President William Ruto is set to launch three key Affordable Housing Projects (AHP) in Kenya’s coastal region on Monday, reinforcing his administration’s commitment to addressing the housing deficit while boosting job creation. The projects, spearheaded by the Ministry of Lands, Public Works, Housing, and Urban Development, will be located in Mokowe (Lamu), Tezo (Kilifi), and Voi (Taita Taveta).
The initiative aligns with the government’s Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA), positioning housing development as a cornerstone for employment and urban modernization. With Kenya facing a significant housing shortage, these projects aim to provide quality, affordable homes while also stimulating local economies.
The Tezo Affordable Housing Project in Kilifi County is the largest of the three, featuring 1,000 units across a five-acre site. The Ksh.2.5 billion development is expected to inject over Ksh.1 billion into the local economy and create over 200 construction jobs. Local suppliers will benefit from increased demand for building materials such as cement, sand, and ballast, while food vendors and service providers near the site are also expected to gain from the influx of workers.
Similarly, the Voi Pool Housing Project in Taita Taveta County will introduce 458 residential units, including social, affordable, and market-rate housing. This Ksh.1.1 billion investment will provide more than 150 daily jobs, benefiting masons, electricians, and suppliers. The inclusion of commercial spaces and recreational amenities is expected to enhance the urban landscape of Voi.
In Lamu County, the Mokowe Affordable Housing Project will consist of 393 residential units and 75 commercial shops. Valued at Ksh.1.2 billion, it will provide employment for approximately 120 workers daily while injecting over Ksh.400 million into the local economy. The government has pledged to source raw materials locally, ensuring that small-scale businesses and artisans in Lamu benefit directly.
These projects go beyond just housing they represent an economic transformation strategy that incorporates small and medium enterprises (SMEs), Jua Kali artisans, and vocational training institutions. By working closely with institutions such as the National Industrial Training Authority (NITA) and Mokowe Vocational Training Center, the government aims to equip local youth with technical skills for long-term employment.
As President Ruto embarks on this tour, he is expected to reaffirm his administration’s commitment to affordable housing as a vehicle for economic empowerment and urban renewal.
