My name is John K. Kanyingi.

I'm a self-employed architect in Mombasa, Kenya.

I'm married and I have two children.

I studied in the University of Nairobi where I graduated with Bachelor of Architecture in the year 1996. After completing my studies I got employed in an architectural firm where I gained enough working experience. I sat for my professional exams in the year 2003 and consequently got registered as an architect with the Board of Registration of Architects and Quantity Surveyors.

I practice architecture and the construction industry here in Mombasa is growing steadily. I have a small scale firm and endeavour to grow and participate in higher levels as an architectural firm.

My income comes from fees I charge in the consultancy in the architectural design and supervision of buildings. My average monthly income is $900 which goes into paying rents, school fees, stationery, drafting & printing services among others.

I've continued to give pro bono services for construction of selected community projects such as children's homes, churches, schools and cases of affordable structures for people living in very inferior structures. In other categories of some community projects I've considered working with minimal charges or with tokens determined by the beneficiaries.

My son joined The Technical University of Mombasa last year, having enrolled for a Diploma in Architecture. He has moved on to his second year studies and he is very excited, having desired to do architecture and join me in the profession.

In their second year they get trained in ARCHICAD computer aided design and he needs a laptop urgently. I've identified a used laptop (specifications of 16 GB RAM, 1 TB SSD hard disk, Core-i7) costing Ksh 39,000.

Once he completes his studies he'll be able to support himself and others too.