The Kenyan government has taken a significant step toward addressing the country’s housing challenges with the launch of the Affordable Housing Programme and Social Housing projects. On November 21, 2024, the State Department for Housing and Urban Development announced that 4,888 housing units are now nearing completion and ready for allocation across 17 counties in Kenya. This initiative is part of the broader vision to provide affordable housing options for Kenyans, ensuring that everyone has access to decent shelter regardless of their income levels.
The housing units available for sale and allocation include a variety of types and sizes to cater to different needs and financial capabilities. These range from studios to three-bedroom units, as well as studio-cum-shop units designed for mixed-use purposes. The government has divided the housing into three main categories: Social Housing Units, Affordable Housing Units, and Affordable Middle-Class Housing Units.
Distribution of Housing Units Across Counties
Kiambu County leads with the highest number of available housing units, offering 1,027 units for sale and allocation. Other counties with significant availability include Nakuru (440 units), Nyandarua (326 units), Machakos (294 units), and Embu (248 units). Additionally, counties like Uasin Gishu, Kakamega, Vihiga, Bomet, Nandi, Murang’a, Isiolo, and Wajir each have around 220 units available. Smaller allocations can be found in Kirinyaga and Homabay counties (110 units), with Migori offering 60 units.
This widespread distribution of housing across the country highlights the government’s commitment to providing affordable housing solutions in various regions, ensuring that both urban and rural populations have access to these opportunities.
Pricing and Payment Options
The pricing of these housing units varies according to their type and location, with affordable payment plans to cater to different income brackets.
- Social Housing Units: These are aimed at individuals earning less than Sh20,000 per month. The prices for these units are highly subsidized, making them accessible to low-income Kenyans. For example, a studio unit (20 square meters) is priced at Sh640,000, with an alternative monthly repayment rate of Sh3,900. One-bedroom units (30 square meters) sell for Sh960,000, with a monthly repayment option of Sh5,350.
- Affordable Housing Units: These units cater to people with a monthly income between Sh20,000 and Sh149,000. Prices for studio units start at Sh1,000,000 (20 square meters) with a monthly repayment rate of Sh7,250. Larger units, such as two-bedroom apartments, range from Sh1,280,000 to Sh3,200,000, with corresponding monthly repayment rates from Sh6,800 to Sh23,128.
- Affordable Middle-Class Housing Units: These are intended for individuals earning over Sh149,000 per month. Prices for these units start at Sh2,400,000 for a two-bedroom unit (40 square meters), with monthly repayments reaching as high as Sh47,610 for larger units, such as a three-bedroom apartment (90 square meters) priced at Sh5,400,000.
The government has also introduced a Deposit Assistance Program to help eligible buyers cover the initial deposit required for purchasing affordable housing units. This financial support is crucial in making homeownership more accessible, especially for lower-income earners who may struggle with upfront costs.
Eligibility and the “One ID, One Housing Unit” Policy
The Kenyan government has emphasized that every Kenyan is eligible to purchase a unit under the “One ID, One housing unit” principle, meaning that each individual can own only one housing unit under the program. This ensures equitable distribution of housing opportunities to as many Kenyans as possible.
The initiative’s success is also tied to Kenya’s broader efforts to address the housing deficit and meet the growing demand for affordable homes. By focusing on a range of housing options, from social housing to middle-class housing, the government hopes to bridge the gap between different income groups and provide a sustainable solution to the housing crisis.
Conclusion
The launch of over 4,500 affordable housing units marks a pivotal moment in Kenya’s journey towards providing decent and affordable homes for all. With the government’s ongoing efforts and the wide distribution of housing units across counties, this initiative is set to make a lasting impact on the lives of many Kenyans. It reflects the commitment to ensuring that homeownership becomes a reality for more citizens, contributing to the nation’s social and economic development. As the program continues to roll out, it will undoubtedly play a key role in transforming Kenya’s housing landscape for the better.
