In a significant display of unified purpose, Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leader Raila Odinga has partnered with President William Ruto's administration by donating five acres of his family land at Kirembe in Kisumu town for the government's Affordable Housing Programme. This move signals a notable collaboration between the two political figures, with both emphasizing a shared commitment to national development and improving the lives of Kenyans.

The donated land at Kirembe is set to be the site for a Sh3.5 billion project, which will see the construction of 750 affordable housing units. The project, launched with both leaders present at Kirembe Grounds, is expected to be completed within one and a half years. President Ruto announced that the Kirembe development will also include essential amenities such as a hospital and a school, further enhancing its impact on the local community.

Mr. Odinga, speaking at the launch, articulated his support for the initiative, stating, "We have said we want to change the lives of our people. We cannot say we are waiting for another government. We are saying this current government should work for our people." He highlighted the project's potential to transform lives and underscored its importance as a progressive government endeavor. Odinga further noted that the housing programme addresses fundamental human needs such as shelter, and is expected to generate employment opportunities and stimulate subsidiary ventures, thereby contributing to poverty eradication in the region.

President Ruto expressed his gratitude to Mr. Odinga for the land donation, acknowledging its significance for the people of Kisumu. "You all know this is Raila Odinga’s stronghold, but with respect and humility, I want to say that Raila Odinga has given us five acres of land to build affordable housing, so that the people here can get decent homes at a fair price," President Ruto stated. He elaborated on the government's broader vision, aiming to ensure all Kenyans live in homes with electricity, water, roads, and dignity. The President emphasized a shift from a cycle of rent payments to a model of mortgage payments, enabling citizens to become homeowners. Beyond the Kirembe site, President Ruto outlined ambitious plans for Kisumu, including a total of 4,000 affordable houses, with 2,400 already under construction, and an ultimate goal of 15,000 houses for Kisumu County. He also mentioned the Makasembo project as another site for affordable housing in Kisumu. Nationally, the President aims to eradicate slums and provide dignified shelter for every Kenyan, targeting hundreds of thousands of units by the 2027/28 fiscal year.

The President also took the opportunity to announce other development initiatives for Kisumu and the greater Nyanza region. He spoke of ongoing changes in the agriculture sector, particularly ensuring timely payments for sugar factory workers and farmers, and introducing bonuses for sugarcane farming, similar to those for tea and coffee. "Sugarcane will no longer be a crop of poverty. It will be a crop that puts money in people’s pockets, grows the economy, and stops us from importing sugar," President Ruto affirmed. Furthermore, he mentioned plans to extend the railway line from Naivasha through Kisumu to Malaba and into Uganda, enhancing regional connectivity and trade.

This collaborative effort on the Affordable Housing Programme, particularly Raila Odinga's endorsement and contribution after previous reservations about the project's implementation, marks a significant development. Both leaders emphasized their agreement that the housing program will continue, underscoring a joint commitment to transform the country and ensure development reaches every corner of Kenya.