As affordable houses rise, Kenyans face stark reality of allocation for the privileged
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Kenya's affordable housing programme is advancing at sharply different speeds across regions, with over 220,000 units under development but only 14,219 allocated so far, raising concerns that priority is going to the privileged rather than the lowest-income households.
Kenya's affordable housing drive is entering a decisive stretch as the government launches a Rapid Results Initiative to complete at least 45,000 units by the end of the year, but a Sunday Nation spot-check across several regions found the programme advancing at sharply different speeds.
The State Department for Housing and Urban Development says 220,536 units are under development, while more than 1.31 million Kenyans have registered on the Boma Yangu portal. So far, 14,219 units have been allocated, with another 10,107 homes due for allocation. Principal Secretary Charles Hinga said the project has created over 640,442 jobs since 2022.
Across the Coast, 15,063 units are under construction. At VOK Estate in Nyali, Mombasa, 14 residential blocks are planned, offering studios and two- and three-bedroom apartments. Construction was 74% complete, with the first units expected by December. Coast Regional Director of Housing John Karanja said 85% of the units had already been sold.
There are contrasting local experiences across the country, with strong demand at some estates, delays in allocation at others, and concerns over affordability, water, waste disposal and access by the lowest-income households. The programme faces scrutiny over whether it is reaching the intended beneficiaries or being captured by better-off applicants.
Mr Hinga said the government has ring-fenced Sh61 billion for jua kali artisans, micro, small and medium-sized enterprises, and suppliers of locally manufactured construction materials. It is also building 23,690 units for disciplined forces and civil servants, and 38,545 student housing units expected to provide 134,907 beds.