By Liban Mohamed
Housing is a fundamental aspect of a nation’s development, affecting the well-being of its citizens and the overall economy. In Kenya, the pressing need for improved housing conditions is apparent across all counties, particularly in urban areas marked by substandard housing, overcrowding, and informal settlements.
Millions of Kenyans live in inadequate temporary shelters or low-quality housing, adversely impacting their lives.
Affordable housing is more than just a policy—it’s a lifeline for countless Kenyans dreaming of a place to call home. Thanks to government initiatives and private sector partnerships, standardized, well-planned homes with access to clean water and electricity are becoming a reality for many. This effort isn’t just about bricks and mortar; it’s about fulfilling a constitutional promise—Article 43—which guarantees every Kenyan the right to adequate housing and decent living conditions.
The Affordable Housing Programme (AHP), launched in 2017 under the Big Four Agenda, set an ambitious goal: 500,000 homes by 2022. While the target wasn’t fully met—only about 1% of the units were delivered—the initiative laid the groundwork for progress. Projects like Park Road, Stoni Athi Estate, Bondeni, Machakos and Mukuru have brought hope to families, offering modern homes in vibrant communities.
The road hasn’t been smooth; funding shortfalls and logistical hurdles slowed progress, leaving many wondering when their turn would come.
Meanwhile, the demand for housing keeps growing. According to 2015 statistics from Ministry of Housing and Urban Development, 22% of Kenyans live in cities and urban areas with population expanding by 4.2% annually. Nairobi alone needs 120,000 new homes each year, yet only 35,000 are built. The gap pushes prices up, forcing many into crowded informal settlements where 60% of urban residents now live.
In March 2024, President William Ruto took a bold step forward, enacting the Affordable Housing Act to reinvigorate the housing drive. This move came after a High Court pause on the Affordable Housing Levy, a controversial plan to fund projects through deductions from workers and employers. While the levy aims to build infrastructure and create communities, critics argue it adds strain to already tight budgets in tough economic times.
Despite the debate, construction continues. Projects like Mavoko Sustainable Housing, Starehe Affordable Homes, and Konza Technopolis are rising across the country, offering everything from cozy studios to spacious three-bedroom units. These homes aren’t just affordable—they’re sustainable, featuring rainwater harvesting systems, proving that Kenya is thinking ahead.
Affordable housing units have been rolled out in both urban and rural areas in Kenya. According to Cabinet Secretary for Lands, Housing and Urban Development Alice Wahome, 140,000 affordable houses have been constructed so far, with a target of 200,000 units annually and 1 million over the next five years.
She says the affordable housing program has created employment opportunities for over 200,000 youths as part of the government’s job creation initiative.
Kenya’s vision for 2030 includes thriving cities where everyone has a place to live. To get there, collaboration is key—between government, private developers, and communities. The momentum is there, and with continued effort, affordable housing can transform not just neighbourhoods, but lives.
The author is the Brand and Marketing Assistant at Superior Homes Kenya