By John Kariuki
The Kenyan government has unveiled a bold initiative to tackle the country’s housing deficit through the launch of nationwide open days for its Affordable Housing Program (AHP). Spearheaded by the Ministry of Lands, Housing, and Urban Development, the program offers Kenyans an opportunity to own one of 4,888 housing units, with an emphasis on accessibility, sustainability, and affordability.Principal Secretary Charles Hinga highlighted the transformative potential of these open days, describing them as a gateway for Kenyans to explore housing options, register on the BomaYangu platform, and learn about flexible payment plans. “This initiative is about ensuring Kenyans can access dignified and affordable homes,” PS Hinga emphasized, noting the government’s commitment to low- and middle-income earners.The AHP is a flagship government program aimed at addressing the stark disparity between the annual housing demand of 250,000 units and a market supply of only 50,000 units. To close this gap, the government has rolled out 100 housing projects across 45 counties, expected to yield 135,515 units. These projects not only provide affordable housing but also generate over 200,000 job opportunities, stimulate growth in the manufacturing sector, and inject more than Ksh.4 billion into the Jua Kali industry.One of the program’s standout features is the rent-to-own model, allowing homeowners to make monthly payments equivalent to rent over a 25-year period. This innovative approach eases financial burdens while enabling Kenyans to transition seamlessly from tenants to homeowners.The BomaYangu platform, a key component of the program, streamlines the registration process for prospective homeowners. With 550,000 Kenyans already registered, the platform will facilitate the allocation process as housing projects near completion. The government plans to commission, allocate, and occupy some of the completed housing units starting January 2025.The Affordable Housing Program reflects the government’s broader agenda to provide decent, safe, and affordable housing while driving economic growth. In addition to housing, the ongoing projects have created demand for cement, steel, and other construction materials, further boosting local industries.As open days commence across 24 AHP sites nationwide, Kenyans are encouraged to take advantage of the opportunity to inspect housing units, understand payment options, and begin their journey toward homeownership.This initiative is not just about providing shelter—it’s about transforming lives, creating jobs, and building a brighter future for thousands of Kenyans. The dream of homeownership is now closer than ever.