President William Ruto appears to have re-embarked on salvaging the implementation of his pet projects targeting the majority poor, even as he fends off onslaught for allegedly failing to deliver on his pre-election promises.
In his ongoing working tours to various parts of the country, implementation of affordable housing, modern markets for mama mbogas and last mile connectivity targeting poor households are increasingly becoming central, pointing to a change of tack in pushing for their completion ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Some of the projects are seen to have an immediate impact on the majority poor that swept his Kenya Kwanza administration to power in 2022 on the strength of lofty promises of creating jobs for millions of unemployed youths, prioritising the needs of low-income earners among others.
President Ruto sold the ‘hustler versus the dynasty’ narrative to groups generally typified as boda boda, the unemployed youths and mama mboga (grocers) to ascend to presidency.
In the run-up to the August 2022 elections, Dr Ruto said his bottom-up economic model would spur economic growth among the poor. But for more than two years in office, some of the promises have not been realised, jolting him to start following up on some of the projects through his working tours to various parts of the country.
President William Ruto (then deputy president) arriving at the Catholic University of Eastern Africa for Presidential debate on July 26, 2022. On the left is Pauline Waithera (Mama Mboga).
Photo credit: File| Nation Media Group
According to President Ruto, his administration plans to construct a total of 400 markets nationally.
In his recently concluded tour of Migori, the President inspected several Economic Stimulus Programme (ESP) markets, including Riosir in Rongo, which will accommodate more than 300 traders, Sh47 million Oria fresh produce market in Uriri that will also house 300 traders and Ntimaru market in Kuria East.
In Narok County, the President opened the Suswa modern market, which he said is ready for use. The market is one of the first to be completed of the 260 currently under construction. He also opened the Ntulele Modern Market which has been completed and handed over.
“Our country can only be changed by bold and visionary leaders who are ready to make the right decisions. I inspected the Sh47 Million Oria Fresh Produce Market in Uriri; satisfied with the progress made in the facility that will house more than 300 traders.
"We are committed to uniting our nation to create a conducive environment for economic prosperity. This is irrespective of our political affiliations,” he said in Uriri on Monday.
Also central in the working tour of the President is the affordable housing project. Although the housing levy, the fund for financing the project has largely remained unpopular among salaried Kenyans, Dr Ruto seems determined to push it through.
In the mid-term scorecard, the administration said more than 130,988 units are currently under construction while another 127,476 houses are in procurement stages. But even with the renewed push, Kenya Kwanza administration faces the challenge of meeting its target of 200,000 units per year.
While in Migori, the President broke ground for the 298-unit Kehancha Affordable Housing Project in Kuria West. He also launched the construction of the 183-unit Ntimaru Affordable Housing Project. In Kilgoris Town, Narok County he launched another affordable housing project.
We are now on the path to accelerating growth through our numerous development projects that are stimulating the economy and generating inclusive wealth,” said the President in Kilgoris town.
In her performance contract for 2024/2025 signed last November, Lands, Public Works and Housing Ministry Cabinet Secretary Alice Wahome listed some of her priority areas in implementing the affordable housing project, which Dr Ruto’s administration has touted as a solution to the youth unemployment.
Cabinet Secretary Lands, Public Works, Housing and Urban Development Alice Wahome.
Photo credit: Dennis Onsongo | Nation Media Group
In the contract, the ministry committed to construct 66,155 affordable housing units to various levels of completion as well as 52,758 social housing units to various levels of completion by June.
The ministry further committed to construct 41,964 housing units consisting of 24,152 for the National Police, 10,033 for Kenya Defense Forces and 7,779 for Student accommodation to various completion levels.
The government has credited the affordable housing project to economic growth through the creation of 244,232 additional jobs in the construction sector with employment rising to 261,976 in 2025.
However, 2024 Economic Survey by Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS) report shows that jobs in the construction sector reduced last year.
“The construction sector declined by 0.7 percent in 2024 compared to 3 percent growth registered in 2023. There has been a reduced momentum in both public infrastructure projects and private sector developments that signaled a period of adjustment for the industry,” KNBS noted.
