Arap Kirwa: Ruto’s teacher housing pledge just a gimmick to win votes

Former Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Arap Kirwa has lashed out at President William Ruto over his teacher affordable housing pledge, describing it as a political stunt aimed at securing votes ahead of the next election.

Speaking during a television interview on Monday, September 15, 2025, Kirwa said the affordable housing pledge is part of a wider strategy to endear Ruto to various groups ahead of elections.

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“But, of course, I know anything the President is doing nowadays is to see whether he can secure a second term. Even for teachers, it is just a gimmick. It may not happen, because who is going to do an audit?” he said, referring to Ruto’s promise that teachers would get 20 per cent of all houses under the Affordable Housing Program.

Also Watch: If they don’t listen we will go to the streets, if they listen we will talk -Kipruto Arap Kirwa

Kirwa highlighted the challenges teachers face in accessing decent housing.

“Including the teachers of this country, who largely struggle a lot to have decent houses back in their places,” he said. He questioned the clarity and sustainability of the president’s plan.

Also Watch: CONCERNS EMERGE OVER AFFORDABLE HOUSING SCHEME

“Now, my worry is that I do not know if there is a law. I do not know whether there is a policy, or the President just pronounces a position, and that becomes government policy, which therefore means it is not sustainable beyond the current regime.”

The former CS argued that government initiatives must be predictable and account for teachers who may prefer to live outside designated housing areas.

“I would have expected the President to have a clear policy on issues of allowing somebody to access affordable housing through his or her own effort, including the need to give some kind of cushioning for those who want to build houses,” he said, emphasising that many teachers might not want to relocate but still need decent housing.

Kirwa emphasised that housing allocation is bound by law and not discretionary. “According to the affordable housing regulations, allocation is not a discretionary process. It is tied to specific provisions, especially on eligibility. This is something that was subject to legislative process,” he said, warning that political stunts cannot substitute proper policy.