The government has reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring that Jua Kali artisans can access affordable housing under the national housing programme. Through the Affordable Housing Board, the government has pledged to support informal sector workers in owning homes as part of its broader plan to provide dignified housing across the country.
Speaking at a consultative session in Nairobi, Affordable Housing Board chairperson Jeremiah Simu highlighted the government’s strategy to reach more Jua Kali artisans. He stated that a nationwide sensitisation campaign will be conducted to educate artisans on the homeownership process and encourage them to participate through their associations’ leadership.
“We are committed to supporting the sector in acquiring homes under the Affordable Housing Programme, which is why we have developed a framework for working with Jua Kali sector members,” Simu said. He emphasized that the programme aims to include members of the informal sector, responding to their demand for accessible homeownership opportunities.
The initiative is currently being rolled out across the country, ensuring that artisans can transition from renters to homeowners. The government has assured that every eligible individual, regardless of income level, can access the programme. So far, 24 housing projects under the initiative are nearing completion.
Kenya National Federation of Jua Kali Associations CEO Richard Muteti, who attended the meeting, welcomed the Affordable Housing Board’s efforts to integrate Jua Kali artisans into the programme. He emphasized that beyond being stakeholders in the initiative, Jua Kali workers are also actively involved in constructing the housing units, leveraging their skilled manpower.
“I’m here to honour the chairperson’s call after he reached out to actualise the dream of home ownership for the informal sector, which Jua Kali is part of,” Muteti stated. “Beyond being contributors to the Affordable Housing Programme, we are also directly involved in constructing these homes.”
Muteti pledged to inform his members about the programme, urging them to seize the opportunity to become homeowners. “We have successfully referenced the programme, and now we need to ensure more people take advantage of it,” he said.
The Affordable Housing Programme remains a key pillar of the government’s commitment to bridging the housing deficit and promoting homeownership among all Kenyans, including those in the informal sector.
