President William Ruto has defended the controversial housing levy deductions, affirming that the funds are being managed responsibly and are yielding tangible benefits for Kenyans, despite facing criticism and threats of protests.

• President Ruto onboarded graduate interns under the Affordable Housing Programme on Friday, January 23, 2026, at State House, Nairobi.
• The Housing Levy, introduced through the Finance Act of 2023, deducts 1.5 per cent of an individual's gross income.
• The government collected Ksh73 billion in the 2024/2025 fiscal year for the housing fund, an increase from Ksh54 billion in the previous year.
• Ruto praised salaried Kenyans as "heroes" for their contributions, assuring that every cent would be used for its intended purpose of building affordable houses, markets, and hostels.