The government has started the process of transforming the Kibera slum into a residential area by 2032, President William Ruto has said.
He said the ongoing construction of affordable houses across the country is part of efforts to eradicate slums.
Speaking at the Langata Deliverance Church in Nairobi, on Sunday, President Ruto assured Kenyans that the operation to eradicate slums across the country through the construction of affordable houses is progressing well.
“I want to give my promise that in the next ten years, the Kibera shanty town will be a town with respectable houses,” said President Ruto.
He noted that the objective of the Housing Project is to create employment opportunities apart from moving people from slums to decent housing.
To further address the challenge of unemployment, President Ruto said plans are at an advanced stage for Kenya to sign labor agreements with 12 countries with the aim of providing skilled and professional jobs to millions of young people.
Dr Ruto mentioned the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Saudi Arabia and Germany as some of the countries that have promised to provide employment to Kenyans in various fields.
Along with that, the Head of State said the Government has made changes in the agricultural sector to solve the permanent problem of food shortage in the country.
“We have put in place a good system, including providing subsidies for fertilizers and seeds with the aim of increasing food production. We are helping our farmers and that is why we now have enough food in our farms,” said President Ruto.
The President asked the leaders to put aside their political differences and have a united position in serving Kenyans.
“It is our mission as leaders from all political parties to work together in serving Kenyans because the elections are now behind us,” said President Ruto.
Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja praised President Ruto’s leadership, saying it has raised the image of Kenya and Africa around the world.
“When we were at the meeting of the General Assembly of the United Nations (UNGA) in New York recently, many Leaders of Nations and governments were determined to meet Dr Ruto. This is a clear indication that the status of our country is increasing worldwide,” said Governor Sakaja.
He said the work to repair the sewage system is ongoing before the approaching El Nino rains.
“As a county, we are prepared to face the challenges that may arise because of the approaching El Nino rain,” said Governor Sakaja.
Embakasi North Member of Parliament James Gakuya said the Housing Project will provide employment to thousands of young people, saying the time has come for leaders to give the project the weight it deserves.
