President William Ruto has finally pulled back the curtain on his “Zakayo” moniker, attributing the nickname to the intense political friction sparked by his tax reforms and housing agenda. During a candid sit-down with Kenyans residing in Italy, the president traced the label’s roots back to the initial rollout of the Affordable Housing Programme – a project he characterizes as one of his most calculated yet grueling executive decisions.
“That is how I became Zakayo,” the president shared, reflecting on the wave of criticism he weathered from both the public and political rivals when the initiative first launched. He recalled the skepticism that defined those early days, noting that many questioned the necessity of the project entirely.
“When I pushed for the housing programme, many citizens, leaders actually, said, ‘ Who told you that Kenyans need houses? People have their homes; why are you obsessed with this programme?” he said.
Ruto pointed out that while housing has occupied a spot in political manifestos for a quarter-century, previous administrations rarely moved the needle on large-scale implementation. Despite the persistent pushback, he maintains that the program remains a vital pillar of his administration’s long-term vision.
The “Zakayo” moniker gained significant traction in the public square as citizens and political rivals reacted to the Finance Act 2023. This legislation sparked nationwide debate by introducing or hiking taxes on fuel, housing, and everyday essentials, fueling a narrative of economic pressure.
The label draws a direct parallel to the biblical figure Zacchaeus – a chief tax collector in the Gospel of Luke often associated with heavy-handed collection and public scorn. Critics adopted the Swahili version of the name to personify what they describe as an aggressive tax regime and a spiking cost of living.
Through a mix of street protests, viral memes, and sharp political commentary, opposition figures and social media users transformed the name into a cultural shorthand for the country’s economic frustrations.
President Ruto stood firm on his administration’s strategy, arguing that the controversial program is now delivering concrete results for the nation. He pointed out the historical disconnect in Kenyan politics, where housing remained a hollow promise for decades.
“You see, the irony is that in every manifesto of every political party in the last 25 years, housing has always been a permanent feature,” he said.
The president showcased the program’s momentum by pointing to a surge in employment and a nationwide map of active development sites. He claims the initiative has transformed into a massive economic engine, fostering growth far beyond simple construction.
“Today, in our housing ecosystem, we have 640,000 Kenyans who are working. We have 210 sites of affordable housing and 600 sites of markets,” Ruto said.
The government has already moved past the breaking-ground phase and started delivering finished homes to Kenyan families. Ruto expanded on the scale of this ambition, noting that the project also addresses the desperate need for student accommodation.
“We are doing 240,000 housing units. We have started giving out keys, and we have hostels for 180,000 college students,” he said.
Ruto framed the introduction of the Housing Levy as a vital, albeit grueling, legislative maneuver required to bankroll his administration’s massive infrastructure goals. He acknowledged that the move invited fierce resistance but stood by the necessity of the contribution.
“It was deliberate, but it was difficult, and that is how I became Zakayo. We had to have the Housing Levy,” he said.
