Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has criticized the government’s affordable housing program, labeling it a hoax disguised as a job creation initiative for Kenyan youth.
Speaking on Monday during the unveiling of the Democratic Action Party (DAP) headquarters in Nairobi, Gachagua claimed the program, introduced under President William Ruto’s administration, was more about benefiting businesses linked to influential individuals than addressing housing challenges or creating jobs.
“We initially believed the President that the project was about job creation—there was a lot of English and talk,” Gachagua said. “Until it came to my attention that it has nothing to do with that; it is a business. If you want to construct the houses, you have to sign a sub-contract from the Housing Principal Secretary with the company to sell you cement, metal, and roofing sheets.”
The program, implemented in 2023, requires salaried Kenyans to contribute 1.5% of their pay, matched by employers, to fund the initiative aimed at reducing the housing deficit and creating opportunities for youth employment.
However, Gachagua, who once praised the program during his tenure as Deputy President, now alleges it is a scheme designed to enrich select individuals.
“This housing levy is to make sure the construction is going on so they can sell construction materials; that is what the President accused me of not understanding and being incompetent,” Gachagua added, referencing his impeachment last October.
Gachagua vowed that if a new government takes power in 2027, it would abolish the housing levy, claiming it burdens Kenyans unnecessarily. “Once a new government is sworn in, that housing levy will have to be abolished to restore the payslip’s dignity,” he said.
During his address, Gachagua hinted at his growing political ambitions, aligning himself with opposition leaders Kalonzo Musyoka and Eugene Wamalwa, DAP’s leader. He declared his intent to block Ruto’s re-election in the 2027 general election.
“We are part of this team and will walk this journey together to liberate this country,” he said. “We will make whatever sacrifices necessary to make sure William Ruto is a one-term president.”
The former Deputy President has recently intensified consultations with leaders from various political camps. Over the weekend, he visited NARC Kenya party leader Martha Karua at her home in Gichugu, Kirinyaga County. He has also hosted several leaders at his Wamunyoro home in Nyeri County, signaling his intention to build a coalition for his political resurgence.
Gachagua’s remarks come as the government continues to defend the affordable housing program, which President Ruto has previously described as transformative for the economy. Last year, during the Mashujaa Day celebrations, Ruto highlighted the program’s allocation of Ksh.4.4 billion to support Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) supplying materials and services.
The debate over the housing program reflects growing divisions among Kenya’s political elite, with Gachagua positioning himself as a key player in shaping the country’s political future.