President William Ruto has revealed that former President Uhuru Kenyatta advised him on the Affordable Housing levy. Ruto said Uhuru personally called him to ensure the programme stayed on track.
Speaking at State House on Saturday, September 13, 2025, during a meeting with teachers, Ruto shared details of their conversation.
Uhuru’s Call
“One morning, Uhuru called me,” Ruto said. “He asked, ‘William, do you have a house?’ I said yes. Then he told me, if people want housing, we must make sure the levy works. We cannot let the programme fail.”
Ruto also revealed that Uhuru helped him find the right person to run the housing project. “My boss told me about a professional in South Africa called Charles Hinga. We went for him, and today he is our Principal Secretary for Housing,” Ruto explained.
Housing as a National Priority
According to Ruto, affordable housing has been a priority in Kenyan politics for over 30 years. From the first slum upgrading projects to the Jubilee Big Four Agenda, housing has remained central in party manifestos.
“The future is urban,” Ruto said. “By 2050, half of Kenyans will live in cities. We must plan now so that millions in slums can have decent homes.”
Jobs and Growth
Ruto said the programme is already creating opportunities.
“We are building 170,000 houses, 400 markets, 172,000 hostel units for universities, and medical training centres,” he noted. “These projects are giving jobs to thousands of Kenyans. Industries such as cement and steel are also growing.”
The President stressed that affordable housing is not just about homes but also about jobs, dignity, and economic transformation.
