Locals’ outrage as Ruiru affordable houses controversially sold out before completion
Styled as a project to address housing challenges amongst the low-income Kenyans dubbed ‘hustlers’, the Affordable Housing Programme, one of the President William Ruto’s flagship projects has attracted backlash after emerged that most of the 1,050 government affordable housing units in Ruiru, Kiambu County have been bought even before their completion.
Locals claim the houses have been taken by rich people which the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party branded as ‘dynasties’ preceding the 2022 poll, most of whom, the residents say, are not from the locality, but government officials have disputed the allegations.
According to information on the Nyumba Yangu website, the official online platform for the housing project, all the one-bedroom and two-bedroom houses which go for Sh1.5 and Sh2 million respectively sold out.
The Parliamentary Committee on Housing, Urban Planning and Public Works while on a tour of the Sh1.8billion project on Wednesday, October 29, 2025, confirmed that the units have been bought out, two months ahead of the completion time.
Led by the committee Chairman Johanna Ng’eno of Emurua Dikirr constituency, members expressed satisfaction with the progress made so far, noting that it was within the set timelines.
Ng’eno maintained that the buyout was a confirmation that Kenyans have taken the affordable housing scheme seriously and that demand for houses is high, contrary to previous public opinion about the viability of the project.
“Some people thought this was a white elephant thing and even doubted whether the houses would be occupied. But this is now a confirmation that the demand for housing in the country is on another level,” reiterated Ng’eno.
He also allayed fears that the houses built in a six-acre parcel formerly belonging to the Public Works department were bought by wealthy people, maintaining that 80 percent of the owners are ordinary Kenyans commonly referred to as hustlers.
“Our main purpose as a committee is to make sure that public funds are put into good use and I want to say we are satisfied with what we have seen here in Ruiru. This is truly commendable,” said the Chairman.
Area MP Simon King’ara who accompanied the team said a good number of the houses were bought by locals and that the project is set to transform the local economy.
The MP noted the housing project has created jobs for hundreds of youths, whereas local traders have also been making money by selling consumables to the wirkers.
However, King’ara noted that due to the expected population surge when the new home owners settle down, there is need for expansion of local schools, infrastructure and other public amenities including hospitals.
Earlier, residents maintained that the houses were bought by rich individuals with some acquiring several units.
“Mama mbogas or boda boda riders cannot afford those houses. We know they were bought off by tycoons,” said Selina Wambui, a local jua kali trader.
