Ruto housing project in Kisii stalls over pay row
The Affordable Housing Programme under William Ruto has suffered a fresh setback in Kisii County after construction works at the Ogembo Affordable Housing project were halted following protests by workers over unpaid wages.
Operations at the site came to a standstill on Monday, April 6, 2026, after more than 200 workers downed their tools, accusing contractors of failing to pay their dues for over a month.
The workers, who had been receiving weekly stipends, said the delay had left them in financial distress, with some claiming they had been evicted by landlords due to rent arrears.
The agitated group blocked sections of the Ogembo–Ikoba road, chanting anti-government slogans and demanding immediate payment. They vowed not to resume work until all pending wages are settled. By the time of the protests, construction at the site was estimated to be 44 percent complete.
Anti-riot police were deployed to contain the situation and prevent potential destruction of property as tensions escalated.
A site official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, admitted that operations could not resume under the current circumstances, noting that work would remain paralysed until payments are made to the workers.
Similar complaints have also been reported at the nearby Masimba Affordable Housing project, where workers have raised concerns over delayed wages.
The incident adds to a growing list of challenges facing the government’s housing agenda, a flagship pillar of the administration’s development blueprint.
In recent months, several affordable housing projects across the country have faced hurdles ranging from delayed payments to contractors, disputes over land ownership, and resistance from local communities.
Earlier reports highlighted slow progress in some projects due to funding constraints and logistical bottlenecks, while others have been dogged by legal battles and procurement concerns.
Labour disputes, such as those witnessed in Kisii, now threaten to further derail timelines and raise questions about the sustainability of the programme.
