President William Ruto appeared impressed by the facilities at Pioneer Affordable Housing Estate in Eldoret after trying out an air bike at its gym and jokingly questioning whether he was at a housing project or a five-star hotel.
The President was visiting the Bomayangu Fitness and Wellness Centre at the Pioneer Affordable Housing Project, where an instructor took him through some of the equipment as they discussed the gym’s facilities.
The instructor explained that the air bike worked both the arms and legs, unlike a conventional stationary bicycle that mainly exercises the legs.
Ruto then took a seat on the machine and tried cycling as the instructor explained how it worked.
“Why do you call it an air bike?” the President asked.
The instructor explained that the name came from the air generated by the machine and the movement of the user’s arms.
Ruto appeared satisfied with the explanation before praising the facility.
“You have a beautiful wellness place,” he told the instructor.
As he walked out of the gym, Ruto turned to the instructor and asked: “Nilikuwa nauliza kama hapa ni kwa affordable housing ama ni kwa 5-star hotel!”
People then burst into laughter.
The instructor then assured him that the facility was part of the affordable housing estate.
The gym is equipped with air bikes, steppers, treadmills, dumbbells, benches and other workout equipment.
The light-hearted exchange came as Ruto continued his 10-day tour of the North Rift Valley, during which he has been inspecting and commissioning projects, engaging residents and campaigning for a second term ahead of the 2027 General Election.
At the Pioneer Affordable Housing Project, Ruto handed over keys to 2,157 homeowners in what he described as the fulfilment of the government’s commitment to expand homeownership.
The Sh5.3 billion estate includes 104 shops, a kindergarten, playgrounds, green open spaces, a clubhouse and a swimming pool. Plans also include a junior school, two basketball courts and a football pitch.
Ruto highlighted the experience of 21-year-old Abigail Chepkemboi, an electrical engineering student who has acquired a bedsitter at the estate.
He said her journey reflected the government’s ambition to make homeownership possible for Kenyans who might otherwise struggle to afford decent housing.
The President also outlined further housing plans for Eldoret, including 2,231 homes at Eldoret Railway City, 1,800 at Kidiwa Phase 2 and 2,000 at Lumumba.
Across Uasin Gishu county, 12,429 affordable homes worth Sh29.9 billion are planned or under construction, according to Ruto. He said the government’s combined investment in the county, including student hostels and modern markets, stood at Sh41.8 billion.
The Pioneer project has also created business opportunities for local artisans, with Sh264 million channelled to 84 Jua Kali associations in Eldoret.
Across the North Rift, artisans have benefited from opportunities worth Sh3.8 billion, while similar associations nationally have received opportunities worth Sh61 billion, Ruto said.
