Nairobi, Kenya| In a resolute commitment to addressing the nation’s acute housing shortage, Lands, Housing and Urban Development Cabinet Secretary Alice Wahome has reaffirmed the government’s ambitious goal of delivering 500,000 affordable housing units by December 2026.
Speaking during a site visit in Muruka, Kandara Constituency, Murang’a County, Wahome highlighted significant progress, noting that approximately 320,000 units have already been completed or are at advanced stages nationwide.
“This initiative is about guaranteeing Kenyans the right to live in safe, affordable, and dignified homes,” Wahome emphasized. “Housing is not a privilege but a basic necessity that contributes to social stability and economic growth.”
Her remarks underscore the program’s alignment with Article 43 of the Kenyan Constitution, which enshrines access to adequate housing as a fundamental right.
Transforming Lives Through Affordable Homeownership
Kenya faces a staggering annual housing deficit of over 200,000 units, driven by rapid urbanization and population growth.
The Affordable Housing Programme, a flagship pillar of President William Ruto’s Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA), aims to bridge this gap by providing decent homes tailored for low- and middle-income earners.
Units are accessible through flexible options like rent-to-own schemes, with monthly payments ranging from KSh 3,000 to KSh 7,000 over up to 25 years, making homeownership attainable without hefty upfront costs.
The program has already shown tangible impacts. Projects such as Makenji in Murang’a County and Gichugu in Kirinyaga County exemplify how these developments are revitalizing rural and semi-urban economies.
In Makenji, located along the busy Thika-Kenol highway in Kandara Constituency, 220 units – comprising studios, one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments – are nearing completion.
Residents and local traders report a surge in economic activity, with new markets and infrastructure boosting business opportunities and improving living standards.
Similarly, the Gichugu project in Kianyaga has injected vitality into the local community, creating jobs for artisans, carpenters, and suppliers while curbing issues like insecurity through increased employment.
These initiatives not only provide modern amenities but also foster community pride and stability.
Economic Boost: Jobs and Opportunities for Youth
Beyond shelter, the program is a powerhouse for job creation. Wahome noted that thousands of young Kenyans have gained employment in construction, supply chains, and related sectors.
Nationwide, the initiative has generated over 300,000 direct and indirect jobs, with projections reaching up to one million at peak implementation.
Local sourcing of materials – from doors and windows to fittings – empowers jua kali artisans and stimulates manufacturing.
“This is a long-term commitment,” Wahome stated. “We will continue to work closely with communities and stakeholders to ensure no Kenyan is left behind.” She also issued a stern warning against land fraud, pledging legal action against perpetrators to safeguard the program’s integrity.
Challenges and Path Forward
Despite impressive strides, the program has navigated hurdles, including legal challenges surrounding the Housing Levy and supply chain disruptions.
However, public interest remains high, with over 500,000 Kenyans registered on the Boma Yangu platform expressing desire for units.
The government continues to expand the pipeline, with sites identified across all 47 counties and partnerships encouraging private sector involvement.
As 2025 draws to a close, the push toward the 500,000-unit milestone by 2026 signals a transformative era for Kenyan housing.
For low-income families dreaming of homeownership, projects like Makenji and Gichugu offer not just roofs over heads, but hope for a brighter, more stable future.
Interested Kenyans are urged to register via the Boma Yangu portal to secure their place in this life-changing initiative.
With sustained momentum, Kenya’s affordable housing vision is poised to redefine dignity, opportunity, and economic inclusion for generations to come.
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