President William Ruto has praised the transformation taking place in Mukuru, Nairobi, under the government’s affordable housing programme, describing the new development as a major change for residents of the informal settlement.
Speaking during a visit to the area, President Ruto said the appearance of the newly constructed housing project demonstrated what could be achieved when proper planning and investment are directed towards informal settlements.
The Mukuru affordable housing project is part of the government’s wider plan to provide decent and affordable homes to Kenyans. The programme also aims to create employment opportunities, particularly for young people working in the construction sector.
For many years, Mukuru residents have lived in densely populated areas where access to decent housing, sanitation and other basic services has been a challenge.
The new housing units are expected to provide residents with improved living conditions and better-planned facilities.
President Ruto has continued to identify affordable housing as one of the key priorities of his administration.
The government says the programme is intended to help ordinary Kenyans access decent homes without facing the high costs associated with housing in major towns.
“You know, sometimes I drive there in the evening incognito. You find children playing in the evening in the light,” Ruto said.
However, the affordable housing programme has also attracted debate among Kenyans. Some have questioned whether the houses are affordable for low-income families and how beneficiaries are selected.
The government has maintained that the programme is designed to benefit workers and families across different income groups.
The Mukuru development comes as the government continues to construct affordable housing projects in different parts of the country.
The project has also changed the physical appearance of parts of Mukuru, replacing some older structures with modern multi-storey housing.
Ruto’s remarks have renewed attention on the government’s housing agenda and its promise to improve living conditions for Kenyans living in informal settlements.
The government is expected to continue expanding the programme as it seeks to address the country’s housing shortage.
