Kenyans on X have compared Kenya's Affordable Housing Programme to that of Singapore.
Singapore holds important lessons for what a large public programme aimed at affordable rental and ownership housing could look like.
Through the hashtag 'KenyaVsSingapore', the Kenyans expressed optimism that Kenya will be where Singapore is in a few years.
They have equated the Affordable Housing Programme to Singapore’s Housing Development Board (HDB) project, mandated to provide its residents with affordable public housing through resolving the country’s housing shortage.
A user, Matui, said public housing in Singapore has empowered citizens with a sense of ownership.
"Kenya’s housing programme will do the same, fostering responsibility and national pride," the user said.
"Kenya is on the path to reducing its housing deficit through Affordable Housing, just like Singapore did, ensuring building dreams," another user, Liloh254 said.
Just like Singapore, President William Ruto’s affordable housing project aims to address the nation’s housing crisis, particularly for low-income earners through constructing 250,000 housing units annually.
The government is projecting to erect 1,000,000 affordable housing units in five years having already set course for the construction of over 700,000 housing units.
President Ruto said every year his government is keen on building between 50,000 and 70,000 affordable houses in Nairobi County alone.
Slum dwellers will be given first priority in the allocation of the houses.
Similarly, 14 housing projects are ongoing in the Central region spanning over five counties.
The housing project has also boosted job creation opportunities among the youths in the country with Ruto during this year’s Labour Day celebrations on May 1, 2024 saying over 140,000 youth have been employed under the housing project.
“We have 140,000 young people who were not working last year but are working this year in our housing programme. 120,000 young people in our TVETS and ICT hubs have a digital job. It is because we have been intentional in creating opportunities for young people,” Ruto said.
Kenyans were quick to share their contentment on the country’s direction pointing out the nation’s probability to follow Singapore’s trajectory in terms of infrastructure.
A user, The Only Joe said Singapore's story is proof that affordable housing can transform a nation.
The user noted that Kenya’s Affordable Housing Programme is poised to replicate Singapore's success, offering sustainable homes and a stronger economy.
“Kenya’s Affordable Housing project, inspired by Singapore, is more than a solution to the housing crisis; it’s about building a future where home ownership is within reach for all,” Kerubo, an X user posted.