President William Ruto has reaffirmed his administration’s unwavering commitment to the Affordable Housing Programme, dismissing criticism and emphasizing the project’s role in improving the lives of ordinary Kenyans. Speaking at the Second Kenya Urban Forum in Naivasha, he underscored that the initiative is not merely about shelter—it is about dignity, inclusion, and transforming communities for generations to come.
Ruto reiterated that the housing initiative, a cornerstone of the Kenya Kwanza administration’s Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA), is focused on providing low-income earners with access to decent, affordable homes. He said the programme brings hope to families who have long lived in informal settlements and substandard conditions, giving them a renewed sense of belonging and stability.
According to the President, the housing drive is also a critical job creation engine. Thousands of youth and skilled workers are already benefitting from employment opportunities in the construction sector. The ripple effects are being felt across various industries—manufacturing, transport, and supplies—proving the programme’s far-reaching economic impact.
Ruto sharply criticized Kenya’s political class for focusing on electoral cycles instead of long-term development. He noted that while past governments have floated similar housing proposals, lack of policy continuity and political will had stalled progress. His administration, he said, is determined to break that cycle through persistence and solid groundwork.
“True leadership is measured not by how long one serves but by the legacy left behind,” Ruto said. “The foundations we are laying today will define the quality of life for millions tomorrow. That is what we must prioritize.”
The Affordable Housing Programme targets both urban centers and rural towns, ensuring that development is inclusive and accessible to all regions. The government has pledged to deliver over 200,000 housing units annually, partnering with local and international stakeholders to ensure quality and sustainability.
As the Forum closed, Ruto called for continued support from both the public and private sectors to make affordable housing a success story. “We are not just building houses,” he concluded, “we are building communities, creating jobs, and shaping a future where every Kenyan can dream of a decent home.”
