President William Ruto has revealed that during his recent discussions with the President of Singapore, he learned that the Asian nation used firm measures — including force — to relocate people from informal settlements into modern high-rise housing.
Speaking about Kenya’s ongoing affordable housing agenda, Ruto said, “Singapore’s president told me that they used force to make people move from the slums into houses on the 10th and 15th floors.”
The Head of State shared the revelation to emphasize his commitment to transforming Kenya’s urban housing landscape. He noted that while change often faces resistance, firm leadership and clear vision are necessary to achieve meaningful progress.
Ruto argued that Kenya must learn from countries like Singapore, which transitioned from widespread poverty and informal settlements to a modern, organized urban environment through decisive government action. He maintained that his administration’s housing program aims to provide dignity, safety, and opportunity to millions of Kenyans currently living in slums.
However, his comments have sparked mixed reactions. Supporters say Ruto’s determination mirrors the bold leadership needed to modernize Kenya’s cities, while critics argue that any relocation efforts must respect human rights and be carried out with compassion and consultation.
The President reiterated that the Affordable Housing Programme is central to his plan to stimulate job creation, improve living standards, and promote inclusive urban development. He added that Kenya’s transformation will require both political will and public cooperation — lessons drawn from Singapore’s remarkable journey to prosperity.
