Political strategist Pauline Njoroge has defended Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna’s controversial remarks on the government’s Affordable Housing Programme, arguing that critics focused on the “chicken” reference while ignoring the broader message about people-centred development.
Njoroge said Sifuna’s comments were not simply about poultry but were meant to highlight the need for development projects that reflect the social, economic and cultural realities of different communities across Kenya.
According to the political commentator, development approaches should not be uniform across the country because communities have different priorities depending on their environment and way of life.
“Some people deliberately missed the point H.E Edwin Sifuna was making on affordable housing in Western Kenya,” Njoroge said, adding that those who concentrated on the chicken analogy failed to understand the context behind the remarks.
She argued that a project suitable for urban centres such as Nairobi may not necessarily address the most pressing needs of rural communities in counties such as Kakamega, Busia, Vihiga, Bungoma and Trans Nzoia.
Njoroge noted that many families in Western Kenya own land, build their own homes and depend on small-scale farming activities, including poultry keeping, as a source of livelihood.
She suggested that some residents may prioritise investments such as better roads, access to markets, water supply, affordable farm inputs, healthcare services, value addition opportunities and employment rather than high-rise housing developments.
“The point Sifuna was making was that development cannot be a one-size-fits-all approach,” Njoroge stated.
Her comments come amid a political debate sparked by Sifuna’s criticism of high-rise affordable housing projects in parts of Western Kenya.
The senator had questioned whether such housing models adequately consider the lifestyles and economic activities of communities outside major urban areas.
The remarks attracted criticism from supporters of President William Ruto’s administration, who argued that the Affordable Housing Programme addresses Kenya’s housing shortage and provides modern living spaces for citizens.
President Ruto also weighed in on the controversy, defending the housing initiative and questioning criticism based on concerns about traditional lifestyles such as keeping chickens.
However, Njoroge maintained that the debate was not about poultry but about whether government projects are designed around the needs of citizens.
She compared Sifuna’s remarks to the use of parables, arguing that the “chicken” was a symbolic example meant to communicate a wider message about inclusive planning and leadership.