President William Ruto has officially welcomed the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) into Kenya’s flagship Affordable Housing Programme, opening a new chapter in Kenya–Ismaili cooperation.
The President said the partnership will not only strengthen Kenya’s ambitious housing agenda but also expand opportunities for economic growth and social transformation.
“By joining hands with AKDN, we are not just building houses, we are creating jobs, stimulating industries, and opening opportunities for small enterprises,” Ruto said after meeting Prince Rahim Al-Hussaini Aga Khan V at State House, Nairobi.
Scaling Up Affordable Housing
Ruto explained that the collaboration aligns with the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA) by generating thousands of jobs for the youth and boosting industries such as steel, cement, and fittings.
The Affordable Housing Programme is one of the government’s flagship projects, with a target of delivering 200,000 housing units annually.
With AKDN now on board, the programme is expected to expand its reach and increase access to decent housing, particularly for low- and middle-income families.
“This partnership is about more than homes; it is about dignity, equity, and opportunity,” Ruto noted.
The Head of State also praised the network as “a trusted ally in Kenya’s journey of transformation since independence.”
AKDN’s Longstanding Impact in Kenya
AKDN has grown into one of Kenya’s most enduring development partners, with a track record that spans healthcare, education, environmental conservation, and economic growth.
Ruto highlighted that AKDN’s health facilities handle more than 900,000 patient visits annually, providing maternal and child health services, lifesaving surgeries, and specialized care through three major hospitals and more than 70 health centres nationwide.
“This commitment not only saves lives but strengthens our healthcare workforce through world-class training,” he said.
Education has also been a key focus for AKDN. Through its foundation, the network has supported nearly 1,000 public schools, benefiting hundreds of thousands of pupils and teachers. Its global initiative, Schools2030, which Kenya co-hosted this year, is reshaping education by driving innovation and excellence in classrooms.
Environmental Conservation Efforts
Beyond healthcare and education, AKDN has invested significantly in protecting the environment. Over the past three years, the network has planted 1.5 million trees across Kenya, much of it in the Mau Forest, helping to restore degraded ecosystems and combat climate change.
A Broader Vision for Transformation
The entry of AKDN into the Affordable Housing Programme adds to its wide-ranging development footprint in Kenya, reinforcing its reputation as a partner in national progress.
By combining the government’s housing agenda with AKDN’s global expertise in community development and infrastructure, the collaboration promises to deliver affordable, sustainable, and inclusive housing while creating jobs and strengthening industries.
For President Ruto, the partnership signals more than bricks and mortar, it represents dignity, equity, and opportunity for millions of Kenyans.
“The Aga Khan Development Network’s service to humanity has long been a pillar of our national journey,” Ruto said.
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