Affordable Housing Programme Is One Of President Ruto’s Achievements

By: Joseph Mutua Ndonga

Worth Noting:

• Last year during Jumhuri Day celebrations, President William Ruto minced in no word in highlighting affordable house project as one of his key achievements.
• Then 124,000 housing units were under construction and the project has created 200,000 jobs. The President also announced that early this year he will preside over the ceremony of allocating completed units to the beneficiaries.
• Under Boma Yangu Initiative, all Kenyans no matter one’s economic status are entitled to own a decent house. This means the less fortunate members of our society will also own these houses.
• In light of this, my critics who have been opposing everything that I’m doing will be embarrassed and left in utter shame.

Since he assumed office, President William Ruto has been walking the talk.

This is in terms of fulfilling a raft of promises he made during the 2022 electioneering period.

Affordable housing programme is one of his key achievements.

The other day Deputy President Professor Kithure Kindiki toured Mukuru affordable housing project, Nairobi city county, to inspect the progress of the work.

He noted the plan of building affordable and decent houses in every constituency is working.

The DP, who stated he was there to represent President, further observed.

Our mission as a government is to end indignity and shame of living in deplorable conditions in the slums.

As a government, we want to see our people living in affordable, decent houses.

Last year during Jumhuri Day celebrations, President William Ruto minced in no word in highlighting affordable house project as one of his key achievements.

Then 124,000 housing units were under construction and the project has created 200,000 jobs.

The President also announced that early this year he will preside over the ceremony of allocating completed units to the beneficiaries.

Under Boma Yangu Initiative, all Kenyans no matter one’s economic status are entitled to own a decent house.

This means the less fortunate members of our society will also own these houses.

In light of this, my critics who have been opposing everything that I’m doing will be embarrassed and left in utter shame.

I don’t know which other political card they will use to paint me in bad light for no reason.

This is because my performance even in other projects and programmes can also be seen, touched and felt.

The President had previously managed to overcome hurdles placed in his way by those opposed to affordable housing plan.

Reason? This was a noble initiative. This informed the final decision of a three-judge bench which heard and determined a consolidated case filed by his critics.

A judges 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 on whether sufficient public participation was conducted.

The bench ruled that it was sufficient. Notably, the constitution does not provide for a threshold of the number of people who should participate in this exercise.

Early last year during Mashujaa day celebration held in Kwale county, the President William Ruto reiterated the progress that his administration had made in housing project.

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 and umbrella 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 headed by Dennis Itumbi for preparing these informative materials.

Notably, the creativity of the Team that had done graphic and design work is awesome.

The information is being 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.

While occupying the house, the beneficiaries will start to pay a small amount of money every month. The amount ranges between Sh3,000 and Sh7,000. After paying for certain period of time, one will own this 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 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