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The government has so far managed to acquire 4,000 acres of land on which it intends to build 600,000 housing units in its bid to bridge the huge deficit in the country.

 While gracing the ground breaking ceremony of Sh2.8 billion worth of 1,050 housing units in Ruiru, Kiambu county, President William Ruto regretted that even in this era, most Kenyans continue to live in deplorable informal settlements.

 Ruto who announced intentions by his government to put up 50,000 houses in Kiambu county said his government’s housing agenda will not only dignify lives but will also go a long way in solving the joblessness crisis in the country.

 “This is a step to ensure that Kenyans live decently.  It’s a long journey and may take time but it has to start. We already have 4,000 acres worth of land to build affordable houses in various parts of the country,” said Ruto.

 The Head of State insisted that half a billion worth of the launched project would go to Jua Kali artisans who will be mandated to provide key construction equipment.

Revive stalled projects

 In his statement, Ruto revealed plans by his government to revive 100s of stalled projects across the country saying that while Kenyans had done their part through the vote, the remaining mandate is his governments to join hands and deliver.

 “We will work together to deliver on our manifesto and development goals in the entire country,” said Ruto.

 In Kiambu County, Ruto also promised to build 20 small markets worth Sh1 billion to spur economic activities in the villages and enhance the dignity of traders whom he said have been working under deplorable conditions.

 On his part, Ruto’s deputy Rigathi Gachagua took issue with Opposition leaders for allegedly attempting to set Kenya Kwanza government’s agenda.

“The agenda of President Ruto is clear in the Kenya Kwanza plan and it’s anchored on the social contract with the people of Kenya. Stop advising us on what to do,” stated Gachagua.

He blamed stalling of development projects to massive looting by the former regime but announced that the government was sourcing Sh 900 billion to pay contractors to finish the projects.

Gachagua who claimed that Azimio La Umoja leaders were not sleeping and are applying all trocks  to force Ruto into their gimmicks warned Kenyans against listening to them.

“Azimio is not sleeping thinking how to advise the president on where to go to church or launch development projects. Don’t try to set the agenda of Ruto. If someone listened to you, they would perish like you made the former government did,” said Gachagua.

Also present at the event were Investments, Trade and Industry CS Moses Kuria, governor Kimani Wamatangi, MPs Simon King’ara (Ruiru), Alice Ng’ang’a (Thika) George Koimburi (Juja), Elijah Njoroge Kururia (Gatundu North) Gathoni Wamuchomba (Githunguri), Njuguna Wanjiku (Kiambaa) among others.

Affordable housing

Ruto’s administration hopes to rope in the private sector and local governments in the implementation of affordable houses through legislation of key policies that will make finances available for Kenyans to access loans alongside creation of a mandatory housing fund which will assist in building resources for long-term lending to developers and homeowners through mortgages.

With the rapid increase in urban population, high cost of construction, finance costs, and escalating prices of urban land, the sector continues to suffer weighty hitches that could plunge the government’s dream into impossibility.

To plug the country’s cumulative housing deficit of two million units, the government is required to build 250,000 units annually for at least four years.

In a country where the cheapest house is built at a cost of Sh1.1 million owing to its economic situation, most poor Kenyans who comprise over 80 percent of the citizenry could continue to just dream about land or home ownership.