The government has announced the sale of 4,888 affordable housing units. These units are part of the government’s ambitious Affordable Housing Program (AHP), which seeks to provide quality housing for Kenyans across various income groups. The Ministry of Land and Housing, through the State Department for Housing and Urban Development, has identified 21 projects nearing completion, which include studio, one-bedroom, two-bedroom, and three-bedroom units spread across the country.
Accessible Housing for All
One of the key features of the initiative is the “One ID, One Housing unit” principle, which ensures that every eligible Kenyan can own a home under the program. This principle is aimed at promoting fairness and preventing multiple ownership of affordable units by one individual. To be eligible, applicants must be Kenyan citizens, with some variations based on income levels. For example, social housing is specifically targeted at individuals earning less than Sh20,000 per month. The government also provides financial support to assist such individuals with the required deposit, known as deposit assistance.
For those with a higher income bracket, affordable housing options are available for people earning between Sh20,000 and Sh149,000 monthly. Affordable middle-class housing is open to those with a monthly income exceeding Sh149,000. This tiered approach ensures that all segments of the population, regardless of their income, can access decent, affordable homes.
The Registration Process
To facilitate the application process, the government has set up a simple, digital registration system. Interested individuals can visit the Boma Yangu website (www.bomayangu.go.ke) or dial *832# to select their preferred housing unit. Alternatively, one can register through the eCitizen portal, where applicants can sign up and create a Boma Yangu account. Once registered, applicants can browse available housing projects nationwide and begin saving for their home’s deposit by making regular payments into their Boma Yangu savings wallet.
Moreover, partner banks and Saccos offer guidance throughout the process, assisting with loan pre-qualification and providing support for monthly or one-off payments. Upon successful application, a letter of allocation will be issued to the successful applicants, who will then sign a homeownership agreement. For those who choose the monthly payment option, they will continue making payments until the full purchase price is cleared. Once completed, they will receive their homeownership documents.
Available Units and Pricing
The government has listed several units across different counties, including Machakos, Murang’a, Kirinyaga, Laikipia, Kakamega, Nyandarua, and Uasin Gishu, among others. The prices for these units vary depending on the type of housing and location.
For the Social Housing Units, a studio apartment (20 sqm) is priced at Sh640,000, with monthly repayments of Sh3,900. One-bedroom units (30 sqm) are available for Sh960,000, while two-bedroom apartments (40 sqm) are priced at Sh1,280,000. The Affordable Housing Units offer slightly higher rates, with a studio selling at Sh1 million, and one-bedroom units priced between Sh1.5 million to Sh2.15 million. Two-bedroom units range from Sh2 million for a 40 sqm apartment to Sh3.2 million for a 64 sqm unit. Three-bedroom homes start at Sh3 million for a 60 sqm unit.
Under the Affordable Middle-Class Housing Unit, prices begin at Sh2.4 million for a 40 sqm two-bedroom apartment, with monthly rates of around Sh21,160. Larger units, such as three-bedroom homes ranging from 60 sqm to 90 sqm, are priced between Sh3.6 million and Sh5.4 million, with monthly rates starting at Sh31,750.
Conclusion
The Kenyan government’s affordable housing initiative marks a significant step towards improving living conditions for many Kenyans. By offering various types of homes and financing options, it is aiming to create a more inclusive society where homeownership is within reach for a broader demographic. As the registration process unfolds, Kenyans are encouraged to take advantage of this opportunity to own a home through an accessible, well-structured program that supports both low and middle-income earners across the country.
