Ruto mistakenly quotes wrong USSD code for buying affordable housing units
For a man known for accurately quoting Bible verses and delivering speeches without referring to notes, President William Ruto has left many in Qatar in stitches.
This is after the head of state, during an engagement with Kenyans living in Qatar on Tuesday, November 4, 2025, wooed Kenyans to invest in the government’s Affordable Housing Programme by buying various housing units.
You might also like
But it was his unclear statement on which USSD code to use that left many talking.
Instead of going straight to *832#, which is the correct code for accessing the Boma Yangu platform, Ruto appeared unsure and quoted it differently.
Also watch: Ruto says the housing levy will also be used to build the markets.
Light moment during the address
“The Diaspora Bond is, aside from other things we are doing, including the Affordable Housing Programme, where instead of you sending money to your relatives or contractors, you can now buy affordable housing through Boma Yangu (website) or through *#832* … is it *823#… and buy a house,” Ruto said.
The president continued, “You do not have to struggle with who the contractor is or what. You have the undertaking of the government of Kenya that whichever house you buy, you will get it.
“Different from if you send the money to your friends or relatives, they will keep sending you pictures of your neighbour’s house.”
The brief mix-up of the USSD code created a light moment, with many Kenyans in attendance laughing and clapping as the president smiled and moved on with his speech.
Linking housing to diaspora investments
Ruto explained that the Affordable Housing Programme is one of the key pillars of his administration’s plan to give Kenyans both at home and abroad a chance to own decent homes.
He said the platform allows citizens to buy units directly through the Boma Yangu website or the official USSD code without involving middlemen.
The president also connected the housing plan to the upcoming Diaspora Bond, saying it will give Kenyans working overseas more ways to invest in projects back home while earning income.
“We are in the final stages of the Diaspora Bond, on how Kenyans in the diaspora can support Kenya with a Diaspora Bond and also get an investment income,” he said.
Ruto assured Kenyans abroad that the government will continue supporting them with secure investment opportunities to ensure their money is safe and productive.
