President William Ruto on May 20, 2025, led a landmark event in Nairobi’s Mukuru area, commissioning 1,080 newly completed social housing units that he described as “keys to homes, not just doors or houses.” The handover marked what he called the most consequential day in his political career and a pivotal milestone in the government’s Affordable Housing Programme.
The newly completed homes are part of the ambitious 13,248-unit New Mukuru Housing Estate — now hailed as the largest real estate development in Kenya’s history. Designed to uplift thousands of low-income Kenyans, the estate is transforming informal settlements into modern urban neighborhoods offering safety, dignity, and opportunity.
“These are not just keys to open doors; these are keys to homes — to hope, dignity, and a new way of life,” President Ruto declared at the handover ceremony.
The Mukuru development includes 5,616 bedsitter units in Lot 01, with Lot 02 currently under construction to deliver 3,024 one-bedroom apartments. Lot 03 will feature 4,608 two-bedroom homes, providing diverse options to meet the needs of different household sizes.
President Ruto emphasized that the Mukuru project is just the beginning. More than 200 similar housing developments are underway across the country. These projects have already created employment opportunities for over 200,000 young people, offering not only housing solutions but also economic empowerment.
“This is Kenya’s Bottom-Up Moment,” the president stated. “We are making bold and difficult decisions that will change Kenya forever.”
With improved sanitation, security, and modern infrastructure, the New Mukuru Housing Estate represents a new standard for urban living among low-income communities. Families who previously lived in informal settlements now have a chance at dignified, secure, and affordable living conditions.
President Ruto reaffirmed his government’s commitment to ensuring that every Kenyan, regardless of income level, has access to decent housing. He concluded by declaring the project a promise fulfilled — and just the beginning of a larger transformation.
