NAIVASHA, Kenya, June 17 - President William Ruto has defended the government's Affordable Housing Programme, stating that no level of criticism will deter his administration from pushing forward with the initiative, which he says is central to uplifting low-income Kenyans and transforming urban development.
Speaking during the Second Kenya Urban Forum in Naivasha, Nakuru County, on Tuesday, President Ruto emphasized that his leadership is focused on laying a foundation for long-term socio-economic change rather than short-term political gains.
"Leadership is not defined by how long someone serves in office, but by the foundation put in place for a better future," he said. "We should be defined by how much we are impacting the lives of people and the difference we are making for the next generation."
The Head of State criticized Kenya's political class for prioritizing electioneering over policy continuity, saying this has undermined the implementation of development initiatives.
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"Transformation of a nation doesn't happen overnight. It takes deliberate steps, planning, patience, and the courage to overcome challenges," he added.
The Affordable Housing Programme, one of the pillars of the Kenya Kwanza administration, aims to address the housing deficit by delivering low-cost units across urban and rural areas, while creating jobs in the construction and real estate value chains.
The Forum brought together stakeholders in urban development to discuss inclusive planning, sustainable housing, and solutions for informal settlements--areas President Ruto said remain a key priority in the housing agenda.