Ruto: Over 50,000 Kenyans employed through affordable housing program

By Peter Ochieng

President William Ruto on Thursday afternoon addressed his second joint sitting of Parliament, as stipulated in the constitution. 

The Head of State used the opportunity to state what his administration has achieved since coming into office a year ago.

Since being sworn in, in September 2022, Ruto has used various platforms to vouch for the affordable housing program, which culminated in the enactment of the 1.5% housing levy deducted from civil servants every month.

Ruto said the program has since seen over 50,000 Kenyans landing employment opportunities, with more job related avenues set to open up, going forward.

“Over 50,000 Kenyans have been employed through the affordable housing program. These are people who did not have jobs before and the number will increase once other affordable housing units get constructed,” he said.

He appreciated county governments for embracing the project. “The affordable housing project has received tremendous support from county governments across Kenya. The construction of 46, 792 units is ongoing and the building of another 40,000 units will commence soon.”

He insisted that his resolve in the fight against corruption will not be diluted by anyone. “I have given assurance to the people of Kenya that cases of corruption shall be dealt with ruthlessly. I ask this honorable House to finalise the assets declaration and tighten the regulations related to graft,” added the Head of State.

On maters health, Ruto said his administration continues to undertake tremendous reforms in the key sector for quality healthcare services.

“We have instituted radical reforms including the enactment of four new laws to anchor the implementation of the bottom-up agenda in the field of healthcare. I thank the members of the House for enacting the four laws related to healthcare. It will usher in a new era in the provision of primary healthcare in Kenya. We have deployed 1,000 primary healthcare providers.”

He said 56,750 teachers have so far been employed by his Kenya Kwanza administration.