Aasai

President William Ruto has reiterated his administration’s dedication to improving the welfare of Kenya’s police officers through the provision of decent and modern housing. The President made the remarks on Wednesday, July 9, 2025, during a surprise inspection of the Kilimani Police Housing Project in Nairobi, which is currently under construction as part of the broader Affordable Housing Programme (AHP).

Addressing journalists and government officials present, President Ruto acknowledged the deplorable living conditions that many police officers continue to endure in the line of duty. He emphasized that the government is fully committed to transforming these realities by building dignified and sustainable housing for the men and women who serve and protect the nation.

“We must purpose to improve the living conditions of our police officers. As a government, we will not rest until we provide them with better living standards,” President Ruto stated, noting that many officers are still housed in old, congested quarters within police stations and posts, which are unfit for decent living.

The Kilimani Police Housing Project is set to deliver 542 housing units comprising studio apartments, one-bedroom, two-bedroom, and three-bedroom units tailored to accommodate various officer ranks and family needs. Additionally, the project will include a wide range of amenities such as a commercial center, a hospital, a gym, a social hall, a modern Early Childhood Development (ECD) school, subordinate staff housing, and security gatehouses.

According to government officials, the project will be completed in 45 months and is expected to generate more than 1,000 direct and indirect job opportunities, especially for local artisans, suppliers, and construction workers. This initiative, President Ruto explained, is not only a housing solution but also a vital driver of job creation and community empowerment.

The President used the opportunity to highlight the broader scope of the Affordable Housing Programme, which aims to reduce the country’s housing deficit while promoting economic inclusion. He described the initiative as a cornerstone of his government’s Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA), which seeks to empower ordinary Kenyans and stimulate the economy from the grassroots.

He further noted that the project actively involves the participation of the informal sector, including Jua Kali artisans, mama mboga (informal food vendors), and micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs), who are supplying materials, labor, and services. Ruto said this approach ensures that the benefits of development trickle down to the people who need it most.

President Ruto was accompanied by Lands Cabinet Secretary Alice Wahome, Housing Principal Secretary Charles Hinga, and other senior officials during the site visit. PS Hinga underscored the government’s commitment to providing affordable and decent housing for all uniformed officers—including police, prison, and military personnel—while simultaneously supporting local economic growth.

Hinga added that the Kilimani development will also serve as a blueprint for similar projects across the country and will play a critical role in establishing a reliable local supply chain driven by community participation and innovation.

Ruto concluded by calling on Kenyans to respect police officers and uphold the rule of law, saying that improving the lives of security personnel directly contributes to the overall safety and stability of the nation.

“As we improve their welfare, we are investing in our collective security. When officers live in dignity, they serve with dignity,” the President said.