Kenyans Start To Reap The Fruits Of President Ruto’s Affordable Housing Plan
The Mt Kenya Times 
By: Joseph Mutua Ndonga
Worth Noting:
- A three-judge bench ruled that the housing Act was enacted in accordance with the constitution and other laws of the land. We, therefore, dismiss the prayers sought by petitioners and give the program a clean bill of health.
- The main bone of contention was that the Act was enacted without ‘sufficient public participation’ having been conducted. The bench however disagreed and ruled that the public participation conducted met the requisite threshold.
- Notably, the constitution does not provide for the number of people who should participate in this exercise. The President had remained firm and on course during the hearing of this case. This is because the bench had declined to issue court order stopping him from rolling out this program.
The rollout of affordable housing units stood out as one of President William Ruto’s key pre-election pledges.
Two years down he has made tremendous progress in rolling out this project. 100,000 affordable housing units were currently being constructed in all parts of the country and the project has created 160,000 jobs for Kenyans.
Some of the housing units have since been completed.
A few days ago, President shared the same podium with his predecessor President Uhuru Kenyatta during the installation of Catholic Bishop of Embu diocese.
Dr Ruto caused laughter when he told the former President. I’m working very hard to complete the work on projects I inherited from you.
I’m sure the affordable housing programme is one of projects he was referring to.
The implementation of this project has initially encountered some hurdles but this would not derail the commitment of the President.
The last hurdle was cleared recently when the judges dismissed the petition filed by his critics who were envious of his achievements.
A three-judge bench ruled that the housing Act was enacted in accordance with the constitution and other laws of the land.
We, therefore, dismiss the prayers sought by petitioners and give the program a clean bill of health.
The main bone of contention was that the Act was enacted without ‘sufficient public participation’ having been conducted.
The bench however disagreed and ruled that the public participation conducted met the requisite threshold.
Notably, the constitution does not provide for the number of people who should participate in this exercise.
The President had remained firm and on course during the hearing of this case. This is because the bench had declined to issue court order stopping him from rolling out this program.
From onset, the judges seemed to concur with submissions by the lawyers representing the Office of Attorney General (AG). It was therefore a matter of time before the petitions were dismissed.
Speaking in Kwale when he led the nation in marking this year’s Mashujaa day celebration, the President William Ruto enumerated the progress that his administration has made in the implementation of this program.
As I promised you during campaign, the concept of the affordable housing is now a reality.
The shame and indignity of our people living in the slums is now becoming a thing of the past.
Today, every Kenyan can now apply and own a decent and safe house.
Most of the banners, posters that were displayed inside and outside Kwale stadium bore the message of Boma Yangu (my home).
Handbills with similar message were also distributed to all members of public in attendance.
The President was upbeat when noted this. He praised the Ministry of Housing and officials of state department of Special Projects and Creative Economy for preparing these materials.
Notably, the creativity of the Team that had done graphic and design work was awesome.
The information was disseminated in a way that all classes of people would understand. Kenyans, who want to own a house, only needed to visit the portal and fill application form by entering all personal details required.
You will start to pay a small amount of money every month. Everyone will afford including mama mboga and boda boda riders.
You will only pay for a certain period of time and thereafter you become a proud owner of the house.
The President observed: As we celebrate our heroes who fought for independence, I want you to bear this in mind. In our generation, acquiring house for your family is also an act of heroism. Bid goodbye to rent, have your own house.
While noting that this will become one of his key legacy, his critics did not want him to succeed. Their efforts would not however bore any fruits. Reason? Majority of Kenyans continues to rally and support the President’s plan.
Joseph Mutua Ndonga Is A Writer And Social Commentator
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