A young man from Mukuru has shared how moving into an affordable housing unit transformed his life, enabling him to save on rent and resume his law studies.
Speaking at the Beyond 2030 national conversation held at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) in Nairobi, the former street dweller described the housing project as pivotal in changing his future prospects and restoring his dignity.
He now lives with his mother in the affordable estate, explaining in Sheng that the savings from rent costs have funded his return to university. "Through affordable housing, I can save the money I used to pay for my mother's rent and have gone back to school. I am now in law school and close to finishing," he said.
The young man also highlighted how the housing initiative has shifted societal perceptions of youth from informal settlements, many of whom face judgment based on their background or appearance.
He recounted his previous life on the streets, involved in theft, and noted that some of his former peers have since gained employment through construction projects linked to the affordable housing programme. "We no longer have reasons to steal; we earn money and aim to move Kenya forward," he added.
His testimony underscores the government's position that affordable housing extends beyond shelter by enabling beneficiaries to allocate resources toward education and other opportunities.
The Beyond 2030 conversation seeks to include diverse Kenyan voices, especially young people, in shaping the country’s long-term development agenda. For this Mukuru youth, his journey from street life to aspiring lawyer exemplifies the Kenya envisioned through this inclusive dialogue.
