Public frustration over the Affordable Housing Programme was laid bare in Kisumu after Housing and Urban Development Principal Secretary Charles Hinga found himself facing a crowd that openly challenged his claims during a public engagement.
What was expected to be a routine government sensitisation meeting quickly turned into a tense exchange when residents rejected Hinga’s message that low-income Kenyans could own government-built houses by paying KSh3,000 monthly.
As he addressed the gathering, sections of the crowd repeatedly shouted “uongo,” the Swahili word for lies, signalling deep scepticism about promises linked to the housing project.
The reaction exposed the growing trust gap between government officials and many citizens struggling with the rising cost of living. For many residents, the promise of home ownership through a KSh3,000 monthly payment appeared too good to be true. Rather than quietly listening, the crowd openly questioned the credibility of the figures being presented.
Hinga stood his ground despite the hostile reception. He insisted that there was nothing false about the proposal and maintained that the government was committed to helping low-income earners move from renting houses to owning them. However, the explanation did little to calm the doubts among those in attendance.
A major concern raised by critics is the lack of detailed information often accompanying such announcements. Questions remain about the size of the houses, the repayment period, eligibility requirements and the total amount beneficiaries would eventually pay before becoming homeowners. Without clear answers, many Kenyans continue to view the programme with suspicion.
During the visit, Hinga also turned his attention to politicians opposed to the Affordable Housing Programme. He accused them of misleading the public by claiming that houses acquired under the project could be taken away if a different government assumes power after the 2027 General Election. According to him, beneficiaries would retain ownership regardless of political changes.
The Principal Secretary further revealed the legal challenges surrounding the programme, saying he is currently defending more than 85 court cases related to the housing initiative. He disclosed that he was expected in court for a contempt matter on the same day as his Kisumu tour, highlighting the intense scrutiny facing the project.
Even with the criticism, court battles and public resistance, Hinga maintained that the government would continue implementing the programme. He pointed to ongoing investments in Kisumu, including housing projects, markets and other infrastructure developments. Yet the loud chants from residents became the lasting image of the visit, reflecting a growing demand for transparency and convincing answers on one of the government’s most ambitious projects.
