KENYA: President Ruto Unveils Major Housing Milestone In Kenya’s Mukuru Project

By Lisbeth Micheni, Kenya 

Kenyan President William Ruto, on Tuesday, officially handed over 1,080 newly built housing units to residents of Mukuru Kwa Njenga in Nairobi, marking a key milestone in Kenya’s Affordable Housing Programme.

Speaking during the ceremony, a visibly jubilant Ruto celebrated what he described as the fulfillment of a long-held dream one that had been doubted by many.

He broke into praise songs, quoted scripture, and offered prayers as he addressed the audience, stating that the project was proof that his vision for dignified housing was not just talk.

“They said it couldn’t be done. Some even called me dishonest. But today, we are witnessing a real transformation,” Ruto told the crowd. “What was once a promise is now a reality. This is just the beginning.”

He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to expanding the housing initiative, revealing that an additional 5,000 units would be completed and handed over between August and September, with another 5,000 expected early next year.

The long-term goal, he said, is to deliver a total of 13,000 units to Kenyans in need.

According to the President, the Mukuru project has already spurred significant economic activity, with over Ksh.11 billion channeled into construction and local development.

He estimated that the broader impact of the initiative had infused nearly Ksh.28 billion into the national economy.

“This development is more than just homes. It’s a launchpad for economic renewal,” he noted. “Around these homes, we expect to see the rise of small businesses, digital start-ups, childcare centres, beauty salons, gyms, schools, and clinics all creating jobs and improving lives.”

The site is equipped with key infrastructure, including 3.2 kilometres of roads, 14,321 square metres of parking, 9 kilometres of walkways, and 3.9 kilometres of sewer lines. It also features a fire station, health centre, daycares, a strip mall, 32 transformer houses, waste and pump rooms, and other essential utilities.

Water needs are supported by a five-million-litre underground tank, with additional high-level storage tanks holding 210,000 litres and booster pumps, all forming part of a robust fire safety and water supply system.

Ruto encouraged Kenyans interested in home ownership to register on the Boma Yangu portal to access upcoming opportunities under the government’s housing programme.

“This is about restoring dignity and opening the door to opportunity,” he said. “We are changing lives one home at a time.”