• Kenya announces $162.5M for housing, markets, and infrastructure in Kakamega

• Largest share targets affordable housing; gold refinery also planned

• Investments align with Vision 2030 and Bottom-Up Transformation Agenda

Kenyan President William Ruto has announced more than 21 billion Kenyan shillings ($162.5 million) in new investments for transformative projects in Kakamega County, in the country’s western region. The initiative aims to promote inclusive growth and equitable development across Kenya.

We are investing more than KSh21 billion in transformative projects in Kakamega County, reaffirming our commitment to inclusive growth and equitable development.

These include KSh14 billion for affordable housing units, KSh2.5 billion for modern fresh produce markets, and KSh2… pic.twitter.com/Vs8laTVZeD

— William Samoei Ruto, PhD (@WilliamsRuto) November 1, 2025

The president revealed the plans on his official X account on Nov. 1, saying the funding will support affordable housing, modern markets, student housing, and infrastructure improvements. The largest share, 14 billion shillings, will go toward affordable housing projects. Another 2.5 billion shillings is earmarked for building modern markets, while 2 billion will finance new residences for female students in higher education institutions.

The government also plans to establish a gold refinery in the county for 1.5 billion shillings to ensure local communities benefit directly from the region’s natural resources. Additional investments will target roads, electricity, hospitals, air transport, health services, and sports facilities.

“All these projects are designed to uplift the lives of our people, expand opportunities, and ensure equitable development across the country,” Ruto said.

The announcement follows several government programs aimed at revitalizing Kenya’s economy. In March 2024, the administration launched the Fourth Medium-Term Plan (2023-2027) along with County Integrated Development Plans under the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda. The strategy focuses on inclusive growth through investments in special economic zones, county clusters, industrial parks, and key sectors such as agriculture, health, and infrastructure.

The plan aligns with Kenya’s Vision 2030, which seeks to transform the country into a newly industrialized, middle-income economy offering a high quality of life for all citizens.

While economic growth remains solid, estimated at 4.5 percent in 2025, the World Bank warns that Kenya continues to face challenges, including poverty, projected to reach 43.8 percent this year, along with climate risks and persistent inequality.

Ruto announced the new investments during a meeting with county leaders in Kakamega.

Lydie Mobio