Emmanuel and his friends, especially during school breaks. They utilize this area to discuss educational topics and share insights. Although some of his friends initially doubted the size of his home, Emmanuel confidently assured them that he could make the most of the available space. “My friends told me, ‘Samara, your house is small.’ I encouraged them, saying, ‘Don’t worry. Let’s use our minds to create more space,’” he recounted.
While Emmanuel has successfully expanded his family’s living area, he faces significant challenges in continuing his education. He attended St. Mary’s through Form One, Form Two, and Form Three, but financial difficulties interrupted his schooling. He was unable to raise the required Sh180,000 and was asked to return home. “When I went to school and they told me to bring Sh180,000, I didn’t have it. They asked me to go home,” he explained.
With uncertainty surrounding his return to school, Emmanuel has taken the initiative to study from home. He downloads lessons from YouTube and follows online educators to keep up with his studies. “I decided to study from home. I watch lessons on YouTube,” he stated.
Despite these interruptions, Emmanuel remains resolutely determined to pursue his education. He has expressed his willingness to restart under the Competency-Based Curriculum if that offers him another opportunity to learn. “If challenges persist, I can return to CBC, go back to Grade Three, work my way up to Grade Nine, and achieve top marks. Then, I can secure a scholarship and continue,” he affirmed.
Emmanuel’s guardian is actively seeking support to ensure he returns to school and completes his education. The guardian describes him as a bright young individual whose circumstances should not hinder his academic journey. “Let’s revisit our plans and ensure this young man can study and succeed. We must not allow his situation to hold him back, as he is a capable student who can excel anywhere,” the guardian urged.
Efforts are underway to connect with potential supporters for Emmanuel’s education. “We are reaching out to friends, whether in Kenya, Rwanda, or elsewhere, to ensure this young man has access to a classroom and the opportunity to learn,” the guardian stated.
Emmanuel’s underground home stands as a testament to his creativity in overcoming space limitations, while his educational aspirations remain a significant challenge he is determined to conquer.
