Reform, Resolve, Results

 Mwaura: No Room for Hate Politics as Gov’t Rolls Out Mukuru Housing

Gov’t Spokesman Mwaura Dispels Rumors, Champions Peace, and Unveils Housing Milestone

By Evans Munene Muguna
Monday, May 19, 2025 | Nairobi

In a decisive media briefing held Monday morning at Harambee Sacco House, Government Spokesman Dr. Isaac Mwaura tackled a series of pressing national concerns — from peace and political accountability ahead of the 2027 elections to progress under the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA), including the unveiling of the Mukuru Affordable Housing Project.

Gov’t Warns Against Election Incitement: “We Shall Not Return to 2007”

Dr. Mwaura sounded the alarm over emerging political rhetoric that, he said, is aimed at stirring unrest ahead of the 2027 general elections. While not naming specific leaders, he called for restraint and reminded politicians of Kenya’s dark history of post-election violence.

“We shall not go back to the 2007–2008 violence, but we strive to bring out the best,” he asserted. “Our democracy must mature. We cannot afford political carelessness that takes us back to bloodshed.”

This comes as the government rolls out civic education and national cohesion campaigns through the National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) in partnership with faith-based and grassroots organizations.

Mwaura Dispels Ksh 4 Trillion Rumor: “No Individual Holds Kenya’s Budget”

Responding to widely circulated social media claims that President William Ruto holds Ksh 3 to 4 trillion in personal accounts, Dr. Mwaura described the allegations as “ludicrous propaganda.”

“Such figures are equivalent to Kenya’s entire annual budget. No office, not even the presidency, can lawfully or practically hold that amount. It’s false, it’s reckless, and it’s meant to stir public anger through lies.”

The National Treasury’s 2024/25 budget estimates currently stand at Ksh 4.2 trillion, supporting Mwaura’s argument. No state officer can access or own state resources beyond allocated and audited provisions.

Affordable Housing Rollout Begins May 20 in Mukuru kwa Njenga

Dr. Mwaura also announced the release of the first phase of the Affordable Housing Project in Mukuru Estate (formerly Mukuru kwa Njenga), set for May 20, 2025. This flagship housing estate is part of the BETA initiative to address Kenya’s housing deficit and urban informal settlement crisis.

Project Snapshot – Mukuru AHP:

• Total units: 13,248

• Unit types: Bedsitters, 1-bedroom, and 2-bedroom apartments

• Land area: 56 acres

• Target group: Low- and middle-income earners

Unit Pricing Under AHP:

Unit Type	Size	Price (Ksh)	Monthly (30 yrs)
Studio (Social)	20 sqm	640,000	3,900
1-Bedroom	30 sqm	960,000	5,350
2-Bedroom	40 sqm	1,280,000	6,800
3-Bedroom	60 sqm	2,880,000	15,600

How to Apply:

• Visit www.bomayangu.go.ke or dial *832#

• Register with your ID and KRA PIN

• Choose your preferred housing project

• Submit required documents

• Participate in lottery-based allocation

• Pay 10% deposit and begin monthly installments

To date, over 140,000 houses have been constructed, with an annual target of 200,000 units. The Affordable Housing Fund, financed through the housing levy, is projected to raise Ksh 78 billion by 2025/26.

Seal of Government Moves — But AG Retains Legal Custody

Dr. Mwaura also addressed questions regarding the recent shift in custodianship of the government seal. While the seal is now physically held at the Office of the President, the legal powers governing its use still reside with the Attorney General, in line with Article 156 of the Constitution.

“It is purely administrative. The authority remains with the AG; only the handling has shifted for efficiency,” Mwaura clarified.

Ngong Forest Project Halted as Gov’t Prioritizes Reforestation

Responding to the public uproar over alleged land-grabbing and development in Ngong Forest, Dr. Mwaura affirmed that all construction on the disputed site had been stopped pending further environmental review.

“There will be no destruction of critical ecosystems under this administration. Instead, the government will double down on reforestation, with millions of trees to be planted through the Greening Kenya Initiative.”

The Kenya Forest Service, in conjunction with local communities, is set to roll out a reforestation drive across Nairobi’s green spaces to preserve biodiversity and counter urban pollution.

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OTHER NEWS 
Political Tensions Rise as Martha Karua Deported from Tanzania

Kenyan opposition leader Martha Karua, along with fellow activists, was deported from Tanzania after attempting to attend the treason trial of Tanzanian opposition figure Tundu Lissu. Karua, former Justice Minister and current leader of the People's Liberation Party, was detained for nearly six hours at Julius Nyerere International Airport before being sent back to Nairobi. 

The incident has sparked diplomatic concerns, with Kenyan authorities seeking explanations from their Tanzanian counterparts. Karua condemned the deportation, stating, "The state cannot be used as a personal tool. You cannot deport people whom you don't like, who are not aligned to your views."

Education Reform: Transition from CBC to CBET

The Kenyan Ministry of Education has announced a shift from the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) to Competency-Based Education and Training (CBET). This new approach emphasizes practical skills, aligning education with industry demands and preparing students for employment and entrepreneurship.

CBET focuses on students' strengths and interests, with enhanced teacher training and improved school facilities, particularly in technical, arts, and sports education. The goal is to equip learners with the necessary skills to thrive in a dynamic job market. 

Youth Empowerment: The NYOTA Project

The National Youth Opportunities Towards Advancement (NYOTA) project is a five-year initiative by the Kenyan government, funded by the World Bank, aiming to empower youth by addressing unemployment and income insecurity. Targeting vulnerable youth aged 18-29 (up to 35 for persons with disabilities), NYOTA offers apprenticeship opportunities, business support, and encourages a culture of savings. 

The project is open to youth across all 47 counties, focusing on individuals with education levels not exceeding Form Four and who are currently unemployed or underemployed. 

Innovative School Feeding: The Chapati-Making Machine

President William Ruto has pledged to purchase a chapati-making machine capable of producing one million chapatis daily to support Nairobi's "Dishi na County" school feeding program. The initiative aims to enhance nutrition among school-going children and boost local agriculture.The machine, comprising a dough mixer and a chapati-making unit, is expected to streamline food preparation in schools, ensuring timely and efficient meal provision.

Government Performance Overview

Achievements:

• Education: Transition to CBET, focusing on practical skills and industry alignment.

• Youth Empowerment: Launch of the NYOTA project, targeting youth unemployment and entrepreneurship.

• Nutrition: Introduction of the chapati-making machine to enhance school feeding programs.

• Sports: Hosting major sporting events, including the Kip Keino Classic and volleyball playoffs.

Areas Needing Improvement:

• Diplomacy: Addressing cross-border political tensions, as seen in the Martha Karua deportation incident.

• Education Infrastructure: Ensuring adequate resources and facilities to support the CBET transition.

• Youth Program Reach: Expanding the NYOTA project's reach to all eligible youth across the country.

Conclusion

This latest briefing underscored the government’s firm stance on peace, truth, sustainable development, and inclusive housing. With the Mukuru estate project set to open this week, the administration continues to rally public support for the BETA agenda, promising not just shelter, but dignity.