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10,000 Kibera residents to be moved to pave the way for Ruto's affordable housing project
President William Ruto in Kibra, Nairobi on May 23, 2025.
As the government rolls out the next phase of the affordable housing programme, more than 10,000 residents of Kibera are set to be relocated.
President William Ruto has promised that the enumeration of eligible residents, as well as eventual homeowners, will be fair once the projects are complete.
President Ruto announced that the enumeration of residents in Zones C and D is currently underway, after which over 10,000 people will be relocated to make way for another project, according to a State House dispatch.
“I came here and we agreed that we want to remove the slums and build houses. Right now, the enumeration is going on. More than 11,000 people have been registered. Everyone will be given cards to show they have been residents of the slums, and that card will guarantee them access to a house once we are done,” President Ruto said.
He spoke on Friday while inspecting the ongoing Kibera Soweto East Zone B Affordable Housing Project in Kibra Constituency.
Affordable housing units being built in Kibra, Nairobi in this photo taken on May 23, 2025.
Dr Ruto further said that the enumeration process is expected to continue for another two days and reaffirmed his commitment to ensuring that registered residents are the first to benefit from the new housing units.
“Kibera used to be famous for being the largest slum in Africa, but with the affordable housing programme, we will transform it into the largest decent estate in Africa. Some doubted us, but I promise you as a government, we will fulfil this vision,” he said.
President Ruto emphasised that the initiative aims to promote equity and permanently eradicate slums across Kenya.
“It is important that in Kenya there is equity. We will not revamp slums — we will eradicate them,” he said.
President Ruto assured residents that they would be given the first priority in the allocation of the units.
“This is not about politics, it’s about improving lives. I care about the people of Kibera and you will be the first to benefit, with others following thereafter," he said.
Affordable housing units being built in Kibra, Nairobi in this photo taken on May 23, 2025.
The Kibera Soweto East Zone B project currently comprises 4,600 housing units. President Ruto also revealed that a total of 25,000 housing units will eventually be constructed in Kibera under the affordable housing plan.
He noted that over 150,000 housing units are being built across more than 200 sites nationwide, creating employment for more than 200,000 youth.
“This is not only about housing; it’s about jobs, dignity, and a better future for our young people,” he said.
In addition to housing, the president directed that the Undugu playground in Kibera be upgraded immediately to improve recreational facilities for local residents.