President William Ruto has defended the government's affordable housing programme, saying it is rooted in biblical teachings and mirrors the rights guaranteed under Kenya's constitution.
Speaking on Monday during a meeting with members of the Friends Church (Quakers) at State House, Nairobi, Ruto said the government's development agenda was guided by the scripture and the constitution, particularly in ensuring Kenyans have access to housing, healthcare, food and education.
The President said the progress made by his administration over the past two years was visible through roads, schools, agriculture, markets, student hostels and affordable housing projects across the country.
"The work we have done over the last two years can be seen. The roads can be seen. The teachers we have employed can be seen. The transformation in agriculture can be seen. The houses we said we would build can be seen. The markets can be seen. The hostels can be seen," he said.
He urged leaders to focus on delivering tangible results instead of making empty promises.
"Everyone should show the work they have done. The Bible says faith without works is dead."
Ruto then referred faithful to the Gospel of Matthew, saying the passage reflects the same social and economic rights contained in Article 43 of the constitution.
"I want you to read Matthew 25. It speaks about feeding the hungry, caring for the sick, clothing those without clothes and providing shelter for those without homes."
He said providing decent housing through the affordable housing programme was consistent with the biblical call to care for those in need.
"I had no home. Did you make arrangements for affordable housing?" he asked.
The President said the Bible and the constitution complement each other in promoting human dignity.
"There is no difference between the Bible and the Constitution of Kenya. Matthew 25 speaks about affordable housing, affordable healthcare and education. Article 43 of the Constitution also speaks about housing, healthcare and food."
"So let us fulfil the constitution and fulfil the word of God."
Article 43 of the constitution guarantees every Kenyan the right to the highest attainable standard of health, accessible and adequate housing, reasonable standards of sanitation, freedom from hunger, clean and safe water, social security and education.
The affordable housing programme remains one of the Kenya Kwanza administration's flagship projects and is intended to increase access to decent housing while creating employment opportunities in the construction sector.
