NAIROBI, Kenya—President William Ruto now says that his ruling Kenya Kwanza administration has constructed 1,200 affordable housing units across the country so far.
President Ruto said this when he presided over this year’s Jamhuri Day national celebrations at Uhuru Gardens.
“After two and a quarter years, the decent, durable, dignified, and affordable houses we promised Kenyans are finally here. Since September this year, 1,200 affordable housing units have been completed,” said the head of state.
What is affordable housing
Affordable housing refers to housing options that are financially accessible to individuals and families and are often supported by governmental programs or incentives.
In Kenya, for example, Article 43 of the Constitution ensures that everyone has access to adequate housing.
The Boma Yangu platform is one resource aimed at helping individuals achieve home ownership through affordable housing programs.
Meanwhile, President Ruto observed that the State Department of Housing has advertised 4,888 units available for sale to the public through the Boma Yangu platform.
“Our goal to increase the number of mortgages from 30,000 to one million has now shifted gears,” he added.
How many jobs have been created
According to the president, his government’s delivery pipeline for affordable housing now includes 124,000 units at various stages of development across Kenya.
“840,000 planned projects over the next four years are projected to create 1 million jobs. Despite the multiple challenges and crises we have had to grapple with, we have succeeded in keeping our commitments, taking steady steps towards our aspirations, and moving our nation closer to its destiny,” he said.
President Ruto also revealed that work is underway across the country, and opportunities are opening up for many citizens, especially the youth.
“Over the past two years, the number of employment opportunities has increased with new jobs for teachers, agriculture sector workers, healthcare professionals, building and construction, seafarers, and outside Kenya under our labour mobility program,” he said.
The head of state further disclosed that the affordable housing strategic pillar of the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda has created 200,000 jobs and thousands of indirect opportunities across the building and construction value chain so far.
