Ruto Breaks Silence as he Defends Controversial Housing Deductions Amid Concerns From Kenyans

President William Ruto has come out strongly in defence of the contentious housing levy deductions, assuring Kenyans that the Ksh 73 billion collected is being managed responsibly and will deliver tangible benefits.

Addressing a group of graduate interns onboarded under the government’s affordable housing programme on Friday, January 23, at State House in Nairobi, Ruto dismissed criticism over the statutory deductions, which some had threatened to protest.

“There is nothing we cannot do if we believe in ourselves and provide the right leadership. If I were a coward, this project could not have happened given the threats of protests,” President Ruto said, highlighting his commitment to seeing the programme succeed despite opposition.

The Head of State emphasized that salaried Kenyans who contribute to the housing fund are the true heroes behind the initiative, describing their support as instrumental to its success.

He further assured contributors that every cent of the levy would be accounted for and put strictly to its intended use.

“I want to thank public servants and working Kenyans who contributed to the housing fund. They are the heroes of this programme; they are the ones who have made this programme what it is,” Ruto said.

The President reiterated that the funds will go toward constructing affordable houses, markets, and hostels, underlining that the government is fully committed to transparency and accountability.

“I take full responsibility for it. It must be put to good use, and it must develop the houses, the markets, and the hostels,” he added.

The remarks come amid public scrutiny over the housing levy, which has been a focal point of debate since the programme’s inception.

Ruto’s administration maintains that the initiative is a cornerstone of its broader social development agenda, aimed at providing affordable housing solutions to low- and middle-income Kenyans.

The Affordable Housing programme, which has already seen progress with the construction of estates like New Mukuru Housing Estate Lot 1 — Phase 1, comprising over 5,616 bedsitters, continues to be rolled out across the country, offering hope to thousands of Kenyans struggling with housing challenges.

President Ruto’s address reinforced his administration’s message that leadership and citizen contribution are key drivers of national development, and that public funds collected under statutory levies will be used strictly for their intended social objectives.