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President William Ruto and his deputy Rigathi Gachagua yesterday concluded their tour of the North Rift where they defended the Kenya Kwanza administration’s housing programme.

President Ruto vowed that his administration would go in with the controversial housing programme irrespective of the court outcome challenging it. Court of Appeal Judges Lydia Achode, John Mativo and Mwaniki Gachoka will on January 26, decide whether to temporarily suspend the housing tax.

President Ruto yesterday said that through the affordable housing programme, the government targets to create more than one million jobs and construct 258,874 units annually.

“The Constitution obligated the government to ensure Kenyans live in decent housing. Wale wanapinga hii mpango wajipange. This housing programme is unstoppable. We have no time to waste,” said the President who laid the foundation for the housing programme at Pioneer and Kidiwa in Uasin Gishu.

In Uasin Gishu alone, the Head of State said the government targets to set up 20,000 housing units which he said will see the creation of 50,000 jobs for the youth.

He also defended the Universal Health Coverage bills which he said will among others help provide a framework for the effective delivery and management of health services in the country.

“Those opposing it are out of touch with reality and the plight of millions of Kenyans because they have money and enjoy a comprehensive healthcare,” the president said at Pioneer in Kapseret constituency.

The High Court last year found the housing levy illegal, stating that it was discriminatory as it targets those in formal employment alone.

However, the state got a reprieve last week after the Court of Appeal ordered that the status quo be maintained until January 26 when a decision will be made on whether the directives will be quashed or extended.

At the time, Ruto yesterday said his administration has already employed more than 56,000 teachers to curb teacher shortage in the country adding that another 20,000 will be hired this year.

“We are committed that all children access basic education as enshrined in our Constitution,” he said.
He was accompanied by Uasin Gishu Governor Jonathan Bii, Senator Jackson Mandago and Woman Rep Gladys Shollei among others.