WATAMU, Kenya, Dec 20, 2025- Residents, investors, and environmental activists in Watamu, Kilifi county have strongly opposed the site earmarked by the government for an affordable housing project.
Led by Justin Kitsao, the group argued that the proposed location is a natural forest reserve and one of the few areas that enhance the scenic appeal of the coastal tourist town.
They stressed that while they do not oppose the housing program itself, they want the government to identify an alternative site that does not compromise the environment.
Some investors have threatened to relocate from Watamu if the government insists on proceeding with construction at the current site, which also hosts a chief’s office and a public park.
The opposition comes against the backdrop of President William Ruto’s ambitious Affordable Housing Programme, which seeks to close Kenya’s housing gap by delivering thousands of modern, serviced units across the country.
In December, Ruto handed over more than 4,500 homes in Nairobi’s Mukuru estate, following an earlier delivery of 1,080 units in May, marking a turning point in efforts to replace informal settlements with dignified housing.
The program is part of his broader pledge to transform Kenya into a “Singapore-status” nation through planned urban estates featuring amenities such as electricity, piped gas, and internet connectivity.
While the initiative has been commended for offering low-income earners a path to homeownership, critics in Watamu insist that environmental sustainability must remain a priority in site selection.
