{
  "id": 7520637,
  "title": "What Is Your Alternative? Ruto challenges critics of housing programme",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/15/what-is-your-alternative-ruto-challenges-critics-of-housing-programme",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-15T09:45:32.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "KBC",
    "slug": "kbc",
    "url": "https://www.kbc.co.ke/what-is-your-alternative-ruto-challenges-critics-of-housing-programme/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "President William Ruto has vigorously defended his administration's Affordable Housing Programme, urging critics to propose alternative solutions for millions of Kenyans in need of homes, employment, and improved living standards. During a tour in Nyanza, Ruto argued that the housing initiative is more than a construction project; it's a comprehensive economic and social intervention to enhance the lives of ordinary Kenyans. \"If there is one thing that will forever change the destiny of our nation, it is affordable housing,\" he declared.\n\nRuto dismissed proposals to dismantle the programme, questioning what alternatives critics would suggest, especially considering the 1.1 million Kenyans currently employed within the affordable housing sector. \"I want to ask those of you who are saying they are going to abolish this housing programme, what is their alternative plan for the 1.1 million citizens who today work in the affordable housing programme?\" he questioned.\n\nThe President highlighted the programme's industry impact, stating that it extends beyond construction, creating jobs and supporting businesses involved in material supply and related services. Ruto defended the programme's role in home ownership, noting that Kenyans are registering for projects to move from tenant status to homeownership. \"Citizens themselves, they register themselves and went and built their own houses. Because they know that once the houses are built, they will come there not as tenants but as owners,\" he affirmed.\n\nHe cited projects in informal settlements to showcase the programme's potential to elevate the dignity of residents in challenging circumstances. Ruto recounted the emotional impact on beneficiaries who received housing keys, expressing the profound significance of home ownership for families previously living in poor conditions. \"When I went to hand over keys to some of the people who came from Mukuru, you could see tears in their eyes. Somebody who has never seen a toilet in their house. People who pay to use a toilet,\" he recounted.\n\nThe President emphasized that affordable housing should be viewed through the lens of providing basic services and upholding human dignity, particularly for families lacking access to water, electricity, roads, or sanitation. \"Just imagine somebody who lives in a house that has no toilet, has no water, has no electricity, has no road, but you want to stop the only plan that can give them a chance to own a home,\" he stated.\n\nRuto explained that the Housing Fund finances modern markets for small traders who have traditionally operated in difficult conditions, aiming to provide them with access to facilities like water and sanitation while creating new commercial spaces. He cited plans to build a Ksh 1.5 billion market in Kisumu and 20 markets across the country, with three already completed. The Housing Fund is also used to construct student hostels in universities and TVET institutions, linking the programme to the challenge of providing decent student accommodation. Ruto challenged critics to consider whether they want students to continue living in \"indecent settlements\" before advocating for the programme's abolition. His defense comes amid political debate over the housing levy and the government's affordable housing agenda, with critics questioning its costs and implementation. Ruto argued that abandoning the programme would jeopardize housing goals, jeopardize jobs, businesses, markets, and the opportunity for low-income Kenyans to become homeowners.",
  "summary": "Speaking on KBC's Mayienga FM, President says housing programme is creating jobs, expanding markets and giving Kenyans in informal settlements a path to home ownership. The post What Is Your Alternative? Ruto challenges critics of housing programme appeared first on KBC Digital .",
  "key_points": [
    "President Ruto defends Affordable Housing Programme against critics",
    "1.1 million Kenyans employed in housing sector, questioning alternatives",
    "Programme creates jobs, supports businesses, aids home ownership"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}