NAIROBI, Kenya — President William Ruto on Thursday handed over keys to 7,920 new homeowners at Mukuru Estate in Nairobi, marking a major milestone in the government’s Affordable Housing Programme aimed at expanding access to decent and dignified housing for low- and middle-income earners.
The housing units were completed under Phase II of the Mukuru Affordable Housing Project, comprising 5,000 units at Riara and 2,920 units at Muriguini, according to figures released by the Presidency.
Speaking during the handover ceremony, President Ruto said the project reflects the government’s commitment to transforming informal settlements into planned, serviced neighbourhoods with access to essential amenities.
“Today we are not just handing over houses; we are restoring dignity and giving thousands of families a chance to live in decent, safe and affordable homes,” Ruto said. “Affordable housing is a cornerstone of our Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda.”
The Mukuru project targets residents who previously lived in informal structures vulnerable to fires, flooding, and poor sanitation. Beneficiaries include low-income earners drawn from Mukuru and neighbouring areas, many of whom were previously tenants in informal settlements.
According to officials from the Ministry of Lands, Public Works, Housing and Urban Development, the estate includes supporting infrastructure such as access roads, water and sewer connections, electricity, schools, health facilities, and green spaces, designed to create a sustainable urban community.
Housing Principal Secretary Charles Hinga said the Mukuru development is part of a broader pipeline of projects in Nairobi and other urban centres, including Kibera, Mathare, Mavoko, and Nakuru.
“The Mukuru project demonstrates that it is possible to redevelop informal settlements in a way that keeps communities intact while improving living standards,” Hinga said. “We are scaling this model across the country.”
The Affordable Housing Programme has, however, faced criticism from sections of the public and civil society, particularly over the housing levy introduced to fund the initiative. Critics argue the levy places an additional burden on workers already grappling with a high cost of living.
In response, the government has maintained that the levy is constitutional and necessary to mobilise sustainable financing for housing and job creation. Officials say the programme has created thousands of jobs in construction and related sectors, while expanding the supply of affordable units in major towns.
Urban planning experts say the Mukuru project could serve as a test case for inclusive urban renewal if social amenities and livelihoods are sustained.
“Redevelopment must go beyond housing units to include transport, schools, healthcare and economic opportunities,” said architect and urban planner Paul Mutiso. “If implemented well, Mukuru could redefine how African cities upgrade informal settlements.”
For new homeowners, the handover marked a life-changing moment.
“I never imagined I would own a house in Nairobi,” said Mary Atieno, a beneficiary at Muriguini. “This is safe, clean and close to my work. It has changed everything for my family.”
The government says additional phases at Mukuru are planned, with thousands more units expected to be completed over the next two years as part of efforts to reduce Nairobi’s housing deficit and improve urban living conditions.
