President William Ruto on Thursday officiated a significant milestone in Kenya's urban development, handing over keys to more than 4,500 beneficiaries of the Affordable Housing Programme at New Mukuru in Nairobi. This ceremony marks a crucial step in the President's ambitious pledge to elevate Kenya to a "Singapore-status" nation through the provision of modern, planned urban housing. The event follows an earlier distribution of 1,080 units in May, underscoring the government's sustained efforts to replace sprawling informal settlements with dignified, well-serviced housing solutions for its citizens.

During the handover ceremony, President Ruto articulated the profound significance of the project, stating, "The keys we are giving you today are not just keys to open a door of a house, but to open a decent home for you and your children." He expressed immense pride in seeing a long-cherished national dream become a reality, a plan that had been discussed for over 40 years. "I am proud this evening that what has been a dream for many Kenyans, and in the plans of this nation for over 40 years, is now a reality. Welcome to dignity; welcome to a new life," the President added, emphasizing the transformative impact on the beneficiaries' lives.

The scale of the Affordable Housing Programme is substantial, with the government currently constructing 14,000 units at the New Mukuru site alone, and over 240,000 units underway across the country. Beyond residential units, President Ruto also handed over essential public facilities within the estate, including modern police and fire stations, a well-equipped Level IV hospital, and a school, highlighting a commitment to integrated community development. The newly built 16-storey apartments are equipped with modern amenities such as electricity, hot showers, Internet, and piped gas, reflecting the government's vision for planned urban estates with comprehensive services.

The event was attended by prominent figures including Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja, Lands and Housing Cabinet Secretary Alice Wahome, Safaricom CEO Peter Ndegwa, along with various Principal Secretaries and other distinguished guests. President Ruto took the opportunity to commend the young people whose expertise and resilience contributed to the construction of the Mukuru site, acknowledging their role in nation-building. Conversely, he sternly criticized political leaders accused of inciting residents in informal settlements to resist relocation for similar projects, asserting, "Be decent and humane. You cannot incite Kenyans to continue living in slums while you live a palace in Karen. That is evil."

President Ruto reiterated his unwavering commitment to the affordable housing programme, urging Kenyans to recognize its tangible benefits. He projected a future where the initiative's impact would be even more profound, stating, "We started this project less than two years ago. Just imagine what will happen in 10 or 20 years to come," signaling a long-term vision for transforming Kenya's urban landscape and improving living standards for countless families.