President William Ruto has addressed the government's decision to utilise public land for affordable housing projects.
Speaking during the Linzi Sukuk Bell-Ringing Ceremony at the Nairobi Securities Exchange (NSE) in Westlands, Nairobi, the President emphasized the critical role of public land in delivering housing solutions and preventing its misuse.
"Many people have asked me why I am using public land to deliver housing," President Ruto remarked.
"I mean, what else was public land supposed to be used for? In many cases, if we don't use public land to deliver public housing, it ends up in the hands of a few other people by other means."
Ruto explained that by leveraging public land, the government aims to create more affordable housing units, thereby increasing homeownership among Kenyans.
"I am committed to ensuring that we create more homeowners in Kenya," President Ruto declared.
President Ruto explained the importance of equitable land use and the government's dedication to transforming the housing sector.
The initiative is part of the broader affordable housing program, which seeks to provide decent housing for Kenyans across all walks of life.
The use of public land is seen as a strategic move to maximize resources and address the pressing need for affordable homes to accommodate the bursting population.
According to the plan, the houses will be built in all counties in the country where there is public land and where the land is not enough, the government said it would purchase from private holders.
President Ruto's stance on public land utilization reflects a pragmatic approach to governance, ensuring that public resources serve the public good to cut out underhand dealings that capitalise on public property for private gain.
The Linzi Sukuk Bell-Ringing Ceremony at the NSE was a fitting backdrop for the President's remarks, as the new member in the listing pledged to bankroll the Kenya Kwanza housing plan.
