Ruto hits back at Ndindi Nyoro over criticism of Housing, Youth programmes

Speaking on Sunday during the launch of Phase One of the Infrastructure and Smart City facilities at Konza Technopolis, President Ruto defended the initiatives as key pillars of his administration’s economic transformation agenda.

“If you are a leader with a better plan or policy, tell us. Don’t just say your plan is to stop affordable housing,” the President said, dismissing Nyoro’s criticism as unconstructive.

The Affordable Housing Project and the Nyota Programme have recently come under fire from Nyoro, who has accused the Kenya Kwanza government of misplaced priorities and excessive foreign borrowing.

The outspoken MP, who once chaired Parliament’s Budget and Appropriations Committee, has increasingly positioned himself as a government critic, claiming the administration’s fiscal approach is unsustainable.

Nyoro has particularly questioned the funding structure of the Nyota Programme, which is supported by the World Bank. The initiative is designed to empower vulnerable youth through vocational training, entrepreneurship, and financial support.

“The Nyota funds are from the World Bank. If the World Bank gives us KSh5 billion, the Government of Kenya should also contribute KSh5 billion,” Nyoro argued during a recent public address.

However, President Ruto dismissed the remarks, insisting that once a loan is secured, it becomes part of Kenya’s national resources.

“We agreed with them [the World Bank] and they gave us a loan. Some are asking which World Bank project this is. When the bank gives you a loan, does it belong to the bank or to you?” he posed.

The Head of State accused his critics of lacking foresight, saying their shallow arguments threaten to derail Kenya’s development progress.

“The young people of Kenya are tired of mediocrity and small thinking. They want us to aim higher,” he said.