The Kenyan government’s Affordable Housing Programme (AHP) has significantly impacted job creation, providing employment opportunities for over 244,000 Kenyans, Government Spokesman Isaac Mwaura has announced. Speaking during a media briefing on Tuesday, Mwaura emphasized that the initiative is not only addressing housing needs but also stimulating economic growth through employment and financial support to artisans.
Out of the total jobs created, 100,000 have been taken up by youth who graduated from Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions. This highlights the government’s commitment to empowering young people with practical skills that contribute to national development.
Mwaura further revealed that Sh4.4 billion has been paid to Jua Kali artisans involved in the construction projects. Notable groups benefiting from this initiative include artisans from Kibra, who received over Sh750 million, while groups in Ruiru and Thika each received Sh100 million. These payments have provided a financial boost to local businesses and workers, fostering economic stability in various regions.
Currently, 130,988 housing units are under construction, with an additional 127,476 units in the procurement stage. The increased momentum in housing development has also contributed to a decrease in mortgage costs, with interest rates dropping by 6.2 percent. Additionally, the number of monthly mortgage premiums below Sh10,000 has surged from 30,000 to nearly one million, making homeownership more accessible to Kenyans.
Before this initiative, the private sector only provided 50,000 mortgages annually. With the government’s involvement, the target has been set at 250,000 housing units per year—50,000 by the private sector and 200,000 by the government. To meet this goal, the government has pledged to release over 4,000 housing units to the market every quarter, with 4,888 units set to be commissioned by the end of March.
The AHP aims to provide decent and affordable housing to low and middle-income households. Interested potential homeowners can register on the Boma Yangu housing portal, make savings, and select their preferred housing units.
As Kenya’s urban population continues to grow, reaching an estimated 50 percent of the total population by 2050, the Affordable Housing Programme is poised to play a crucial role in ensuring adequate and accessible housing for all.
