President Ruto Hands Over 500 Housing Units at Roysambu Military Camp

President William Ruto officially opened the Roysambu Military Housing Project in Nairobi on Thursday, marking the completion of 500 units designed for the Kenya Defence Forces. The development, located within the Roysambu Military Camp along the Nairobi-Thika highway, is the first completed site under a broader public-private partnership framework.

The project consists of 26 residential blocks that provide a mix of single-line and married quarters for service members. This layout aims to accommodate the diverse demographic needs of the military, ensuring that both individual personnel and those with families have access to modern living spaces within the barracks.

During the commissioning ceremony, the President handed over keys to several military families who are the first to occupy the new estate. He noted that the construction at Roysambu began in 2024, emphasizing that the shift toward high-quality housing is intended to replace the smaller, traditional quarters previously standard for junior officers.

Defence Cabinet Secretary Soipan Tuya, who accompanied the President, stated that the construction phase created direct employment for approximately 5,000 workers. The project team also integrated specific accessibility features to cater for KDF personnel living with disabilities, reflecting a broader focus on personnel welfare.

The Roysambu site occupies approximately 15 acres and includes essential support infrastructure. Beyond the residential blocks, the development features internal access roads, parking areas, and a water reservoir capable of sustaining the community for three days. Power reticulation and sewer connections were also completed as part of the primary works.

According to Ministry of Defence records, these 500 units are part of a 3,069-unit first phase being executed across several military installations, including Nanyuki, Gilgil, Lanet, and Mariakani. The President indicated that all units under this initial phase are expected to reach completion by June.

A second phase of the military housing programme is already in the planning stages. This subsequent intervention is expected to deliver an additional 10,000 units nationwide. Specifically, for the Roysambu site, the next phase will involve the construction of 280 more houses and a primary school to serve the children of resident personnel.

Current amenities at the estate include a kindergarten, children’s playgrounds, and Defence Forces Welfare Services shops. The site was strategically selected for its proximity to the Level IV Nairobi Regional Hospital in Kahawa, ensuring that service members have ready access to medical facilities and other public social services.

The Chief of the Defence Forces, General Charles Kahariri, joined other senior officials during the inspection and launch. The military leadership has maintained that bridging the housing gap is a priority for improving the operational readiness and dignity of the force, particularly as the Ministry of Defence moves toward a total of 13,000 units across the country.