Speaking on Friday, January 23, during an engagement with graduate interns onboarded under the government’s Affordable Housing Programme at State House Nairobi, Ruto dismissed criticism surrounding the statutory deductions, which have sparked protests and legal challenges since their introduction.
“There is nothing we cannot do if we believe in ourselves and provide the right leadership,” Ruto said.
“If I were a coward, this project could not have happened given the threats of protests.”
He described salaried Kenyans who contribute to the housing fund as the real heroes behind the initiative, crediting their support with making the programme possible.
“I want to thank public servants and working Kenyans who contributed to the housing fund. They are the heroes of this programme; they are the ones who have made this programme what it is,” Ruto said.
The levy, which is deducted monthly from employees’ salaries and matched by employers, has remained one of the most contentious fiscal measures of Ruto’s presidency.
The President said the housing levy was a bold but necessary intervention aimed at addressing Kenya’s chronic housing shortage, particularly among low- and middle-income earners who struggle to access decent and affordable accommodation.
He described salaried Kenyans who contribute to the housing fund as the real heroes behind the initiative, crediting their support with making the programme possible.
“I want to thank public servants and working Kenyans who contributed to the housing fund. They are the heroes of this programme; they are the ones who have made this programme what it is,” Ruto said.
The levy, which is deducted monthly from employees’ salaries and matched by employers, has remained one of the most contentious fiscal measures of Ruto’s presidency.
Critics argue that it places an unfair burden on workers already grappling with high taxes, inflation and rising living costs.
Some civil society groups and opposition leaders have questioned the legality of the levy, its transparency, and whether contributors will ever directly benefit from the houses built using their money.
In response, Ruto assured Kenyans that every cent collected would be fully accounted for and used strictly for its intended purpose.
“I take full responsibility for it. It must be put to good use, and it must develop the houses, the markets and the hostels,” he said.
The President said the funds would finance not only affordable housing units but also supporting infrastructure such as markets, hostels and related social amenities meant to improve urban living standards.
He insisted that the government was committed to full transparency and accountability in the management of the housing fund.
“This programme will not fail because it is anchored on discipline, integrity and a clear development purpose,” Ruto said.
Ruto’s administration has repeatedly framed the Affordable Housing Programme as a cornerstone of its broader social and economic development agenda, arguing that it will stimulate job creation, boost the construction sector and improve access to decent housing.
According to government figures, the programme has already made visible progress, including the construction of estates such as the New Mukuru Housing Estate Lot 1 – Phase 1, which comprises more than 5,616 bedsitters.
The project, located in Nairobi, is part of a wider national rollout that seeks to deliver hundreds of thousands of housing units across major urban centres and emerging towns.
Supporters of the programme say it has already created thousands of jobs for young people in construction, engineering and related trades, while also offering new opportunities for local suppliers of building materials.
However, scepticism remains widespread among Kenyans who worry about whether the houses will be affordable to ordinary workers and whether allocation of units will be fair and transparent.
Others have raised concerns about the long-term sustainability of the fund and whether future administrations will honour commitments made to contributors.
Ruto acknowledged the concerns but urged Kenyans to judge the programme by its outcomes rather than political rhetoric.
“This is not about politics. It is about development, dignity and giving our people a chance to live in decent homes,” he said.
He added that strong leadership and citizen participation were essential ingredients for national development, saying the housing levy reflected a collective investment in Kenya’s future.
“Leadership is about making difficult decisions for the greater good,” Ruto said.
Some civil society groups and opposition leaders have questioned the legality of the levy, its transparency, and whether contributors will ever directly benefit from the houses built using their money.
In response, Ruto assured Kenyans that every cent collected would be fully accounted for and used strictly for its intended purpose.
“I take full responsibility for it. It must be put to good use, and it must develop the houses, the markets and the hostels,” he said.
The President said the funds would finance not only affordable housing units but also supporting infrastructure such as markets, hostels and related social amenities meant to improve urban living standards.
He insisted that the government was committed to full transparency and accountability in the management of the housing fund.
“This programme will not fail because it is anchored on discipline, integrity and a clear development purpose,” Ruto said.
Ruto’s administration has repeatedly framed the Affordable Housing Programme as a cornerstone of its broader social and economic development agenda, arguing that it will stimulate job creation, boost the construction sector and improve access to decent housing.
According to government figures, the programme has already made visible progress, including the construction of estates such as the New Mukuru Housing Estate Lot 1 – Phase 1, which comprises more than 5,616 bedsitters.
The project, located in Nairobi, is part of a wider national rollout that seeks to deliver hundreds of thousands of housing units across major urban centres and emerging towns.
Supporters of the programme say it has already created thousands of jobs for young people in construction, engineering and related trades, while also offering new opportunities for local suppliers of building materials.
However, scepticism remains widespread among Kenyans who worry about whether the houses will be affordable to ordinary workers and whether allocation of units will be fair and transparent.
Others have raised concerns about the long-term sustainability of the fund and whether future administrations will honour commitments made to contributors.
Ruto acknowledged the concerns but urged Kenyans to judge the programme by its outcomes rather than political rhetoric.
“This is not about politics. It is about development, dignity and giving our people a chance to live in decent homes,” he said.
He added that strong leadership and citizen participation were essential ingredients for national development, saying the housing levy reflected a collective investment in Kenya’s future.
“Leadership is about making difficult decisions for the greater good,” Ruto said.
“And nation-building is about all of us contributing to a shared vision.”
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