Fresh revelations on Kenya’s affordable housing programme and the fallout between President William Ruto and former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua dominated headlines on Thursday, after reports raised concerns over contractor profits and exposed behind-the-scenes events during the former deputy president’s impeachment ordeal.
According to a report highlighted by the Daily Nation, contractors involved in the government’s affordable housing programme are projected to make billions in profits from ongoing projects funded under the State-backed initiative.
The newspaper reported that the first batch of contractors could collectively pocket about Sh85.7 billion in net profits from the programme.
The report indicated that aggregate contract values stood at roughly Sh285.5 billion, while construction costs and materials accounted for about Sh157.1 billion.
The findings further showed that salaries and other operational costs consumed tens of billions, leaving contractors with what was described as a profit margin of nearly 30 percent.
The housing programme has been one of President Ruto’s flagship development agendas, with the government arguing that it is creating jobs, boosting local industries and addressing Kenya’s housing deficit.
“The bulk of construction materials are being sourced locally,” the report noted, linking the programme to increased activity in the manufacturing and construction sectors.
At the same time, another report by the newspaper shed light on events surrounding Gachagua’s illness during the Senate impeachment proceedings last year.
The report claimed that President Ruto personally contacted the cardiologist who was attending to Gachagua after the then deputy president reportedly developed severe chest pains and was admitted to hospital.
Court documents cited by the newspaper stated that the president called Dr Daniel Gikonyo while he was attending to Gachagua at Karen Hospital.
The conversation allegedly took place at a critical moment as the Senate deliberated on impeachment charges that ultimately led to Gachagua’s removal from office.
The disclosure has renewed debate over the deteriorating political relationship between the two leaders, whose alliance played a key role in the 2022 General Election victory.
While some political observers viewed the reported phone call as a sign of concern from the president despite the political tensions, others argued it highlighted the intensity of events unfolding behind closed doors during the impeachment process.
The twin reports are likely to fuel further public debate over government spending, political accountability and the future direction of the Kenya Kwanza administration.