From learning to leading from the ground up.

Despite the rising demand for site-ready project leaders, most higher learning institutions deliver theory with little to no exposure to real construction environments.

Many graduates step onto sites with low confidence in critical decision-making, slowing their entry into employment and leading many to quietly drop out early in their careers.

Even with the growing demand and high earning potential in construction, women in construction continue to face a persistent “leaky pipeline,” with many leaving before advancing into site-based careers and leadership.

Our fellowship program supports young female undergraduates pursuing construction-related courses. Through practical on-site experience, mentorship, and peer learning, we help them build the confidence, skills, and professional networks needed to enter, grow, and lead in the industry.

Fellowship Key Pillars

On-site Experience
Mentorship
Peer Networks
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On-site Experience

Fellows are placed on active CfC projects at different construction stages, allowing them to build on-site competence and confidence.

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Mentorship

Fellows are shadowed and coached by experienced CfC Project Managers leading active projects.

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Peer Networks

Fellows become part of a peer network that supports their career progression and retention as they collectively navigate the build sector.

Why Women

Despite years of advocacy, affirmative action, and gender strategies, up to 86% of women leave the construction industry early, citing low confidence, lack of mentorship, and poor site inclusion.

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Women make up only 35% of STEM graduates globally.

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Only 8.4% of registered Kenyan engineers are women.

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Just 13% of construction firms are women-owned.

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Just 3% of the construction workforce are women.

Meet the 2026 Fellows

I came seeking experience and clarity, but found technical growth, genuine mentorship, and people who believed in and invested in me, changing me in ways I am still discovering.

Monicah Gacheru
2nd year, Construction Management
Jomo Kenyatta University of Science and Technology – Kenya
Monicah Gacheru

The fellowship was rewarding, offering hands-on experience and exposure to the construction field while bringing fantastic professional growth and an incredible team culture.

Elizabeth Gatirima
2nd year, Construction Management
University of Nairobi – Kenya
Elizabeth Gatirima

On top of hands-on field experience, this fellowship gave me incredible mentors who guided my career growth, teamwork, and community impact.

Tiffany Wanjohi
4th year, Civil Engineering
Kenyatta University – Kenya
Tiffany Wanjohi

My time in the fellowship has exceeded my expectations by far; shaping me into not only a more capable professional, but a more well-rounded individual.

Martha Atuhaire
3rd year, Civil Engineering
Ndejje University – Uganda
Martha Atuhaire