President William Ruto on Thursday, October 30, celebrated a carpenter who has acquired an apartment courtesy of the government's affordable housing pogramme.
The President said John Ochieng began working as a carpenter in the housing project in Ongata Rongai in Kajiado County when it began two years ago.
"Two years later, he owns an apartment in the same estate. Given that there are developments today that cater to the housing needs of ordinary Kenyans like John, I am convinced that it is possible to provide quality affordable housing for rent and sale, and Ochieng’s story will be replicated multiple times throughout the country.
"We, therefore, proceed with the confidence that we will provide quality climate-smart housing that Kenyans can buy with mortgages for as low as Ksh5,000 a month to be made available through various home financing arrangements," he said.
The President said the housing programme will not only provide Kenyans with affordable shelter but also create jobs for millions of young people across the country.
"Let me emphasise that the housing agenda is not just about four walls and a roof. The demand for affordable housing is an opportunity to create jobs and stimulate the economy.
"Our manufacturing sector, which already supplies many products in the construction industry, will have expanded business opportunities," he stated.
Ruto to build 2 million houses
President Ruto revealed that Kenya is currently experiencing a housing gap of two million units and his government intends to bridge it by 2027.
"Our target is to increase the supply fourfold from 50,000 to 200,000 per year. Already, 2,592 units have been completed, 40,452 are under construction and over 500,000 units that require financial backstopping and funding for bulk infrastructure are in the pipeline," he said.
The President also said he will break ground for more housing projects in Kibera on Tuesday, October 25.
"Going forward, we intend to collaborate with county governments to achieve a target of at least 5,000 units in every county.
"Counties with larger metropolitan areas have a greater opportunity and can target as many as 50,000 units since demand is higher due to population density. We have asked counties to identify land for this Housing program," he added.
