140,000 youths now working under affordable housing plan, Ruto says

Speaking during the Labour Day celebrations at Uhuru Gardens in Nairobi, Ruto further added thousands of youth have always landed employment through online jobs, which his government has created.

“We have 140,000 young people who were not working last year but are working this year in our housing programme. 120,000 young people in our TVETS and ICT hubs have a digital job. It is because we have been intentional in creating opportunities for young people,” he said. 

Ruto said every year his government is keen on building between 50,000 and 70,000 affordable houses in Nairobi county alone, and slum dwellers will be given first priority in the allocation of the houses.

"Before the end of this year you will see some of the houses I started building last year because majority of them are ready. Our intention is at least in the next five years we shall create 1 million new home owners in Kenya," Ruto said.

The Head of State added that priority will be given to people in informal settlements. 

"Those living in slum areas will be the first priority on matters social housing. As a cabinet yesterday we agreed to help Kenyans living in riparian areas to move to safer locations to avoid calamities," Ruto added.

Ruto urged Kenyans to come together to support his projects and development agenda, adding that he doesn't mind being called Zakayo as long as everyone pays their taxes accordingly.

"Zakayo is just a name, let's move forward," Ruto said amid laughter from the gathering.