Hits and Misses in Ruto's Affordable Housing Projects

President William Ruto's ambitious affordable housing program is experiencing uneven progress across Kenya.

This has fueled scepticism among citizens about its potential to deliver affordable homeownership. While some projects are advancing rapidly, others face delays or remain stagnant, raising concerns about the program's overall viability. In Kisumu, construction is well underway at the Lumumba Affordable Housing site, where 2,348 units are being built. Conversely, the Sironga site in Nyamira remains inactive more than a year after its official launch.

The South Rift region echoes this disparity, with the Majengo Tallai project in Kericho lagging significantly despite government funding to contractors. Kericho County Commissioner Gilbert Kitiyo expresses concern over the slow pace, noting that the national government has met its financial obligations, yet the project is not on track to meet its January 2026 completion date.
Despite these setbacks, optimism exists in some quarters.

Ben Siele, a lawyer in Bomet County, expresses confidence in his investment in the local affordable housing project, projecting a profitable rental income stream. However, many Kenyans remain wary, citing financial challenges and registration hurdles. Jane Langat questions the affordability of the homes for the majority of Kenyans, while Joshua Bett from Chebirir cites issues with the registration process.

In Nyandarua County, transparency and fairness concerns have been raised regarding the allocation process. Civil servants and residents alike express uncertainty about homeownership and the housing levy. To reassure residents, Muchiri Gakuru, who oversees the program in the Central region, has promised that the project would be completed within the next three months.

The program has also sparked controversy on the Coast, where the demolition of colonial estates for new housing has displaced hundreds of families. The redevelopment of the Buxton estate, valued at Sh6 billion, is particularly contentious, with former tenants remaining displaced despite the completion of new units. In Taita Taveta County, the project has yet to commence, leaving residents uninformed about its potential benefits.

Similarly, in Kilifi County, criticism of the financing model has raised concerns about potential corruption, with some residents viewing the scheme as an additional tax burden rather than a housing solution. Western and Nyanza regions show progress. In Migori County, the Mabera Sub-County project nears completion, while in Kakamega County, the first phase of the Milimani estate project is 80 percent complete.

Hebron Kipkemoi, overseeing the Kakamega project, expects to meet the three-month completion target. The projects have provided employment opportunities for many workers. Suleiman Sifuna, a worker at the Kakamega site, says the project has enabled him to support his family and educate his children. In Vihiga County, the affordable housing project has transformed the lives of workers like Stephen Adanga, an electrician who now earns a steady income.