Ruto: 178 Sub-counties Okayed for Affordable Housing Projects

The Kenya Kwanza government is on course to reach its goal of building 250,000 affordable housing units annually. 

President William Ruto on Friday reported that out of the 290 sub-counties, 178 have been granted the go-ahead to begin construction. Charles Hinga, the Housing Principal Secretary, clarified that all 290 sub-counties have land available for the program, but the land must first be assessed to check if they are fit for the programme. 
Out of the 178, 29 sub-counties are awaiting the groundbreaking ceremony. 

President Ruto said 33,000 citizens have already saved with Boma Yangu, and there is still room for 160,000 more who wish to become homeowners. To access these services, Kenyans can dial *832#. In total, 367,000 Kenyans have registered on Boma Yangu, and 33,000 of them are active savers.

The government has set aside Sh35.2 billion for the Housing program. Ruto has also directed all markets in Nairobi to be equipped with Wi-Fi so that vendors can trade on the web. The President spoke at KICC where he launched digital government services. He declared that the 20 new markets being constructed should have Wi-Fi. The internet connectivity will permit vendors to do business from their stalls. 

City Market and Kawangware already have free internet installed. During his campaign last year, Nairobi Governor Sakaja promised not to demolish any markets or drive away street vendors from their locations. He also pledged to construct 20 new markets in Nairobi, including Ngara, and to guarantee that each trader has a space.

To help traders in the county transact their business, Sh730 million has been set aside for the construction of various markets and Sh50 million has been allocated for the renovation of markets. This is part of Sakaja's Sh42.3 billion budget, which Nairobi MCAs accepted.