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Ruto defends affordable housing as key to jobs and Kenya’s economic growth
President William Samoei Ruto commissioned the Emgwen Boma Yangu Estate in Nandi County, paving the way for occupation of the houses.
President William Ruto on Thursday hit back at critics of the government’s Affordable Housing Programme, saying the initiative is not only providing homes for Kenyans, but also creating jobs and supporting local industries while helping transform Kenya’s economy.
The President spoke in Nandi County, where he commissioned 1,165 housing units in Chesumei Constituency and handed over 250 units within Kapsabet Town in Emgwen Constituency, insisting the project is a long-term investment aimed at addressing the country’s housing crisis and uplifting low- and middle-income earners.
President William Samoei Ruto commissioned the Emgwen Boma Yangu Estate in Nandi County, paving the way for occupation of the houses. 120 new homeowners received their keys on March 12.
He said the housing scheme is a critical pillar of his administration’s plan to transform the country’s economy as Kenya strives to join the ranks of developed nations and that the project was already creating employment opportunities, supporting the construction and manufacturing sectors, and boosting local economies.
“The road to Singapore is no longer a dream but a reality. It is driven through job creation and support for the local economy,” said President Ruto.
President William Ruto, during the laying of a foundation stone for the construction of the Chesumei Affordable Housing Project in Kapsabet, Nandi County, on March 12, 2026.
Dr Ruto disclosed that the government had set aside Sh15 billion in the first phase to construct 10,000 housing units in Nandi County, alongside the development of 16 modern markets, including the main Kapsabet Market, which will accommodate about 1,000 traders.
He added that another Sh15 billion had been earmarked for upgrading roads in the county, while Sh55 billion had been allocated in the national budget for road development projects.
During the visit, the President toured several learning institutions, including his former school, Kapsabet Boys High School, where he was the chief guest at their centenary celebrations, Kapsabet Girls High School where he attended a thanksgiving ceremony and Chepteriet Girls High School.
He donated school buses to the institutions and pledged to expand infrastructure in the institutions, including the construction of additional dormitories to accommodate more students.
“The story of Kapsabet High School is not only about presidents; it is about thousands of students who have passed through this gate to become teachers, doctors, and distinguished public servants,” said Dr Ruto, who studied at the school for his A-level education in 1985 and 1986.
President William Ruto, during the laying of a foundation stone for the construction of Chesumei Affordable Housing Project in Kapsabet, Nandi County, on March 12, 2026.
The President said his administration had increased funding to the education sector significantly, with the budget rising from Sh500 billion in 2022 to Sh702 billion in the current financial year, representing nearly a 50 per cent increase.
He said the government had successfully transitioned to the Competency-Based Education and Training (CBET) system, with the pioneer cohort joining Grade 10 senior secondary school, posting an impressive 99 per cent transition rate.
Dr. Ruto added that government funding to universities had also increased, with capitation rising from Sh45 billion to Sh82 billion, while allocations for scholarships and the Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) had grown from Sh17 billion to Sh41 billion, helping restore stability in public universities.
The President further announced that the education sector would receive Sh765 billion in the next financial year, the highest allocation in the national budget.
Earlier, while addressing students at St Joseph’s Chepterit Girls High School, Dr Ruto said the government would construct a 2,500-capacity hall, additional classrooms, and an administration block at the institution, as well as supply 100 computers later this year.
“Our goal is to expand the institution’s infrastructure and double the intake from the current 1,600 learners,” he said.
Workers at the Chesumei Affordable Housing Project in Kapsabet, Nandi County, during the laying of the foundation stone by President William Ruto on March 12, 2026.
The President also highlighted his administration’s efforts to address the shortage of teachers, noting that 100,000 teachers had been employed in the past three years.
“We promised to employ 116,000 teachers. So far, we have recruited 100,000 in just three years,” he said.
Dr Ruto also called on members of the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) to participate in the party’s grassroots elections scheduled for Saturday.
“We are prepared to facilitate more than five million members to elect 20 officials in every polling centre as we build a strong party that will work with other political formations to unite and transform Kenya,” he said.
The President also toured the state-of-the-art Kapsabet Modern Market and pledged government support to construct 16 additional markets across Nandi County to boost trade and support small businesses.
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