More than 4,000 residents are set to benefit from the Kibera Soweto East Zone B Affordable Housing Project as the Sh7.4 billion development enters its final stages.

The project, which is now more than 80 per cent complete, is expected to provide 4,465 housing units alongside key social amenities including a primary school, kindergarten, health centre, commercial facilities and recreational spaces.

Speaking on Tuesday while inspecting the ongoing construction works in Kibera, President William Ruto said the government remains committed to improving the quality of life for residents living in informal settlements through decent and affordable housing.

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“The transformation of informal settlements is not just about housing; it is about restoring dignity, improving livelihoods, and creating opportunities for millions of Kenyans. We are determined to ensure that every Kenyan, regardless of income, has access to decent and affordable housing,” Ruto said.

The project consists of 3,052 one-room units, 1,100 two-room units and 313 three-room units designed to provide better living conditions for low-income families.

It also includes major infrastructure improvements such as internal access roads, a paved road linking the estate to Joash Olum Primary School, water supply supported by two boreholes, sewer connections and an internal solid waste management facility.

Flood control measures have also been incorporated through an open drainage system and the construction of culverts to channel rainwater into the Ngong River, helping reduce flooding risks that have affected residents in the area for years.

Ruto said the affordable housing programme is not only addressing the housing deficit but also creating employment opportunities and stimulating local businesses through demand for construction materials and labour.

“This project is creating jobs for our youth and supporting local businesses through the jua kali sector. Doors, windows and other materials are being sourced locally, ensuring the economic benefits remain within the community,” he said.

According to the State Department for Housing and Urban Development, more than 2,500 direct jobs have already been created for residents during the construction phase.

The government is also planning to unlock more housing opportunities within Kibera through the revival of the stalled Kenya Railways Corporation housing project, which has the capacity for 900 additional units.

Ruto said the affordable housing agenda would continue despite criticism from opponents, insisting that the programme is central to the government’s broader development strategy.

“The journey towards building dignity for every Kenyan will succeed. We will not be distracted because decent housing is not a privilege for a few, it is a right for every Kenyan,” he said.

The Affordable Housing Programme, implemented under the State Department for Housing and Urban Development, is one of the government’s flagship projects under the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda and aims to reduce the country’s housing deficit while promoting inclusive urban growth.