BAKU, Azerbaijan — President William Ruto has defended Kenya’s controversial Affordable Housing Programme, saying the initiative is gaining global recognition as one of Africa’s leading models for sustainable urban development and inclusive economic growth.
Speaking during the 13th Session of the World Urban Forum at the Baku Convention Center, Ruto said affordable housing would remain one of the defining global priorities as urban populations continue to rise rapidly.
The President noted that Africa and Asia are expected to account for most urban growth by 2050, increasing pressure on governments to invest in housing and urban infrastructure.
“Kenya’s Affordable Housing Programme continues to gain global recognition as one of Africa’s leading models for sustainable urban development, inclusive growth, and social transformation,” Ruto said in a statement shared on his official X account.
Ruto Defends Housing Levy
Ruto praised Kenyans for supporting the Housing Levy, saying locally mobilised resources were helping the country finance large-scale housing projects and address challenges linked to rapid urbanisation.
The Housing Levy has remained one of the most contested government policies since its introduction, attracting criticism from sections of workers, civil society groups, and opposition leaders over increased deductions from salaries.
However, the government has consistently defended the programme as necessary for job creation, urban renewal, and expansion of affordable home ownership.
“We commend the people of Kenya for demonstrating how locally mobilised resources through the Housing Levy can help address the challenges of rapid urbanisation,” Ruto said.
The President added that the initiative had positioned Kenya among Africa’s most ambitious urban transformation programmes.
Push for Global Financial Reforms
Ruto also called for reforms to the global financial system, arguing that African countries continue to face unequal access to development financing.
According to the President, addressing urban housing shortages will require changes in international financing structures to support developing nations more fairly.
At the same time, he said African countries must strengthen domestic resource mobilisation and regional financial institutions to reduce overreliance on external funding.
“Meeting this demand requires reform of the international financial architecture to address financing inequalities affecting Africa and the Global South,” he stated.
Climate-Resilient Housing Agenda
The President said Kenya was also using affordable housing projects to promote climate-resilient urban communities while transforming informal settlements.
He noted that the programme was creating jobs, supporting small enterprises, and expanding access to decent housing.
The Affordable Housing Programme forms a central pillar of the Kenya Kwanza administration’s economic agenda.
The government says thousands of housing units are currently under construction across the country, with projects targeting low- and middle-income earners.
