Raila Odinga Donates Five Acres in Kisumu for Affordable Housing Project

Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga has donated five acres of land in Kisumu County to support the government's affordable housing initiative. 

The contribution is poised to accelerate efforts to address the nationwide housing deficit, with President William Ruto pledging a KSh 3.2 billion investment to complete the project within 18 months. Speaking to Kisumu residents during Ruto's visit, Odinga framed the donation as aligned with ongoing efforts to uplift living standards for ordinary Kenyans by confronting issues such as housing, food security, healthcare, and education. 

The President, acknowledging Raila's contribution as pivotal to equitable national development, has reinforced the government's commitment to prioritize housing for low-income earners. The Kisumu project is part of a broader initiative to construct 15,000 affordable housing units in the county, with 2,400 currently in progress. President Ruto affirms that the completed units would primarily benefit informal sector workers, including vegetable vendors and boda boda operators, seeking to provide dignified housing options for those in greatest need. 

Further, he emphasises the government's commitment to transitioning Kenyans from lifelong renters to homeowners through affordable mortgage plans. This land donation comes at a critical juncture for Kenya's housing sector, which faces a substantial supply shortfall. The government has set an ambitious target of delivering 200,000 housing units annually, aiming for a total of one million homes within five years. As of April 2025, approximately 140,000 units had been completed, representing significant progress toward the national goal.

Beyond housing, plans are in place to construct a school and a hospital on the donated land, augmenting the region's infrastructure. Government spokesperson Isaac Mwaura has detailed the allocation process for the completed homes, emphasising priority for applicants who have consistently saved under the Affordable Housing Programme and those with larger families. He encourages Kenyans to register and save through the Boma Yangu platform to enhance their chances of securing a home upon completion.

Ruto's visit to Kisumu also coincided with the commissioning of Phase One of the LAPFUND Makasembo Affordable Housing Project. During his three-day tour of the Nyanza region, the president is slated to hand over keys to occupants of the 910 newly completed housing units, showcasing tangible progress under the initiative. President Ruto reiterates that the government's development agenda must be implemented equitably across the country, irrespective of political affiliations. 

His remarks reflect an ongoing effort to ensure regions traditionally aligned with opposition figures are not excluded from major infrastructure and social programs.

For his part, Raila urges the people of Kisumu to support the government's efforts, emphasising that the region's development should take precedence over political divisions.