President William Ruto has declared that he will not be distracted by criticism or propaganda as he pushes ahead with his agenda to transform the country through the Affordable Housing Programme.

Speaking on Tuesday during the Second Kenya Urban Forum in Naivasha, Nakuru, Ruto said he remains focused on delivering decent housing to Kenyans despite opposition.

“Don’t worry about me, I cannot be distracted; I am a man on a mission to transform this country. No amount of noise and propaganda will sway me from delivering on this agenda. I am willing to pay the price, whatever it is, to make sure that we transform this country and house as many Kenyans as possible,” he said.

Ruto regretted that leaders have for a long time wasted time and energy on election issues at the expense of decisions and policies aimed at transforming the lives of Kenyans.

“Transformation of a nation doesn’t take a flash. It takes deliberate steps, plans and patience, and having the courage to overcome bumps and challenges,” he added.

The President said Kenya is urbanising rapidly, with an annual growth rate of 4.3 percent. By 2050, he said, half of the country’s population will live in towns and cities.

“As a result, we are implementing bold and strategic measures to shape this urban future, ensuring that every Kenyan has access to planned, dignified and decent housing,” he said.

Ruto said the Affordable Housing Programme, with over 700,000 units in the pipeline, remains central to this transformation. He said the initiative is helping to eradicate slums while delivering homes to Kenyans.

On May 20, the President handed over 1,080 completed homes to residents of Mukuru Kwa Njenga, Kwa Reuben, and Marigu-ini. He said the New Mukuru Housing Project will deliver 13,248 units and has already injected Sh11 billion directly into construction and neighbourhood development.

“For every shilling invested, an additional Sh2.50 is generated through supporting businesses, meaning nearly Sh28 billion has already been infused into the economy through this single initiative,” he said.

Ruto added that the housing project has attracted 154 contractors working with the government to deliver homes and infrastructure.

“We are proud of the Affordable Housing Programme’s momentum, particularly through our collaboration with the private sector. Today, 154 contractors are working with us to deliver homes and support infrastructure, proving that public-private partnerships can deliver both impact and efficiency,” he said.