William Ruto Accuses Tycoons Of Using Courts To Block Affordable Housing Project

• President William Ruto said he would stop at nothing to ensure the Affordable Housing project is implemented
• He accused wealthy Kenyans of using courts to oppose the project because they could afford to pay expensive mortgages
• This comes after the High Court declared the Housing Levy deductions imposed on Kenyan employees unconstitutional

Michael Ollinga is a journalist at TUKO.co.ke with over 10 years of experience covering courts and crimes, special reports, and current affairs in Kenya.

President William Ruto has accused wealthy Kenyans of opposing the Affordable Housing Project by filing court cases.

Housing Levy declared unconstitutional

The High Court had declared the involuntary deduction of Housing Levy from Kenyan employees unconstitutional, dealing the president's pet project a significant blow.

The deductions were meant to fund the Affordable Housing Project, a significant component of Ruto's Kenya Kwanza government.

Ruto is, however, determined to ensure the Affordable Housing Project continues unabated despite the legal hurdles.

William Ruto insists the Affordable Housing Project is unstoppable

Speaking in Kajiado, Ruto said he would not stop sourcing land to construct affordable houses, as this created jobs and enabled ordinary Kenyans to own homes.

"I was looking for land in Kajiado North, and I'm happy that the youths have allowed us to begin building here. We will do this in every part of the country because building these houses gives the youth jobs and enables mama mbogas and boda boda riders to own homes.

"Ordinary Kenyans can pay KSh 3,000 or KSh 4,000 and eventually own houses. Currently, an ordinary Kenyan needs at least KSh 40,000 to afford a house. That means only a few people can afford such houses," said Ruto.

Affordable Housing a right for poor Kenyans, William Ruto

He argued that affordable and social housing was a right for all Kenyans, and he would stop at nothing to ensure this right was attainable.

"That's why I am pushing this. Those who have gone to court to stop this project can afford that KSh 40,000. My question is, What do they want to block mama mbogas and boda boda riders from an opportunity to afford houses?" explained Ruto.

The president said that all Kenyans, including the less fortunate, have a right to afford a house and that it was his responsibility as the head of state to ensure equality across all social backgrounds.

Ruto insisted that the project was a premium project as it would create jobs and give people who would not have ordinarily afforded houses an opportunity to own homes.

He insisted that the Housing Levy must be implemented, despite court orders standing in the way of the directive highlighted in the Finance Act of 2023.