Ruto Directs Use of Affordable Housing Funds Outside Govt Development Projects

President William Ruto reacts during the Maendeleo Ya Wanawake meeting, State House, Nairobi, on April 1, 2026. PCS

President William Ruto has announced that the government will use part of the Affordable Housing Fund to support Maendeleo Ya Wanawake in developing houses and related projects on land owned by the women’s organisation across the country.

Speaking on Wednesday, April 1, at the State House, Nairobi, when he hosted members of Maendeleo Ya Wanawake, Ruto directed Lands Cabinet Secretary Alice Wahome to work out a framework that will enable the group to access the funds for development of their estates.

The directive followed requests from the women’s caucus, which sought government support in accessing tenders, strengthening SACCO systems, securing tax incentives, and unlocking the potential of their land holdings.

Ruto acknowledged the group’s extensive land ownership across the country and noted that it presented a viable opportunity for expanding the Affordable Housing Programme through partnerships.

President William Ruto and other dignitaries during the Maendeleo Ya Wanawake meeting, State House, Nairobi, on April 1, 2026. PCSPCS

However, the President was quick to point out that the proposal could raise public debate, given the nature of the funds involved, and emphasised the need for accountability.

He clarified that any funds allocated under the arrangement would remain public resources and must be returned to the Affordable Housing scheme upon completion of the projects.“You have said you have land for development across the country. Is that right? I want you, CS Mama Alice, to sit down with their leadership so that we can help them develop those plots on the Affordable Housing programme,” Ruto said.

We will create a model. You know that the Affordable Housing project money belongs to Kenyans. There is a model that we will put there to help the houses and land. We will, however, return that money upon the completion of the investment and development,” he added.

The development comes at a time when the government is making adjustments to the Affordable Housing Programme to address concerns raised by Kenyans and lawmakers.In a recent engagement between the National Assembly’s Departmental Committee on Housing and officials from the State Department for Housing, legislators noted key challenges affecting the implementation of the programme.During the session, the Housing Principal Secretary, Charles Hinga, told MPs that the government is collaborating with a leading telecommunications company to develop a system that will allow contributors who opt out of the programme to withdraw their savings

Additionally, the Affordable Housing Board on Monday, March 30, signed an agreement that will see housing services rolled out across all 59 Huduma Centres nationwide, with dedicated desks to assist Kenyans in registration, application, and payment processes through the Boma Yangu platform.