President William Ruto has announced that his administration will construct at least 40,000 social housing units to accommodate individuals displaced by floods in Nairobi. Speaking in Kibra on Monday, where he inspected ongoing affordable housing projects, Ruto emphasized that the initiative aims to provide shelter for those who were relocated by authorities due to flooding. The president noted that the tender for this ambitious housing project will be awarded soon.
The flooding, which occurred in April and May, caused significant damage across various regions of Kenya. According to the Interior Ministry, over 56,367 households were displaced, affecting approximately 281,835 people. The floods were responsible for the loss of 267 lives, highlighting the urgent need for robust housing solutions to support those impacted.
In addition to the displacement of thousands of families, the floods also severely affected critical infrastructure, including schools and health facilities. A total of 1,967 schools were disrupted, and 62 health facilities in 11 counties were impacted, further complicating the recovery efforts for communities across the country. In response to the crisis, the government ordered both voluntary and mandatory evacuations and directed the removal of structures along the riparian zones of the Nairobi Rivers and other flood-prone areas.
President Ruto highlighted the broader context of the government’s affordable housing agenda, noting that over 110,000 affordable housing units are currently under construction in various parts of Kenya. These efforts are part of a nationwide initiative to address the growing demand for housing and to improve living conditions for Kenyans across the country.
“Nyumba tunayo jenga kama hii ni 110,000 ambazo zinaendelea kila sehemu ya Kenya. Awamu ya Pili hapa Nairobi, Mahali tumetoa wananchi pale mahali kulikuwa na mafuriko hivi karibuni tunatangaza kandarasi ya nyumba 40,000 ya social housing ndio hawa watu walitoka kwa river tuwapatie makao kwa sababu tuliwapatia pesa ya kuhama,” said President Ruto in Kiswahili. This loosely translates to, “There are 110,000 houses whose construction is ongoing in various parts of Kenya. In the second phase, here in Nairobi, where we evacuated people during floods. Very soon we will give a tender for the construction of 40,000 social housing units so that people who were moved from spaces near rivers during floods can get homes. We gave them money to move.”
The president’s announcement underscores the government’s commitment to addressing the housing challenges faced by those affected by natural disasters. The social housing units will be strategically built in areas that are safe from future flooding, ensuring that affected families can rebuild their lives in secure environments.
Ruto’s administration has placed significant emphasis on affordable housing as a key component of its development agenda. The plan to construct 40,000 houses for flood victims in Nairobi is part of a broader effort to provide dignified living conditions for all Kenyans, especially those who are vulnerable to natural disasters and other socio-economic challenges.
The government’s focus on social housing aims to not only provide immediate relief to displaced families but also to prevent future displacements by ensuring that the housing units are located in flood-safe areas. This approach aligns with the government’s long-term vision of sustainable urban development and disaster risk reduction.
As Kenya continues to grapple with the impacts of climate change, including more frequent and severe flooding, the need for resilient infrastructure and proactive planning becomes increasingly critical. The construction of these housing units represents a significant step towards building a more resilient and prepared nation, capable of withstanding the challenges posed by natural disasters.
The housing project is expected to commence soon, with the tendering process already underway. This development brings hope to thousands of families who have been living in uncertainty since the floods, offering a path towards stability and security in the face of adversity.
