Only 54 of 540 acres properly titled for affordable housing, governors warn
Out of 540 acres handed over by counties, only 54 acres have proper documentation, leaving the rest exposed to potential disputes and delaying construction.
Plans to expand affordable housing across the country face a major legal hurdle as most of the land set aside for the projects remains untitled.
Out of 540 acres handed over by counties, only 54 acres have proper documentation, leaving the rest exposed to potential disputes and delaying construction.
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The Council of Governors (CoG) criticised the national government for moving ahead with the programme while counties have not been fully supported to meet the agreed conditions.
Kisumu Governor Anyang' Nyong’o emphasised that the National Lands Commission (NLC) must act quickly to formalise ownership by issuing title deeds to counties, which are legally the custodians of the land.
“The transfer of the land by counties to the government for affordable housing did not follow legal procedures as stipulated by various legal frameworks,” Nyong’o said during the CoG meeting in Naivasha.
He stressed that governors want 30 per cent of the housing units reserved for residents of the respective counties.
Governor Nyong’o highlighted the urgency of engaging counties in planning for essential infrastructure such as water supply, sewerage networks, access roads, and local markets to ensure the housing projects are fully functional.
He warned that without these measures, the developments risk falling short of providing a safe and livable environment for residents.
CoG Chair Mohammed Abdullahi said governors had agreed to waive the approval fees for the housing projects, but emphasised that each project would still need clearance from county assemblies.
“This is aimed at lowering the cost of units for deserving homeowners,” he said, adding that the council’s resolutions will be presented at the upcoming affordable housing summit.
Housing PS Charles Hinga reassured governors that stamp duties for homeowners have been zero-rated, reducing previous costs and making units more affordable.
He also supported subjecting all projects to county assembly approval, allowing residents to provide input before construction begins.
The discussions reflected shared concern among governors and national officials about the programme’s legal and operational readiness.
By formalising land ownership, ensuring proper budgeting for infrastructure, and involving county residents in planning, the affordable housing initiative can move forward without legal setbacks.
Governors and officials agreed that immediate action is needed to safeguard both the investment and the intended beneficiaries.
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