Ruto pledges to accelerate affordable housing push at global urban summit
By Mustafa Juma, May 17, 2026President William Ruto has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to expanding Kenya’s Affordable Housing Programme during high-level engagements at the World Urban Forum in Baku.
The President made the remarks after meeting Anacláudia Rossbach, the Executive Director of the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat), on the sidelines of the global summit focused on sustainable urban development.
Commitment to sustainable cities
In a statement shared via his official X account on Sunday, May 17, 2026, after the meeting, Ruto said Kenya and UN-Habitat had reaffirmed their shared commitment to promoting sustainable urban growth, resilient cities, and access to affordable housing.
“Met United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) Executive Director Anacláudia Rossbach on the sidelines of the World Urban Forum in Baku, Azerbaijan. We reaffirmed our shared commitment to advancing global action on sustainable urban development and affordable housing,” Ruto stated.
The president added that Kenya would continue working closely with UN-Habitat to promote people-centred urban planning and improve living standards for citizens.
Global housing role
Ruto also highlighted his role as Global Champion for Adequate Housing, saying Kenya remains committed to supporting international efforts aimed at improving access to decent shelter.
“In my capacity as Global Champion for Adequate Housing, I pledged Kenya’s continued partnership with UN-Habitat in advancing resilient, sustainable, and people-centred cities,” he stated.
Affordable Housing Programme
The Head of State further defended the government’s Affordable Housing Programme, insisting it remains a central pillar of his administration’s development agenda.
“Kenya will continue to advance the Affordable Housing Programme to ensure every citizen, regardless of background, has access to decent and dignified shelter,” he said.
The housing initiative has been one of the flagship projects of the Kenya Kwanza administration and is aimed at increasing home ownership while creating jobs in the construction sector.
While the programme has been praised by supporters as a transformative economic initiative, it has also faced criticism from sections of the public and opposition leaders, particularly over the controversial housing levy and concerns about affordability.
Critics have questioned the pace of implementation and whether low-income earners will genuinely benefit from the projects.
However, the government maintains that the programme is already generating employment opportunities and helping address Kenya’s growing housing deficit.