President William Ruto called for an inclusive national conversation on Kenya’s long-term development aspirations.
A young man from Mukuru who claims to be a beneficiary of the affordbale housing project has alleged that moving into one of the units has enabled him to save money, return to university and pursue a law degree.
The man, who described himself as a former street dweller, said the affordable housing programme had transformed his life and given him a sense of dignity while also improving his future economic prospects.
He spoke on Wednesday during the launch of the Beyond 2030 national conversation at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) in Nairobi, where President William Ruto called for an inclusive national conversation on Kenya’s long-term development aspirations.
The man, who said he now lives with his mother in an affordable house in Mukuru, chose to address the gathering in Sheng as he shared his personal experience.
"Mi ni kijana wa Mukuru, mi nitaongea sheng," he said.
"Mimi kama kijana wa Mukuru affordbale estate, nimekuwa nikiishi kwa street sahi umenitransform nakaa affordable house. Hiyo ndio Kenya ambayo nataka kuona 2060," he said.
He said the programme had also helped change how society views young people from informal settlements, particularly those who may be judged by their appearance.
The young man said having access to affordable housing had freed up money that he previously spent on rent for his mother, allowing him to return to university.
"Through affordable house, niweza kusave pesa yenye nilikuwa nalipa rent ya mama yangu sahi nimerudi shule KU niko Law School karibu namaliza shule nikuwe wakili kama mtu wa wengine," he said.
He said his transformation was particularly significant given his previous life on the streets.
"Mimi mtu ya street ambaye nilikuwa naibia watu hii town, sahi nakaa affordable," he said.
He added that some of his former gang members had also found alternative sources of income through jobs created by major construction projects.
"Sahi hatuna reason ya kuibia watu, tunapata pesa na tutapeleka Kenya mbele," he said.
His testimony offered a personal perspective on the government's argument that affordable housing can go beyond providing shelter by helping households redirect income towards education and other opportunities.
It also underscored the youth-focused aspirations of the Beyond 2030 conversation, which seeks to gather views from Kenyans across the country, including young people, faith groups, county representatives and other sectors, on the country's long-term development priorities.
For the young man, the transformation from street life to university and a future career in law represents the kind of Kenya he hopes the national conversation will help build.
