”Affordable Housing Is Not for the Poor” Ruto’s Economic Advisor Clarifies Who the Programme Targets

David Ndii, chairperson of President William Ruto’s Council of Economic Advisers, has sparked debate after explaining the intended beneficiaries of Kenya’s affordable housing programme.

Ndii said the initiative was not designed exclusively for the poorest households. Instead, he described it as a programme aimed at expanding access to housing and helping low-income families achieve living standards associated with the middle class.

His remarks have raised questions about whether the government’s housing plan adequately addresses the needs of Kenyans who struggle to afford basic necessities. For many households, rent, food, transport and school fees already consume much of their monthly income.

The government has presented affordable housing as part of its strategy to increase the supply of homes and create jobs in the construction sector. The programme also seeks to provide different categories of housing for Kenyans with varying income levels.

However, the price of a home alone does not determine whether it is affordable to a particular household. Applicants must also consider deposit requirements, monthly payments, service charges and other living expenses when assessing whether they can sustain home ownership.

Ndii’s comments have therefore brought attention to an important question: which income groups can realistically benefit from the available housing units? Low-income workers and people with irregular earnings may still struggle to qualify for homes if the payment arrangements exceed their budgets.

Supporters of the programme argue that expanding housing supply can create opportunities for families while supporting businesses and employment. Critics, meanwhile, want clearer information about eligibility rules, actual costs and the options available to households at the lowest income levels.

The debate is likely to continue as the government develops its housing programme. The number of homes constructed will remain an important measure, but their accessibility to different income groups will also matter.

Ultimately, the central question is whether the programme can provide homes that ordinary Kenyans can afford without placing unsustainable pressure on their household budgets.

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