A video tour of the newly completed government-built houses in Mukuru, Nairobi, has stirred up quite the storm. Shared by Vinnie Chipukeezy, an official from the President’s office, the clip showcases the interior and exterior of the units—bright kitchens, tiled living rooms, bedrooms with wardrobes, and shared playgrounds. Even a basketball court. On paper, it all looks promising.
But is it affordable?
According to Chipukeezy, tenants will pay KSh 3,900 per month for a slice of what’s being sold as modern, clean, community-style living. Sounds like a bargain. Except many Kenyans aren’t buying the story.
Instagram lit up with reactions, some admiring the finish and the idea behind it. Others weren’t so sure. “These are just tall ghettos,” one user said. “Who can afford this?” asked another. Many called out the allocation process, pointing fingers at the lack of transparency. And a few feared the usual cycle: big fish grabbing units, then renting them out at double the cost.
Concerns don’t stop in Mukuru. Over in Park Road’s Boma Yangu estate, some residents in similar government units are already disillusioned. They pay KSh 3,000 a month in service charges, yet face broken lifts, dry taps, and dead CCTV cameras. Security is a growing concern. Management recently changed, but nothing improved. Residents say millions are collected, yet nothing seems to work.
The goal of affordable housing is noble give ordinary Kenyans a shot at dignified living. But if the system fails on transparency and service, it becomes just another promise on paper.
Affordable housing shouldn’t mean poor service. And if people are paying, they deserve better. Clean water. Functioning security. A fair allocation process. It’s not too much to ask.
So, is this the dream of owning a home at KSh 3,900? Or just another state project that forgot who it was built for?
The answer depends on who you ask and how long the taps stay dry. Let’s know your thoughts below
By Yockshard Enyendi
