President William Ruto has on May 29, 2025, announced that opposition leader Raila Odinga has allocated five acres of land to support the government’s affordable housing initiative in the region. 

Speaking during the joint appearance with former Prime Minister leader Raila Odinga at Kirembe grounds on his tour to the Nyanza region ahead of the Madaraka Day celebrations on June 1, 2025, Ruto commended Raila Odinga for his support, emphasizing the importance of unity in national development projects. 

“I want to thank Raila on behalf of all Kenyans for allocating five acres of land to support the government’s affordable housing and for putting aside our differences so that we can unite the country for prosperity,” Ruto said.

The President highlighted that the affordable housing programme was a component of both the Kenya Kwanza and Azimio la Umoja manifestos, underscoring its bipartisan roots.  He noted, “If Azimio had formed the government, they would have implemented it in their own way, but since we (Kenya Kwanza) are the ones in power, we will implement it in our own model”

In his sentiment, Raila expressed his support for the affordable housing initiative, confirming the personal contribution to the cause.

“Ruto’s affordable housing programme is meant to help people, and that’s why I have donated five acres of my land in Kisumu for the construction of houses to improve lives,” Raila said.

Kisumu’s Lumumba Estate project

The Lumumba Estate Affordable Housing Project in Kisumu Central is set to deliver 2,384 housing units, encompassing social, affordable, and market-rate housing. The project, valued at approximately Ksh5.7 billion, is expected to be completed by January 2026.

President Ruto emphasized the employment opportunities the project would create, stating, “We will create jobs for our youths and grow the economy while reducing wasteland and eradicating slums.”

He urged the youth in Kisumu to seize the nearly 10,000 job opportunities arising from the construction activities.

President Ruto, however, remains steadfast in his commitment to the programme, citing its potential to create employment and provide dignified housing for Kenyans. He remarked, “This is a programme that has undergone a lot of challenges, but we must get people out of slums.”

A step towards national unity

The collaboration between President Ruto and Raila Odinga in Kisumu represents a significant move towards national unity and shared development goals. By setting aside political differences, both leaders are working together to address critical issues such as housing and employment, setting a precedent for future bipartisan initiatives.

President William Ruto has announced that opposition leader Raila Odinga has allocated five acres of land to support the government’s affordable housing initiative in the region.