Nairobi– In a moment heavy with symbolism and political pride, President William Ruto on Tuesday handed over 1,080 newly completed housing units to residents of Mukuru Kwa Njenga, an informal settlement in Nairobi’s Embakasi South.
The event, held under clear skies and guarded optimism, marked the completion of Phase 1 of the New Mukuru Housing Estate. Once fully built, the project is expected to deliver more than 13,000 units to low-income families, a cornerstone of the government’s Affordable Housing Programme.
Addressing the gathered crowd, Ruto could hardly contain his emotions. “They told me it wasn’t possible. That I was a liar,” he said, his voice rising above the applause. “But look at what we’ve achieved.”
The president, at times breaking into song and prayer, called it one of the most meaningful days of his political life.
“Today, I am handing over not just keys but hope. These homes are a fresh start for families who have never had one,” he said.
Ruto’s critics have long questioned the scale, cost, and logistics of his housing pledge. But on this day, he pushed back. “This is only the beginning,” he said. “In August or September, we’ll return with another 5,000 homes. And again next year, until we reach 13,000.”
The government says the Mukuru project has already injected KSh11 billion into construction and infrastructure, part of a larger KSh28 billion stimulus effect from the housing initiative. Ruto argued the ripple effects will be far-reaching, helping the local economy and providing jobs.
“Think about what this means,” he said. “Daycares, clinics, gyms, salons, corner shops. It’s not just homes we’re building we’re building livelihoods.”
The site itself is more than rows of flats. It includes 3.2 kilometres of new roads, over 9 kilometres of walkways, and nearly 4 kilometres of sewer lines. A health centre, fire station, day care facilities, strip mall, and digital start-up spaces are all part of the master plan.
Water and power infrastructure has also been upgraded, with a 5-million-litre underground tank, booster pumps, and 32 new transformer houses.
Ruto encouraged Kenyans still waiting for homes to register with the Boma Yangu platform a digital portal meant to ensure transparency and fairness in housing allocations.
“We are giving ordinary citizens a real shot at dignity,” he said. “This is what progress looks like.”
Still, not everyone is convinced. Housing advocates have raised concerns about affordability, displacement, and whether promised amenities will be sustained over time. Others question whether enough attention is being given to upgrading existing informal settlements without pushing residents out.
For now, though, the families moving into Mukuru’s new apartments are calling it a dream come true.
“I never thought I’d live in a home with running water and electricity,” said Margaret Wanjiku, a single mother of two and one of the new homeowners. “This changes everything.”
The president insists it’s just a glimpse of what’s to come. And in a city where decent, affordable housing has long felt out of reach, Mukuru could become a model or a test of how far that promise can go.
