Dennis Itumbi, Head of the Presidential Special Projects & Creative Economy, provided an overview of the achievements under the Kenya Kwanza government under the leadership of President William Ruto. Itumbi highlighted several significant milestones in affordable housing and employment, emphasizing the government’s commitment to transforming the lives of Kenyans.
Housing Development: 1,200 Units and Counting
Since September 2024, the government has completed more than 1,200 affordable housing units, marking a crucial step in addressing Kenya’s housing deficit. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to provide affordable homes to Kenyans and stimulate economic growth through the construction sector. Itumbi reported that the government is progressing well with 124,000 housing units at various stages of development across the country. This ambitious program aims to address the housing deficit by developing 840,000 additional units within the next four years. The affordable housing program promises not only to improve living standards but also to create up to a million jobs, significantly enhancing the country’s economic landscape.
The Kenya Kwanza administration’s housing strategy includes a comprehensive approach to expand access to homeownership. Itumbi revealed that the government plans to grow the number of mortgages in Kenya from 30,000 to one million. This is intended to make homeownership more accessible to a broader segment of the population, addressing the housing crisis through innovative financing mechanisms. The administration’s focus on social housing and affordable housing components ensures that all Kenyans benefit from the program, not just those in urban centers but also in rural areas.
Expanding Employment Opportunities
Beyond housing, the government has made significant strides in employment creation. Itumbi announced that under the housing program alone, 200,000 jobs have been created. Additionally, the micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) sector has generated another 840,000 jobs in 2024. This aligns with President Ruto’s bottom-up economic model, which focuses on creating jobs at the grassroots level. Itumbi also noted the employment of 107,000 community health promoters, underscoring the government’s commitment to enhancing healthcare accessibility while creating jobs in the process.
In terms of global employment opportunities, Itumbi highlighted the government’s success in signing bilateral labor agreements with 22 countries. This initiative has enabled 243,000 Kenyans to secure jobs abroad since 2022, and in just the last two months, 12,000 Kenyans found employment overseas. The government’s plans are ambitious, with aims to connect 2 million Kenyans to global job markets in the coming years. This international job placement strategy not only alleviates the unemployment crisis domestically but also brings foreign exchange income into the country, thus boosting the economy.
Key to Long-term Success
Itumbi emphasized that these housing and employment initiatives are part of a broader vision to improve the living standards of Kenyans. The Kenya Kwanza government’s focus on the housing crisis, job creation, and economic empowerment is rooted in a comprehensive policy framework. The administration’s strategic goals include addressing the housing deficit, growing the mortgage market, and creating sustainable job opportunities both domestically and abroad. It is a clear testament to the government’s commitment to a bottom-up approach, ensuring that every Kenyan benefits from these transformative projects.
As Kenya moves forward, Itumbi reiterated the importance of continued investment in these sectors. The government’s efforts to provide affordable housing and job opportunities will have long-term benefits, not just in terms of economic growth but also in improving the quality of life for many Kenyans. Through these projects, the Kenya Kwanza government is setting the stage for meaningful change, demonstrating that strategic, inclusive policies can lead to sustainable development and economic transformation in the country.
In conclusion, Itumbi’s post on Instagram reflects a government that is committed to fulfilling its promises to Kenyans. By focusing on affordable housing and job creation, the administration under President Ruto is laying the foundation for a more prosperous Kenya, one where opportunities for housing and employment are no longer out of reach for many citizens. As the government continues to implement these projects, the hope is to see more milestones reached, ultimately making a significant impact on the lives of Kenyans for years to come.
