President Ruto Hands Over Phase II of Boma Yangu Mukuru Estate, Marking Major Milestone in Urban Renewal
In addition, a police station and a fire station have been built to further boost security and emergency response in such a densely populated area.
The project has provided nearly 4,500 families with keys to decent, affordable homes. Photo/Courtesy.
By Ruth sang
President William Samoei Ruto presided over the official handover of Phase II of the Boma Yangu Mukuru Estate: a major milestone in the transformation of informal settlements and the improvement of living conditions for urban dwellers. This phase of the project has offered safe and affordable housing to nearly 4,500 families that were previously living in cramped up and precarious conditions within the Mukuru informal settlement.
In his address to the residents and leaders, President Ruto said that the housing programs restore dignity and elevate the quality of life of the ordinary Kenyan, especially those living in urban informal settlements. He opined that decent housing forms a critical pillar of social and economic development but stressed that housing by itself will not create vibrant communities.
The President noted the need for integrated urban planning that combines social services with development and living area. He stated that families need much more than shelter to live with dignity, including access to education, healthcare, security, and emergency care. According to the Head of State, the Boma Yangu Mukuru project is a new approach to urban renewal, with a people-focused philosophy instead of one merely concerned with infrastructure interventions in isolation.
Integrated with this model are some key public amenities around Mukuru Estate to serve the growing population. These include the recently completed Mukuru Primary School and Early Childhood Development (ECD) Centre, both aimed at ensuring that children from the estate and surrounding areas receive quality education within the vicinity. The primary school has been handed over to the Ministry of Education, which has posted a headteacher and teachers; the County Government of Nairobi is responsible for the management of the ECD Centre.
Healthcare and safety have been high priorities within the estate. A Level IV hospital has been built to provide residents with affordable and accessible medical treatment, to lessen the burden of traveling long distances in search of treatment. In addition, a police station and a fire station have been built to further boost security and emergency response in such a densely populated area.
The State Department for Interior and National Administration is expected to oversee the operationalization of the police and fire stations, including the deployment of personnel, coordination of disaster preparedness activities, and ensuring safety and security for the residents as the community continues to grow.
Phase II of the Boma Yangu Mukuru Estate builds on earlier advances in the Affordable Housing Programme, which the government says are equally addressing the housing deficit, creating jobs, and stimulating economic activity. The project stands as a demonstration of the administration’s commitment to inclusive urban development that integrates housing with essential services.
As the families received keys to their new homes, this handover certified much more than a change of address. For many residents, it marks a leap to a safer, healthier, and more stable place, thereby reinforcing the government’s vow to uplift the vulnerable people through comprehensive and sustainable urban renewal programs.
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