The Lower Eastern Times Opening The Third Eye
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President William Ruto has officially handed over keys to 176 beneficiaries of the Machakos Affordable Housing Phase 1 project after its completion in Machakos County.
He said the initiative is turning home ownership into a reality for low-income earners, helping many transition from paying rent to owning homes. The President noted that the houses were constructed using locally sourced materials, a move that has created hundreds of thousands of jobs for young people.
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Nationwide, the government is developing 230,000 affordable units, nearly 4,000 of which have already been completed—generating over 330,000 jobs.
“To all the new homeowners, congratulations. I am proud that under my leadership, many Kenyans now have a place they can call their own,” President Ruto said.
He added: “Our goal is to ensure millions more become homeowners across Kenya.”
Speaking in Machakos Town on Friday, the President reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to eliminating slums and informal settlements.
“That is our mission, our plan, and our vision—and we intend to achieve it,” he stated.
During the event, he also issued certificates to workers under the Recognition of Prior Learning programme, noting that many who began as casual labourers have now become certified professionals.
The President further launched construction of the 570-unit second phase of the Machakos Town Affordable Housing Project.
Earlier in the day, he commissioned the construction of the 13km Kangundo–Kivaani road, which cuts across Mwala and Kangundo constituencies, and the 22km Kivandini–Miseleni road in Mwala, a KSh1.7 billion project expected to boost mobility, trade and investment.
He also inspected the Mutituni Modern Market—built at a cost of KSh52 million—which will house 200 traders.
President Ruto announced that 15 new markets are being constructed in Machakos County to provide decent working environments for small-scale traders. Following requests from locals, he approved the expansion of the Mutituni market to accommodate 600 traders.
The Head of State revealed that the government is investing KSh25.5 billion in the county to deliver over 30,000 affordable housing units, 15 markets and student hostels.
He added that KSh1.4 billion has been set aside for the Machakos Last Mile Electricity Project, which will connect more than 10,000 households to the national grid.
President Ruto also urged Kenyans to reject leaders peddling divisive politics, saying they lack tangible plans for the nation.
“They preach nothing but ‘one term’ and ‘must go’. That is not enough. They must show Kenyans what they intend to deliver,” he said.
He emphasised that development—not rhetoric—will determine leadership, and criticised the opposition for refusing to support transformative programmes such as affordable housing, modern markets, student hostels and health initiatives.
The President stressed that Kenya is an inclusive nation, not one based on political shareholding.
Deputy President Kithure Kindiki called on MPs to back the proposed Infrastructure Fund once it reaches Parliament. He said the fund will accelerate the development of critical road, energy and water projects.
He added that equal distribution of development is the foundation of national unity.
Machakos Town MP Caleb Mule highlighted the job opportunities created by the housing programme, noting that at least 520 youths are employed in the Machakos project.
Mwala MP Vincent Musyoko urged residents of Lower Eastern to be cautious of leaders who push political interests without focusing on development. He pointed out that some of those claiming to support the region had previously opposed development efforts under the guise of shareholding politics.
Labour Cabinet Secretary Alfred Mutua said Machakos, Makueni and Kitui counties will no longer be influenced by leaders who thrive on opposition politics at the expense of citizens.
He described such tactics as a “political poverty strategy” meant to keep people dependent.
“We reject this. We have been deceived for too long, and we will not be used anymore,” he said.
