- Many people have a low opinion of the metallic police houses without understanding the reality behind them
- One officer decided to proudly show how he transformed his small corrugated iron house into a neat and comfortable home
- His touching house tour has left many Kenyans impressed, with many admiring the officer’s creative use of space
For generations, many Kenyan police officers have quietly endured harsh living conditions in temporary corrugated iron houses popularly known as “mkebe” or “mabati” houses.
Source: UGC
Often erected within police lines across the country, the metallic structures were designed for convenience and mobility due to the transient nature of police deployments and transfers.
How police officer’s house looks inside
Yet one Kenyan police officer is challenging public perceptions after opening the doors to his compact home and giving viewers an unexpected tour of the small but carefully organised space.
Inside the metallic structure, the officer revealed a surprisingly cosy setup. A smart television sits neatly opposite a modest sofa set, creating a small entertainment corner within the limited space.
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Fixed onto the mabati wall is a Wi-Fi router, something the officer proudly pointed out during the tour.
“This is to ensure you are always online, don’t miss out on the happenings because of the internet,” he explained with pride.
Police officer’s creative use of space
The tour offered a rare glimpse into how officers adapt to challenging conditions while still trying to create comfort and normalcy.
In the tiny kitchen area, there is no running water, forcing the officer to store water in containers placed beside the cooker.
Clean utensils, used dishes and cooking appliances all share the same cramped space, highlighting the daily compromises officers make in such housing units.
Perhaps the most striking feature was the clever use of space in the sleeping area.
The bed is discreetly tucked between two single-seater couches, partially hidden from public view to maintain a sense of privacy within the one-room structure.
Police officer’s house tour sparks mixed feelings
Despite the obvious limitations, the officer appeared proud of how he had transformed the small metallic unit into a functional home.
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For many Kenyans, the tour sparked mixed reactions online.
Some expressed sympathy over the conditions police officers continue to endure, arguing that security personnel deserve better housing and improved welfare.
Others admired the officer’s creativity, organisation and determination to make the best out of difficult circumstances.
Why Kenyan police live in mabati houses
The housing units themselves have long been misunderstood, with many dismissing them as uncomfortable tin shelters.
However, they were originally favoured because they are durable, easy to transport and can be relocated quickly whenever officers are transferred or deployed to new stations.
Some are also designed with reinforced materials that make them highly resilient.
Still, critics say the structures symbolise a deeper issue about the welfare of officers tasked with maintaining public safety while often living in conditions many citizens would struggle to accept.
For the officer giving the tour, however, the small “mkebe” house was not presented as a place of shame, but as a home built with resilience, adaptability and pride.
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Source: Twitter
Police to get new houses
In June 2025, President William Ruto opened a new police housing complex in Nairobi’s Industrial Area.
The modern 210-unit police housing complex marked a major step towards restoring the dignity of Kenya’s security forces.
The complex, fully funded by the Central Bank of Kenya (CBK), includes sustainable features like solar energy systems, a daycare centre, and a gym.
In a landmark policy move, Ruto announced that 20% of homes in the Affordable Housing Programme would also be allocated to disciplined services personnel.
Source: NgGossips
