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Caroline[/caption]Caroline Chepkorir is a 27-year-old tenant who lives in the apartment building owned and operated by the Kwa Watoto Trust. She lives with her husband and one-year-old daughter. Caroline grew up in poverty, raised by her grandmother since her parents could not care for their five children. Caroline managed to complete high school and college with government scholarships and loans, and recently completed her last payment with the income she makes as a teacher.Caroline says that the apartment is the most affordable and comfortable place she has lived. “Besides being cheaper than where I used to live, my current apartment is much more spacious, cleaner and safe. Water is included in the rent and always available, which is rare in Mathare. Previously I went for days without water because the landlord consistently failed to pay the water bill.”[caption id="attachment_1943" align="alignright" width="273"]

eduKenya Rental Property[/caption]Security is of utmost concern for Caroline as a woman and mother living in a dangerous community. She feels very safe in her apartment because of the security measures taken, as well as the constant presence of a building manager who monitors the security gates and visitors. The daily presence of eduKenya staff in the administrative office on the ground floor also contributes to an overall feeling of security.Living in the apartment building has been transformative for Caroline. She says, “Thieves broke into my old apartment building all the time, and I lived in constant fear. The management harassed me whenever I filed a complaint about something that needed repair. The building was always dirty, and I could never be certain I would have water. Now I live in a safe building that is cleaned daily and managed by courteous people. When repairs are needed, the management fixes them immediately. I am very happy my daughter gets to live in this safe and healthy place!”