A new report by the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS) has revealed that over 600,000 tenants in Kenya are living in households without paying rent, some with the consent of their landlords, while others face potential legal risks. The findings, detailed in the Kenya Housing Survey for the 2023/24 financial year, provide a deeper understanding of the nation’s housing landscape, revealing trends that could influence future urban planning and policy decisions.
According to the survey, a total of 638,761 households across the country did not pay rent with the landlord’s approval. Lamu County leads with 19% of tenants benefiting from this arrangement, followed by Mandera at 18.9%, and Nyandarua at 12%. In urban areas, Nairobi and Kiambu have 51,507 and 74,782 tenants, respectively, in this situation. While the situation might appear to favor some tenants, the report also highlighted a concerning aspect: 111,089 households across the country were residing in properties without the landlord’s consent, putting them at risk of legal action.
The survey also explored broader housing trends, revealing that 8.5 million Kenyans are homeowners, with a significant majority (85.5%) residing in rural areas. On the other hand, 4.6 million Kenyans are tenants, with most renting properties in urban centers. Interestingly, more than half (52.8%) of homeowners acquired their properties through one-off construction, while only 2.5% purchased homes. Cash savings were the most common financing method (91.4%), with a small number relying on loans, mortgages, or gifts from family members.
Despite a growing number of homeowners, the report paints a troubling picture of tenant-landlord relationships, with 71.8% of tenants lacking formal written agreements. This issue is particularly pronounced in counties like Kajiado, Taita Taveta, and Nairobi, where the proportion of tenants with formal agreements is higher, while Mandera County reported no tenants with written agreements. The lack of documentation leaves many tenants vulnerable to disputes.
The report also provides insight into employment trends, with rural areas showing a higher employment-to-population ratio (61.6%) than urban areas. However, women face a higher unemployment rate (11.5%) compared to men (6.9%). These disparities in employment rates further emphasize the challenges tenants face, particularly in rural regions, where many are also grappling with insecure housing situations.
As the housing sector continues to evolve, this report highlights the need for policy reforms to address the challenges of rent payment, homeownership, and tenant protections, especially in rural areas.
