National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah has defended President William Ruto’s recent pledge to assist Harambee Stars players in acquiring Affordable Housing units, clarifying that the Head of State did not bypass legal procedures.
The clarification follows concerns raised by Kathiani MP Robert Mbui during Thursday’s parliamentary session over the legality and transparency of the offer. Mbui argued that the President’s promise could set a precedent for selective allocation of houses, contrary to regulations requiring a fair and open process.
During the ongoing 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN), President Ruto promised the national football team Ksh1 million for each win, Ksh500,000 for every draw, and Ksh60 million if they reached the quarterfinals. The pledges escalated to Ksh70 million for a semifinal spot and Ksh600 million for winning the tournament. After Harambee Stars’ victory over Morocco, Ruto went further, promising each player a two-bedroom Affordable Housing unit upgraded to three bedrooms if they won the semifinals — alongside a Ksh1 million bonus for a quarterfinal win.
Ichung’wah explained that the President’s housing promise was not a direct allocation but an offer to pay the players’ deposits so they could acquire homes through the standard Affordable Housing Programme process. “The President offered to help Harambee Stars players by paying their deposit. He also told them to first register for the programme,” Ichung’wah told the House.
Under the regulations, interested applicants must register on the Boma Yangu portal either online or via the *832# USSD code — using an eCitizen account. Registration is free, with a minimum deposit of Ksh200 to activate the account. Applicants then save towards the required 10 per cent deposit of their preferred unit’s value. Once the deposit is met, they are placed on a waiting list for allocation.
Those unsuccessful in the first round are given priority in subsequent selections.
Ichung’wah stressed that this framework ensures fairness, with no provision for the President or any official to handpick beneficiaries. MPs on both sides, including Mbui, supported the broader Affordable Housing Regulations, 2025, while calling for even greater transparency in the process.
