Ruto rejects ‘vertical slum’ claims on Mukuru homes -

By Newsflash Repoter,

President William Ruto has staunchly defended the government’s Affordable Housing Programme, pushing back against growing criticism that the high-rise developments resemble so-called “vertical slums.” Speaking passionately during the official handover of 1,080 newly completed units at the Mukuru Meteorological Site in Nairobi County, the president called the accusations unfounded and dismissive of the broader vision behind the initiative.

“This is not a vertical slum,” Ruto declared. “There’s a misguided tendency to equate density with deprivation. A slum is not defined by how many people live there, but by the absence of services, safety, and dignity.”

The event, marked by celebration and music, saw Ruto join Mukuru residents in song and dance as he unveiled Phase I of the project. The president emphasized that the government’s approach to housing goes beyond just providing shelter—it’s about holistic transformation. He promised that each housing site will be equipped with essential infrastructure, including roads, water, electricity, and waste management systems.

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“Affordable homes are just the beginning,” Ruto said. “We are also constructing modern, structured markets and economic hubs where ordinary Kenyans—Mama Mboga, small traders, and artisans—can do business with dignity.”

The president described the handover ceremony as one of the most significant moments in his political journey, noting that the Mukuru project aims to deliver over 13,000 housing units once completed. He argued that the long-term economic ripple effect on the community would be far-reaching.

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Ruto also announced that alongside the housing initiative, the government plans to build 26 new modern markets and upgrade at least 201 others across the country. He added that the Mukuru project is just one of over 200 similar developments nationwide, collectively expected to create more than 200,000 jobs for Kenyan youth.

Responding to critics who claim the housing plan is impractical or politically motivated, Ruto said, “To build real change, leaders must make hard decisions. Unfortunately, that hasn’t always been the case in our history. But we are doing things differently—for the people.”