KISUMU, Kenya – Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga has donated five acres of family land in Kisumu to support the government’s affordable housing agenda, President William Ruto revealed on Thursday during a visit to the lakeside city.
Speaking at the Kirembe grounds, President Ruto praised the gesture, noting that the parcel will host additional housing units under the national affordable housing program.
He said the government will invest Ksh.3.5 billion into the project, which is expected to benefit nearly 1,000 residents.
“Raila has demonstrated leadership and patriotism by supporting this transformative agenda. The affordable housing program is about dignity, jobs, and creating opportunities for ordinary Kenyans,” said Ruto, who laid the foundation stone for the LV Marina Housing Project — a multi-billion shilling development linked to Odinga.
The President added that construction of the nearby Lumumba housing estate is already underway, targeting 2,000 beneficiaries in its first phase.
Across Kisumu and its environs, the government aims to deliver at least 15,000 affordable housing units in the ongoing rollout.
In a rare show of unity, Odinga joined Ruto at the event and vowed to continue working with the administration to tackle pressing public challenges, including housing.
“I have given this land in the hope that it will help solve the housing needs of many families in Kisumu. This project will not only offer homes, but will also integrate essential amenities like schools and hospitals,” Odinga said.
Ruto, addressing hundreds of residents at the event, also took a swipe at critics of the housing plan, urging Kenyans to ignore what he termed “tribal and divisive politics.”
“This project is not about politics; it’s about progress. We are determined to ensure that every Kenyan has the chance to own a decent home,” he said.
The affordable housing initiative is a flagship program under President Ruto’s administration, aimed at creating jobs and increasing home ownership among low- and middle-income earners across the country.
