President William Ruto has announced significant job creation under the government’s Affordable Housing Programme.
Speaking on Monday during the 11th National and County Governments Coordinating Summit at State House, Nairobi, Ruto confirmed that the initiative has so far generated 200,000 direct jobs across Kenya.
“To date, the programme has generated 200,000 direct jobs, with thousands more emerging through the building and construction value chain that supports housing development,” Ruto stated.
He added that the scale of ongoing and future projects promises millions of additional jobs for Kenyans.
Ruto highlighted the program’s dual benefits, describing it as a tool for creating equity and inclusiveness while providing affordable homes to workers and families at the lower end of the economic ladder.
“Beyond providing affordable and decent homes, the programme promotes equity and inclusiveness while creating millions of jobs,” he said.
Ruto had previously stated that his long-term goal for the future is to expand the workforce within the program.
“I plan that by 2027, we will have 500,000 people working in the programme,” Ruto revealed.
Ruto also highlighted the completion of multiple housing projects under the Affordable Housing Programme in different parts of the country.
He added that the government is making significant progress, with 124,000 units in various stages of development in the country.
These form part of the programme to address the housing deficit the country has faced, with another 840,000 housing units slated for development within the next four years.
According to the government, this also showcases that the ambitious project promises to create up to a million jobs, significantly increasing the country’s economy and giving many Kenyans employment opportunities.
Besides housing developments, the government is working to increase access to homeownership through an ambitious mortgage scheme.
by EKISA ZABLON