President William Ruto has promised that teachers will receive 20 percent of all Affordable Housing units across Kenya. He made the announcement on Saturday, September 13, during the Walimu na Rais forum held at State House, Nairobi.
The meeting brought together over 10,000 teachers. Leaders from the Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT), the Kenya Union of Post-Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET), and the Kenya Primary School Heads Association (KEPSHA) also attended.
“Today, we are going to sign an MoU, so that teachers can get 20 percent of all the housing we are constructing in Kenya,” Ruto said.
What the Promise Means
The Affordable Housing Programme (AHP) is guided by the Housing Act and related regulations. To set aside a share of houses for teachers, the government must create or amend regulations. Parliament could also pass an amendment or resolution to make the quota legally binding.
The planned Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) would likely be signed between the government, the Teachers Service Commission (TSC), and unions such as KNUT and KUPPET.
However, an MoU is not law. It can show intent, set rules for eligibility, and outline financing. But for teachers to claim the houses legally, the MoU must be anchored in the Housing Act or its regulations.
Why It Matters for Teachers
Teachers face high housing costs, especially in urban areas. Many live far from schools, which affects their daily lives and finances. By setting aside 20 percent of Affordable Housing units, the government hopes to ease this pressure.
The move could improve teacher morale, reduce turnover, and strengthen the education system. Still, without legal backing, the promise may remain a political statement rather than an enforceable righ
