Official data from the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS) shows modest job growth in Kenya's construction sector compared to claims by President William Ruto and government officials on the Affordable Housing Programme (AHP). Total employment reached 728,400 in 2025. The discrepancy has sparked debate on the programme's real impact.
President William Ruto has promoted the Affordable Housing Programme as a major job creator since September 2022. In his November 2025 state of the nation address, he stated it had created over 428,000 jobs. The February 2026 Budget Policy Statement projected one million jobs by 2026, while Affordable Housing Board Chair Jeremiah Simu's report cited 330,000 jobs by June 2025.
A study commissioned by the Housing Department and conducted by Grant Thornton measured 464,759 direct jobs and 640,442 total by January 2026, with 379,194 from affordable housing construction.
However, KNBS reports 728,400 construction jobs in 2025, with 35,800 new jobs or 5.2% growth from 692,600 in 2024. Since 2023, the sector added only 77,000 jobs overall, including road construction. KNBS states the sector drove economic growth, citing the housing programme among contributors.
Housing Principal Secretary Charles Hinga criticised KNBS, saying, “KNBS don't know what they're doing. We will respond with facts.” These statistical discrepancies continue to fuel debate on the Affordable Housing Programme's contribution.
