NAIROBI — Days after President William Ruto proudly handed over more than 1,000 newly built homes to families in Mukuru kwa Njenga, a sprawling informal settlement in Nairobi, the excitement has turned into confusion. Only one family has moved in. The rest of the houses sit untouched—doors sealed, windows shut.
It’s an awkward silence for a project that was meant to be a bold statement on affordable housing.
A Lone Tenant in a Sea of Empty Homes
Jerusha Muthoni is the sole resident in the estate. Just days ago, she was living in a tin-walled shack. Now, she walks into her freshly painted unit with tiled floors and running water.
“I feel blessed,” she says, standing on her front step. “But it’s strange being here all alone. Where is everyone else?”
It’s the question on many lips.
Government Says Move-In Starts in June
The Affordable Housing Board, which manages the project, insists everything is on track. According to the board’s acting CEO, Shila Waweru, the homes were officially handed over early, but residents are expected to move in from 1 June.
“They are free to move in earlier if they wish,” Ms Waweru said. “But some final work on water and electricity is still going on.”
When pressed about the empty estate, she added: “This was planned. There’s no delay on our end.”
Residents Cry Foul
But not everyone is buying it. Some Mukuru residents claim the delay hides deeper problems—chief among them, accusations that some of the listed beneficiaries aren’t from Mukuru at all.
“We’ve seen unfamiliar faces in the allocation lists,” said Daniel Mutiso, a local community organiser. “People who never lived in Mukuru are being given houses.”
The Housing Board denies this. “Every person was vetted. The process was fair,” Ms Waweru stressed.
A Flagship Project Under Scrutiny
The Mukuru homes are part of a massive plan to replace slums with proper housing. Over 13,000 units are set to be built, making it one of Kenya’s largest low-cost housing efforts in history.
Launched with fanfare and backed by presidential support, the project is meant to show the government’s commitment to dignified living conditions for all.
Yet, images of padlocked homes and empty balconies now cast a shadow over that vision.
Hope and Hesitation
For families still waiting, the promise of a new life remains just out of reach. Whether it’s due to unfinished works, bureaucratic hurdles, or mismanagement, trust in the process is fraying.
“I’m just hoping it’s not politics,” said Muthoni, pausing before entering her home. “People deserve these houses. I hope they come soon.”
As June approaches, all eyes are on Mukuru. Will the estate finally come alive with the sounds of families settling in—or will the silence linger?
