Over 500,000 Kenyans sign up for affordable houses ahead of 2025 allocations

Over half a million Kenyans have registered for home ownership under the government's Boma Yangu platform, with the allocation process set to begin as soon as ongoing housing projects are completed.

In a briefing held at his official residence in Karen on Wednesday, Deputy President Kithure Kindiki announced that a total of 550,000 citizens have signed up for the scheme, which is part of the government's wider Affordable Housing Programme aimed at providing safe, decent, and affordable housing to citizens.

The programme, which is a key priority for the government, seeks to address the significant housing gap in the country.

According to Kindiki, Kenya currently faces an annual demand for 250,000 housing units, while the market can only supply 50,000 units per year.

In response to this challenge, he said the government is pushing forward with the Affordable Housing Programme, which includes the social housing project designed to cater to low-income earners.

As part of the initiative, Kindiki said 100 housing projects across 45 counties are currently under construction, with the potential to deliver 135,515 units.

“These projects are also providing job opportunities for more than 200,000 people, as part of the government's job creation efforts,” he said.

Additionally, he noted that the ongoing work has generated over Sh4 billion in business for the Jua Kali sector and has accelerated growth in the local manufacturing of materials such as cement and steel.

"The housing programme is being expanded to meet the growing demand for affordable and dignified housing. The allocation process for the 550,000 registered citizens will begin once the housing projects are completed," Kindiki said.

He noted that some of these housing units are expected to be ready for commissioning, allocation, and occupation by new homeowners as early as January 2025.

The briefing focused on the coordination of various stakeholders to ensure the effective and seamless implementation of the ongoing housing projects.

The Ministry of Lands recently announced the sale of 4,888 affordable housing units across the country, with options ranging from studio apartments to three-bedroom units. The housing projects, located in various regions, are categorised under three main groups: Social Housing, Affordable Housing, and Affordable Middle-Class Housing.

Social Housing targets individuals earning less than Sh20,000, while Affordable Housing is aimed at those earning between Sh20,000 and Sh149,000. Affordable Middle-Class Housing is intended for Kenyans earning above Sh149,000.

KAREN, NAIROBI, KENYA
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2024

The Affordable Housing Programme is a priority programme by the Government and aimed at facilitating citizens access decent, safe and affordable housing. Currently, the national annual demand for housing stands at 250,000 units… pic.twitter.com/YPCJS4jIEN

— Kithure Kindiki (@KindikiKithure) December 18, 2024

The housing units are spread across locations including Machakos Township, Makenji in Kiharu (Murang’a County), Gichugu in Kirinyaga, Nanyuki Town, Wajir Township, and Isiolo Township, among others.

The prices of the units vary according to the income category. For example, studio apartments under the Social Housing category are priced at Sh640,000, while two-bedroom units in the Affordable Housing category range between Sh2 million and Sh3.2 million, depending on size.

Interested buyers have been encouraged to visit the eCitizen portal to create a Boma Yangu account and begin the process of selecting a home. Once a home is selected, individuals can make regular deposits into their Boma Yangu savings wallet and apply for a home loan through partner banks or Saccos.

When the sales process opens, applicants can choose between a monthly payment plan or a one-off payment. The Affordable Housing Board will review the applications and send offer letters to successful applicants.

The initiative is part of the government's broader effort to address the housing shortage in Kenya and provide affordable, decent homes for citizens, particularly those in lower and middle-income brackets.