Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna has found himself at the center of a heated online discussion after making remarks about the government’s Affordable Housing programme and how it may not suit some members of the Luhya community.
Speaking during a public discussion, Sifuna used a light-hearted example involving chickens to explain why some families may find it difficult to adapt to life in high-rise apartment buildings. He said many Luhya families are used to keeping chickens at home and joked that it would be difficult for a chicken to “reach the twelfth floor.”
His comments quickly spread across social media, where Kenyans reacted with mixed opinions. Some people laughed at the analogy and viewed it as a humorous way of describing cultural differences. Others, however, questioned whether such remarks were appropriate for a national leader.
One social media user asked, “So Waluhya can’t stay in storey buildings because of chickens?” The question was widely shared as more Kenyans joined the conversation.
Supporters of Sifuna argued that he was not rejecting Affordable Housing but was simply pointing out that housing projects should consider different lifestyles and cultural practices. They said many rural families keep poultry and other small animals as part of their daily lives and that this reality should not be ignored.
Critics, however, said modern housing is designed to improve living standards and that people can adjust to new ways of living without losing their culture.
The debate comes at a time when Affordable Housing remains one of the government’s biggest development projects. The programme has continued to attract both praise and criticism from leaders and members of the public over its cost, design and long-term benefits.
Sifuna’s remarks have added a new angle to the national conversation, showing that beyond construction, Kenyans are also discussing whether the projects match the social and cultural needs of different communities. As the political season gathers pace ahead of the 2027 General Election, every public statement by top leaders continues to attract close public attention.