Nanyuki: The Nanyuki Affordable Housing Project, a key initiative under President William Ruto's administration, is making significant strides in boosting economic activity and providing employment opportunities in Laikipia County. With the project approaching its completion, it has become a pivotal source of livelihood for local youth and women. According to Kenya News Agency, the project, launched in January, employs over 200 people daily at its construction site. The Sh505 million project comprises 200 housing units and extends over 5 acres. It targets to enhance the local business ecosystem by supporting Jua Kali artisans, plumbers, electricians, masons, and vendors through the government's Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA). Local food vendor Philis Kanana, who has operated at the site for nine months, shared that her earnings have significantly increased since the project's inception. Kanana, who was allowed to set up a hotel on the project site, mentioned, "I was able to cook for constru ction workers, which has helped me support my grandchildren. I give workers food on credit, which they repay every weekend after receiving their wages." The project not only provides direct employment but also stimulates the local economy by increasing demand for goods and services. Joyce Njoki, another worker at the site, expressed that the project offered her an alternative to engaging in unlawful activities, stating, "Construction has really helped despite the fact that I work amidst men, but they support me. It's better doing this job, which is tiring, rather than engaging in bad activities." Youth involved in the project also noted the positive impact on their lives, with Peter Njoroge commenting, "I am happy as a youth because I work and get money, and since most of the time I am working, I don't have time to think of outlawed activities." Furthermore, Patrick Njiru, the engineer-in-charge of the Nanyuki AHP, revealed that the project has also provided training and internship opportunities for over 1 00 students from technical and vocational training institutions. He added that the housing units, which include studio, one, two, and three-bedroom options, have already been booked at over 70 percent through the BOMA Yangu portal. The government's commitment to constructing affordable and decent housing aims to create job opportunities for youth, enhance living standards for low-income earners, and address the housing demand gap in the country.