Tourism and Wildlife Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Miano has hailed the government’s Affordable Housing Programme as a game changer in Kenya’s social and economic transformation. She emphasized that the initiative is not just about constructing houses but about restoring dignity, safety, and hope to millions of Kenyans who have long been priced out of decent housing.
Speaking on Saturday, Miano said the programme is central to uplifting families and individuals by giving them access to quality housing at affordable rates. She noted that the project demonstrates compassion and solidarity, ensuring that even the most vulnerable in society can live with dignity. “Affordable housing is more than just a project; it is a mission to restore living dignity by delivering decent shelter to those who could not afford it before,” she said.
The CS appealed to salaried Kenyans to support the initiative through their contributions, stressing that these should not be seen as burdens but as opportunities to uplift fellow citizens. “The contribution from those fortunate enough to have a salary and good housing is not just a deduction; it’s an opportunity to lift up our brothers and sisters who, through no fault of their own, have struggled to afford decent housing,” she explained.
Miano further defended the project against criticism, urging Kenyans to see it as a national investment in the collective future. According to her, the initiative is both a responsibility and a privilege as it seeks to eliminate slum conditions and bridge urban inequalities. “To those opposing the project, please see this as an investment in our collective future where lifting others is not just a responsibility but a privilege,” she said.
The Affordable Housing Programme, anchored under the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA), has also emerged as a catalyst for economic growth. The CS noted that the initiative is providing thousands of direct jobs in construction while creating indirect opportunities in transport, supply of building materials, and local enterprises around project sites. This multiplier effect is boosting county economies and empowering small businesses.
Miano praised President William Ruto for his bold and visionary leadership in championing the affordable housing agenda. She lauded his courage in prioritizing the well-being of vulnerable Kenyans, noting that the initiative reflects his administration’s commitment to long-term solutions for urban inequality. “Kudos to Your Excellency President William Ruto for your courage and foresight in championing this initiative,” she stated.
With thousands of low-cost units planned across the country, the Affordable Housing Programme is set to transform the housing sector, reduce the urban slum population, and uplift the living standards of countless households. By combining social responsibility with economic empowerment, the programme is laying the foundation for a more equitable Kenya, where every citizen has the right to live in dignity and security.
