Questions as only one family moves into Mukuru's affordable houses

Just two days after President William Ruto officially handed over more than 1,000 government-built housing units to residents of Mukuru kwa Njenga, only one family has moved in. 

This has raised questions about the whereabouts and eligibility of the remaining beneficiaries. The government insists that the official move-in date is June 1, 2025.

The board in charge of the project has dismissed claims that some of the listed beneficiaries are not genuine residents of Mukuru.

Of the 1,080 completed units, only one is currently occupied, as the rest remain locked and untouched. and their new doors are still sealed with padlocks. 

The lone occupant, Jerusha Muthoni, is enjoying a swift transition from life in the informal settlements to the comfort of her new home — a privilege that, for now, remains out of reach for her fellow beneficiaries.

Her move-in has stirred questions: Where are the remaining 1,079 beneficiaries?

"Officially, we had set up that they will move in from 1st June, but they can move in as they wish," Shila Waweru, acting CEO – Affordable Housing Board, stated. 

The Affordable Housing Board says the delay has been occasioned by the ongoing installation of essential utilities and services, maintaining that June 1st remains the official move-in date.

Meanwhile, some residents have raised concerns, alleging that several new homeowners are not original Mukuru dwellers, but outsiders brought in from other areas — claims the Housing Board has firmly dismissed.

The housing units are part of the ambitious New Mukuru Housing Estate project, set to deliver 13,248 homes, making it one of the largest affordable housing initiatives in Kenya’s history.