President William Ruto is set to preside over the official handover of 1,080 newly constructed housing units in Mukuru on Tuesday, marking the completion of Phase 1 of the New Mukuru Housing Estate project. This milestone underscores the government’s commitment to the Affordable Housing Programme (AHP), a flagship initiative aimed at improving the living standards of low- and middle-income earners across Kenya.
The Mukuru project, situated in Nairobi, is poised to be one of the largest government-led housing developments, with a total of 13,428 housing units planned across different typologies. These include studio apartments, one-bedroom, two-bedroom, and three-bedroom units designed to accommodate varying household sizes and income brackets. The estate will also incorporate essential amenities such as schools, healthcare facilities, green spaces, and retail centers to promote a holistic urban living environment.
President Ruto’s administration has prioritized the Affordable Housing Programme as a strategic intervention to address Kenya’s urban housing deficit and transform informal settlements. The Mukuru project, in particular, targets former residents of informal structures, offering them dignified housing within the same locality to ensure minimal disruption to their lives and livelihoods.
“This project is not just about buildings; it is about restoring dignity, creating jobs, and promoting inclusive urban development,” President Ruto noted during an earlier inspection tour of the site. He emphasized that the AHP will also continue to stimulate the economy by generating employment opportunities in the construction and manufacturing sectors.
Beneficiaries of the Mukuru units will access them through affordable rent-to-own models or tenant purchase schemes, ensuring the project remains within reach of ordinary Kenyans.
Upon completion, the New Mukuru Housing Estate is expected to house over 50,000 residents, representing a transformative shift in how the government addresses urban housing needs.
Tuesday’s handover ceremony will bring together national and county officials, housing sector stakeholders, and community leaders, as the government showcases progress in delivering on the promise of affordable and decent shelter for all Kenyans.
