President William Ruto has challenged critics of his administration’s housing programme to present alternative policies instead of calling for its suspension.
Speaking in Kisumu, Ruto said opposing the housing initiative amounted to denying Kenyans access to better living conditions, including improved sanitation, water, electricity and roads.
He argued that halting the programme would leave residents of informal settlements without essential services, while market traders would continue operating in difficult conditions and students in universities, TVET institutions and KMTC would remain in inadequate accommodation.
“Those individuals calling for the halt of our housing program are essentially telling Kenyans to remain in informal settlements lacking toilets, water, electricity, and roads,” Ruto said.
The President questioned whether those opposing the programme had the interests of Kenyans at heart, urging political competitors to focus on ideas and practical solutions.
“I ask the people of Kisumu: does anyone advocating for our citizens to live in slums have the country’s best interests at heart?” he said.
Ruto said his administration was ready for political competition but insisted that it should be based on policies, development plans and measurable action rather than insults, tribalism or hatred.
He further urged Kenyans to consider whether the country should continue investing in housing, markets, student hostels, water, roads, education and Universal Health Coverage, or allow political disagreements to derail development projects.
