Unlocking Affordable Housing in Kenya

Decoding Affordable Housing in Kenya: Insights and Opportunities


By Isaack Rono, a Real Estate Agent at Future Homes Properties Ltd

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What is affordable housing in Kenya?

         The Affordable Housing Plan (AHP) is a part of the government’s Big Four Plan, which promises to deliver 500,000 affordable homes over a five-year period. The AHP targets the delivery of decent and affordable housing to low and middle-income households. It aims to reduce the gap between demand and supply for housing in Kenya. The program involves a number of incentives and supports to enable the delivery of affordable housing

         Kenya is facing a severe housing shortage, much like many other African nations. Affordable housing is becoming a critical issue due to the gap between the supply and demand for housing and the rate of rapid urbanization. To solve this problem, the Kenyan government introduced the Affordable Housing Program (AHP). These costs might still be out of reach for many Africans, though, as the majority make less money each day. So, how can one in Kenya obtain and unlock reasonably priced housing? Here are some pointers and methods: Recognize the Market First and foremost, it's imperative to comprehend Kenya's housing market. The annual growth rate of the housing demand is 4.2%. Kenya needs over 200,000 new housing units a year to meet demand at this rate of growth, but only 50,000 are built. Understanding these dynamics can help you make informed decisions when searching for housing that fits your budget. Utilize Government Programs The governments Affordable Housing Program (AHP), in Kenya is an initiative aimed at providing affordable housing to low and middle income households. By taking advantage of this program you can benefit from incentives and support services that facilitate the availability of housing. Therefore it's advisable to explore these programs as a means to secure housing. Make Use of the Boma Yangu Platform The Boma Yangu platform plays a role within the AHP framework. It offers individuals an opportunity to save towards homeownership provides access to mortgages and facilitates participation in the National Tenant Purchase Scheme. Additionally the platform is used for home allocation purposes. Hence registering with and actively utilizing the Boma Yangu platform can significantly increase your chances of obtaining housing. Plan Ahead and Save Given that the cost range for these homes falls between Ksh 840,000 and Ksh 5.76 million it is essential to plan and save towards owning a home. Begin by setting savings goals based on your income level and desired type of house. Then develop a plan to achieve those goals. This might involve cutting back on expenses exploring income opportunities through part time work or investments, in revenue generating assets.

Plan and Save Given that the pricing of these affordable houses ranges from Ksh 840,000 to Ksh 5.76 million, planning and saving towards home ownership is crucial. Start by setting a realistic savings goal based on your income and the type of house you want. Then, make a plan to achieve this goal. This could involve cutting down on unnecessary expenses, taking on a side job, or investing in income-generating assets. Stay Informed Lastly, staying informed about the latest developments in the housing sector can help you identify new opportunities for affordable housing. This could involve subscribing to real estate newsletters, joining real estate groups on social media, or regularly checking the Boma Yangu platform for new listings. In conclusion, while affordable housing in Kenya remains a significant challenge, there are strategies that individuals can employ to increase their chances of securing affordable housing. By understanding the market, leveraging government programs, using platforms like Boma Yangu, planning and saving, and staying informed, you can unlock affordable housing in Kenya.