Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has defended the Kenya Kwanza administration’s controversial policy choices, stressing that they are vital for steering the country toward economic recovery and sustainable development. Speaking on Monday, Kindiki pointed to the affordable housing programme as a cornerstone of the government’s strategy to address Kenya’s long-term socio-economic challenges.
“This is the generation to make difficult but important decisions that may not be politically convenient immediately, to enable as many Kenyans as possible to own decent homes,” said Kindiki.
He acknowledged that while the programme may not enjoy unanimous public support, its long-term benefits far outweigh the current discomfort. According to the Deputy President, the initiative mirrors paths taken by some Southeast Asian nations six decades ago—countries that are now reaping the rewards of early, bold reforms.
“By prioritizing the long-term national interest over political conveniences of the present, the Kenya Kwanza Administration is actualizing our founding fathers’ dream of eradicating slums, squalid dwellings and unplanned settlements,” he said. He added that the aim is to create a more inclusive and egalitarian society, where every Kenyan has access to dignified housing.
Kindiki emphasized that housing is not just a basic human right but also a fundamental pillar for national progress. He warned that Kenya’s aspirations for sustainable development cannot be met without addressing the country’s persistent housing deficit.
“Decent and dignified dwellings to more Kenyans rolls back the pangs of poverty and places Kenya higher on the global human development index,” he stated. “We may be sixty years late, but better late than never.”
The affordable housing programme is part of President William Ruto’s broader Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA), which aims to uplift the lives of ordinary Kenyans through inclusive economic policies. Though the programme has faced criticism from some quarters over implementation and funding, the government maintains that its long-term impact will be transformative.
As the Kenya Kwanza administration pushes forward with these reforms, Kindiki’s remarks serve as both a justification and a rallying cry for public patience and support in building what he calls “a more dignified future” for all Kenyans.
