NAIROBI, Kenya- Residents of Nairobi are set to see significant changes in their city as President William Ruto rolls out plans to tackle some of the capital’s most pressing issues, including water shortages, affordable housing, and healthcare access.
Speaking at the African Divine Church’s 73rd anniversary celebration, Ruto detailed projects aimed at making Nairobi more livable, signaling a commitment to transformative infrastructure and social policies across Kenya.
A long-awaited solution to Nairobi’s water woes is finally within reach. President Ruto announced that the Northern Collector Tunnel in Murang’a, spanning 11.8 km, is close to completion and will soon deliver an additional 140,000 cubic meters of clean drinking water to Nairobi each day.
This boost will provide much-needed relief to densely populated areas like Kibra and Lang’ata, where water scarcity has been a persistent challenge.
“To those living in Kibra, Lang’ata, and other places in Nairobi, we are working with the Nairobi County Government to sort out the water issue,” he said, underscoring his administration’s commitment to essential services.
As Nairobi hosts the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), Ruto emphasized the importance of environmental responsibility, promising to improve city sanitation through projects like the Nairobi River clean-up initiative.
Currently, 10,000 young Kenyans are employed under the ClimateWorX Mtaani project to restore the river basin.
This effort will eventually expand to other major cities and all 47 counties, marking a significant push toward urban sustainability.
Addressing another critical need, President Ruto outlined the government’s Affordable Housing Programme, with the first 1,000 units set for commissioning next month.
These units, located in Nairobi, are designed for affordability, with tenants paying KSh3,000 monthly to eventually own their homes. This initiative aligns with Ruto’s 2022 campaign pledge to deliver affordable housing to Kenyan citizens.
On the healthcare front, the new Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF) aims to offer equal access to medical care, covering chronic conditions such as cancer, diabetes, and hypertension.
Ruto reassured citizens that the government will step in to cover SHIF costs for those who cannot afford to pay, reinforcing the administration’s focus on health equity.
“We are focused on ensuring that all Kenyans, regardless of income, have access to quality healthcare,” he stated, emphasizing a vision for inclusive health services.
Ruto also highlighted his administration’s commitment to expanding educational access, announcing plans to hire an additional 20,000 teachers by January, building on the 56,000 teachers already employed this year.
The president touched on rising concerns over the safety of women and girls, addressing recent incidents of violence with a call for community involvement in safeguarding vulnerable populations.
He assured that law enforcement will receive the necessary resources to tackle this issue head-on.
Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi echoed Ruto’s stance on transformative programs, attributing resistance to “corruption cartels” seeking to maintain outdated systems.
Alongside governors and other key leaders, Ruto reiterated that these changes are part of a broader vision to enhance the quality of life for all Kenyans.
