Ruto Reaffirms Commitment to Transforming Coast with Housing, Youth and Blue Economy Programmes
Politics Updated: 05 February 2026 20:21 EAT
President William Samoei Ruto interacts with the masons employed under the affordable housing project in Mombasa today
President William Samoei Ruto has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to transforming the Coast region through targeted development programmes aimed at improving livelihoods, creating jobs and promoting inclusive growth.
Addressing residents of Malindi town in Kilifi County, the President said the national government is implementing policies designed to ensure that no Kenyan is left behind in the development agenda.
He revealed that KSh21 billion has been invested in Kilifi County under the Affordable Housing Programme, positioning the county as a major beneficiary of the initiative.
The investment covers the construction of more than 8,000 affordable housing units, intended to provide decent and dignified homes for low- and middle-income earners.
In addition to housing, the programme includes the development of 12 modern markets across the county to support small-scale traders and stimulate local economies.
The government is also constructing college and university hostels that will accommodate about 4,300 students, easing accommodation shortages and supporting access to education.
While in Kilifi, President Ruto laid the foundation stone for the 1,080-unit Mtwapa Mini-City Affordable Housing Project, describing it as a transformative project for the region.
He said the Mtwapa project has already created more than 1,000 jobs, with further employment opportunities expected as construction progresses.
The President noted that the Affordable Housing Programme in the county is creating tens of thousands of jobs through housing, markets and hostel projects.
Nationally, he said the programme has created more than 500,000 jobs, most of them benefiting young people in the construction and allied sectors.
Ruto also highlighted government efforts to strengthen the blue economy, which is a key source of livelihoods for coastal communities.
He said the government has provided more than 100 fishing boats to young people in Kilifi County to boost productivity and incomes in the fisheries sector.
In addition, KSh983 million has been disbursed to 278 groups in the county to support marine-related enterprises and other blue economy initiatives.
During the visit, the President also presided over the rollout of the NYOTA Youth Empowerment Programme at the Coast.
Under the programme, young entrepreneurs from Kilifi, Lamu and Tana River counties received business start-up capital to help them establish and grow enterprises.
He explained that the NYOTA programme combines skills training, seed capital and structured savings to promote sustainable youth-led businesses.
The President further announced the expansion of the programme to include on-the-job training placements for young people to acquire practical skills.
Ruto said these initiatives are aligned with the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda, which prioritises job creation and inclusive economic growth.
He assured Coast residents of the government’s continued commitment to investing in housing, youth empowerment and the blue economy.
The President said the programmes are expected to unlock economic potential in the region and improve the quality of life for residents.
Tags: William Samoei Ruto President William Ruto William Ruto Affordable Housing Affordable Housing Scheme Editor's Pick Mombasa Politics NYOTA Politics Uda
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FELIX MAKONA
FACT FINDER AND DATA DRIVEN JOURNALIST. DATA MINING AT IT'S BEST. GET FACTS RANGING FROM MATTERS DISABILITY AND INCLUSION, POLITICS, ECONOMY, SPORTS AND GENERAL NEWS AROUND THE WORLD