As Kenya gears up to celebrate Mashujaa Day on October 20 in Kwale County, the nation reflects on its ongoing journey towards growth in all sectors.
Among the significant initiatives the government has championed is the Affordable Housing Program (AHP), which has made remarkable strides in ensuring that Kenyans have access to quality and affordable housing.
This initiative not only addresses the critical need for housing but also plays a vital role in creating jobs and driving economic growth.
The AHP showcases the government’s commitment to reshaping the housing landscape while promoting sustainable development, ultimately enhancing the living standards of Kenyans across the country.
Expanding the Affordable Housing pipeline
One of the key aspects of the Affordable Housing Program is its vast and growing pipeline of projects. The program has completed 1,189 units to date and has ongoing projects expected to deliver over 90,000 additional units.
These projects are spread across various counties, with a significant number of units in major urban centres.
From 2018 to 2022, the AHP successfully delivered 8,872 units, but recent launches have significantly increased this number. Between September 2022 and December 2023 alone, the program launched projects that will deliver 40,158 units.
These projects are designed to address the country's housing deficit and cater to various income levels.
In the first half of 2024, additional projects delivering 19,535 units were launched, with another 14,160 units awarded by September 2024.
These developments are key in supporting the government's broader vision of constructing 200 units per constituency, ensuring even the most remote areas benefit from the program.
Notable Affordable Housing projects that have been launched
One of the standout achievements of the Affordable Housing Program is the large-scale construction of social housing projects in areas like Mukuru, Kibera, and Shauri Moyo.
These areas, traditionally known for informal settlements, are now transforming into hubs of modern, affordable housing.
- Mukuru Met Site Social Housing: A flagship project with 13,248 units, this development is one of the largest in the program and serves as a model for future social housing projects across Kenya.
- Kibera Soweto B Social Housing: With 4,054 units, this project is aimed at providing dignified living conditions for residents of Kibera, one of Africa's largest informal settlements.
- Shauri Moyo A Affordable Housing: This project, delivering 1,848 units, exemplifies the government’s commitment to regenerating Nairobi’s urban areas.
Additionally, the program extends beyond Nairobi with projects such as:
- Mavoko Affordable Housing: Located in Machakos County, this development is set to deliver 5,360 units, addressing the housing needs in the satellite towns around Nairobi.
- Ruiru Affordable Housing: With 1,050 units, this project is strategically located to tap into the growing demand for affordable housing in the Ruiru area.
- Homabay Affordable Housing (NHC) - 2000 Units.
The Affordable homeowner’s journey
At the heart of the AHP is Boma Yangu, a platform that has made the dream of homeownership accessible to many Kenyans.
For aspiring homeowners, here is a step-by-step guide on how to register and secure an affordable home through the Boma Yangu platform
1. Registration
Start by signing up on the Boma Yangu platform. Register at https://bomayangu.go.ke. Provide your personal details, including your name, ID Number/Passport and KRA Pin.
2. Pre-qualification
After registration, your identity, income, and creditworthiness will be verified to ensure eligibility.
3. Voluntary contributions
Once registered, you can voluntarily contribute savings toward your future home. The Affordable Housing Program offers flexible payment options such as tenant purchase, mortgage, or cash sales, based on your financial ability.
4. Application for unit
To apply for a housing unit through Boma Yangu, you first need to select a unit and ensure that you meet the required deposit. Next, complete your applicant profile on the Boma Yangu platform and submit your application for allocation.
5. Allocation of unit
The Board reviews the application and makes a determination, then communicates the decision to the applicant. For those who are allocated a unit, an offer letter will be sent.
6. Selecting payment plan
Select a payment plan, which can be a tenant purchase sale, mortgage, or cash sale.
7. Finalising Paperwork
Once the paperwork is completed, you can move into your new home, marking the completion of the process and the beginning of homeownership.
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