President William Ruto has directed the Ministry of Housing to rename the Shauri Moyo Housing Estate to Johana Ng’eno Housing Estate, in honour of the late Johana Ng’eno, the Member of Parliament for Emurua Dikirr, who died in a tragic helicopter crash last week.
The announcement was made during the burial ceremony for Ng’eno and four other victims at Emurua Dikirr Primary School on Friday. According to the President, the decision followed recommendations from members of the National Assembly Departmental Committee on Housing, Urban Planning and Public Works, which the late legislator chaired.
Recognition of Leadership in Housing Reforms
President Ruto praised Ng’eno’s leadership, particularly his role in championing the government’s affordable housing programme during a period marked by political opposition and legal challenges.
The Head of State noted that the housing initiative had faced resistance and public protests but credited Ng’eno for remaining steadfast in supporting the reforms.
Ruto stated that the decision to rename the estate was meant to honour the late lawmaker’s contribution to advancing the government’s housing agenda and his leadership in guiding the parliamentary committee responsible for housing and urban planning oversight.
Housing Programme Described as Transformational
The President reiterated that the government’s affordable housing programme is among the most transformative projects of his administration. He emphasised that despite criticism surrounding the housing levy and legal battles over the programme, the initiative continues to play a key role in reshaping Kenya’s urban landscape.
Ruto highlighted that the programme is already delivering tangible benefits across the country. In Emurua Dikirr, he pointed to the construction of a modern market worth nearly KSh70 million, a project that had been planned in collaboration with Ng’eno.
The President further revealed that he intends to recognise the members of the housing committee in his future memoirs for their role in defending and advancing the programme during difficult moments.
Major Nairobi Estate to Bear Ng’eno’s Name
The renamed estate is expected to be one of the largest housing developments in Nairobi, comprising approximately 4,500 housing units under the government’s Boma Yangu affordable housing initiative.
Lawmakers from the housing committee had proposed that the large estate be named Johana Ng’eno Boma Yangu Estate to commemorate the late MP’s contribution to the sector.
Government Pledges Support for University Campus
During the same event, President Ruto also pledged government support for the establishment of a campus of Maasai Mara University in Emurua Dikirr, a project that had been requested by Ng’eno before his death.
The President directed Patrick Ole Ntutu, Governor of Narok County, to secure land for the university within two to three weeks. He also instructed Charles Hinga, Principal Secretary in the State Department for Housing, to facilitate government funding for the project.
According to the President, the government will allocate KSh750 million to support the establishment of the university campus and construction of hostels. Ruto added that he plans to personally preside over the groundbreaking ceremony and hopes the project will move quickly so that students from the region and across Kenya can access higher education opportunities.
The tribute to Ng’eno comes as leaders and residents continue to mourn the legislator, whose leadership and advocacy for development projects in his constituency earned him wide recognition in national politics.
