Kenya, May 21 -- There has been a lot of talk after 1,080 affordable housing units were given out at the Mukuru Housing Estate in Nairobi's Embakasi South.
Some people are saying that young people were paid KSh 500 each to pretend to be beneficiaries at the event.
The event, which took place on May 20, 2025, was led by President William Ruto and was seen as an important step in the government's Affordable Housing Programme. This programme aims to provide good homes for people with low incomes.
Some local residents say that many young people were paid to act as if they were receiving homes.
A video online seems to show comedian Chipukeezy talking to a group of young people and promising them more job opportunities. Some people believe this video suggests that the event was not genuine.
These claims have started a big discussion, with many people arguing that if the government had to pay youth to pretend to be beneficiaries, it would make the Affordable Housing Programme look bad.
One local person said, "It's shameful," while others defended the programme, saying it has greatly improved living conditions for real beneficiaries.
A government spokesperson, Isaac Mwaura, called the allegations "unsubstantiated", meaning they are not based on proof. He emphasised that 970 of the 1,080 households were checked and confirmed before the handover.
"The Mukuru project is changing lives, and the beneficiaries are real residents of Mukuru kwa Njenga," he said.
The Affordable Housing Programme is an important part of President Ruto's plan to improve the economy.
It aims to build 13,248 housing units in Mukuru, with monthly rent-to-own payments starting at KSh 3,494 for studio apartments.
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Bana Kenya.