President William Ruto says implementation of the Affordable Housing Project remains key to addressing unemployment in the country.
The President said Kenya must take bold decisions to attain its development agenda.
“You all know that a country like Singapore that we were in the same level sometimes back had to take bold decisions to be where it is today in terms of development,” said President Ruto.
“We’ve to be intentional, deliberate and practical if we have to address problems facing our people.”
The President said 85% percent of people in Singapore were living in decent houses while 5% were living in the same conditions in Kenya.
“I have heard some people, say, this project is very good but the timing is bad. These are the same stories we’ve had since 2018,” said President Ruto.
He assured Kenyans of prudent management of the Housing Fund.
“No one should be worried about the management of Housing Fund because it will be managed by board involving all the stakeholders,” the President said.
President Ruto made the remarks during a high level engagement between national, county governments and the private sector, at the Serena Hotel, Nairobi, on Friday evening.
The meeting, which was attended by 28 governors focused on textile/cotton, pharmaceuticals, leather, pyrethrum,housing, edible oils and automotive.
The Head of State, at the same time, praised counties which have begun the process of constructing their industrial parks to promote manufacturing.
He said it was impressive that many counties have gone ahead to use their resources to construct their industrial parks as the national government prepares to release Kshs 100 million for each county for the project.
President Ruto said out of 47 counties, 43 have already identified land and have also started the process of constructing their industrial parks.
Investment, Trade and Industry Cabinet Secretary Moses Kuria said the industrial parks were aimed at boosting agriculture production by adding value to farm produce before sale locally and internationally.
He said the Government would also play the lead role in sourcing the best markets for farm produce
Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga said establishment of industrial parks will transform the lives of people at the grassroots.
She said the industrial parks will attract investments, create employment and boost exports.
“There is need to establish centres that can provide reliable seeds of cotton to avert situations where farmers are sold fake seeds,” said Wanga.
Bungoma Governor Ken Lusaka said it was time to put in action implementation of projects such as Housing if problem of unemployment has to be addressed.
Governors Anne Waiguru (Kirinyaga), Muthomi Njuki (Tharaka Nithi), Ahmed Abdullahi (Wajir), Moses Badilisha (Nyandarua), Susan Kihika (Nakuru) and Cecily Mbarire (Embu) said housing project will create many job opportunities for the youth.
Kenya Association of Manufacturers RJan Shah said the private sector was not against the housing project, saying their concern was the management of the fund.
Kenya Private Sector Alliance (KEPSA) CEO Carole Kariuki said provision of water and electricity were key to implementation of development projects including housing.