President William Ruto has handed over Boma Yangu Estate Keys to 176 new home owners of Machakos Affordable Housing Programme Phase 1, as a fulfillment of his promise to provide decent housing to Kenyans of low- and middle-income brackets.
Out of the 220 phase 1 completed affordable housing units, 176 units have been successfully bought through the Boma Yangu platform by Machakos businessmen, boda boda riders, people with disabilities, retired pensioners, civil servants and Kenyans from the private sector.
While speaking to Machakos residents at the Boma Yangu Estate, the President, who was on his final leg of the three-day Ukambani tour, said his proudest moment is seeing Kenyans owning homes. He encouraged other Kenyans to look forward to having a dignified living space.
“It is our responsibility to ensure that millions join you in owning homes. We want to move millions from slums, informal settlements and paying rent to owning homes which is our mission and plan and we intend to deliver on it,” said the President.
Further, he also led in the ground breaking of Machakos Phase two of Affordable Housing Project on 4.69 acres to be completed by May 2027 that would have 570 units set to generate direct and indirect jobs for youths.
The President noted that Machakos residents were behind in matters of electricity connectivity and promised to light up 10,000 homes by June 2026 as a major key for economic development in Ukambani at a cost of Sh1.4 billion.
While inspecting the progress of Sh52 million Mutituni Modern Market that is set to foster economic growth by increasing market reach and strengthening customer relationships, President Ruto assured Machakos residents of construction of 15 markets as a fulfillment of providing mama mboga with a secure and dignified working space.
“We have set aside Sh3billion for 15 markets within Machakos County. The only way to bring change is through development and not divisive politics,” said the President.
The Cabinet Secretary for Lands, Public works, Housing and Urban development’s Alice Wahome added that the Affordable Housing Project had provided employment for over 450 youths where 39 have now been certified by the National Industrial Training Authority (NITA).
“39 artisans working on site were formally assessed and certified under the Recognition of Prior learning (RPL) Programme thus expanding their employability and future income opportunities,” added CS Wahome.
By Anne Kangero
