The handing of keys to over 1,000 beneficiaries of the new Mukuru estate in Nairobi’s Embakasi South area was the highlight of President William Ruto’s week.
The construction of the Mukuru Affordable Housing Project (AHP), spanning 56 acres and comprising 13,248 housing units, began in October 2022.
Speaking during the event, Ruto vowed to continue making more bold and difficult decisions “that will change Kenya, forever. This is Kenya’s bottom-up moment!”
“This is the most consequential day in my political career. We have handed over keys to life-changing 1,080 social housing units; these are not keys to open doors or houses; these are keys to homes,” he said.
He stated that there are over 200 such projects in various stages of completion across the country, employing more than 200,000 young people.
The development features a mix of bedsitters (5,616 units across 26 blocks), one-bedrooms (3,024 units in 14 blocks) and two-bedrooms (4,608 units across 48 blocks).
These homes are designed to cater to various income levels, which are social housing for those earning Sh20,000 and below, affordable housing for those earning up to Sh149,000 and upper-middle-income units for higher earners.
Pricing is structured under a rent-to-own model where bedsitters go for Sh3,900 per month, one-bedroom (Sh4,000) and two-bedroom (Sh5,000).
May 20 (Monday)
He hosted South Africa's acting Director-General of State Security Agency Ambassador Gloria Nozuko Bam at State House, Nairobi.
The talks centered on Artificial Intelligence (AI) where he called on the Intelligence agencies from the continent to work together and collaborate on this emerging technology.
AI, he said, is become a critical tool in keeping our countries safe and predicting threats that could destroy our socio-economic fabric.
May 21 (Wednesday)
At State House, he bade farewell to Algerian ambassador to Kenya Boumedine Mahi, who has completed his tour of duty in our country.
Ruto thanked him for his sterling job in strengthening relations between our two nations, and wished him, his government and country all the best in their future endeavours.
Kenya and Algeria, he stated, have enduring historic, diplomatic and trade relations that have been of mutual benefit to our two nations and peoples.
“Officials from our two countries meet and work together at various fora, including at the United Nations and the African Union, advancing agriculture, peace and multilateralism,” he said.
During the same day, he held a follow-up meeting with leaders from Machakos, Makueni and Kitui counties, where they resolved to expedite development projects in the region.
According to the Head of State, the country cannot transform when leaders make decisions that are merely convenient.
He said Kenya can only be changed when we make difficult but right decisions, tough choices that speak to the destiny of our people.
“We must, therefore, build synergy with all leaders, and marshal resources for investments that will stimulate the growth of our economy.”
May 22 (Thursday)
At State House, Nairobi, he received a comprehensive brief from the Tumaini Initiative mediators, led by retired Lt-General Lazarus Sumbeiywo and Ambassador Mohammed Guyo, on the evolving political and security landscape in South Sudan.
Tumaini Peace Initiative, which was launched on May 9, 2024, in Nairobi, is a high-level mediation for the conflict in South Sudan.
Sustained peace in South Sudan, Ruto said, remains a cornerstone of our collective regional stability.
During the meeting, Ruto said reaffirmed his unwavering commitment to working together with regional partners, and will continue to engage with the Republic of South Sudan in pursuit of sustainable peace, lasting stability, and a “secure future for the people of our brotherly nation.”
During the same day, he met the Maendeleo ya Wanawake National Executive Council, led by Rahab Mwikali Muiu.
Maendeleo ya Wanawake Organisation has over the years played a key role in the empowerment of grassroots women across the country, he stated.
He assured her that the government will continue working with the organisation and others to realise our transformation agenda, including the rolling out of the Universal Health Coverage, empowering communities through the provision of water and other initiatives.
