The lack of affordable housing is a significant problem in many countries, including Kenya. The government, private sector, and non-profit organizations in Kenya have in the last decade been making efforts to address this issue by starting affordable housing projects.
These projects aim to provide low-cost housing to low-income and middle-income residents in different areas of Kenya.
The projects include the construction of houses, as well as the development of infrastructure such as roads, water supply systems, and other social amenities like schools, healthcare facilities, playgrounds, and community centers.
The houses are designed to be low-cost, with basic amenities such as electricity and clean water, as well as being accessible to public transportation.
Most affordable housing projects are implemented through a public-private partnership (PPP) model. The government provides land and infrastructure, while the private sector handles the construction and financing of the housing units. The projects aim to provide low-cost financing options for citizens, with a view of making the houses affordable for the target population.
In this article, we will have a brief overview of each of the 10 best affordable housing options in Kenya, their location, and how much different units cost.
1. Boma Yangu.
This is a government-funded affordable housing project in Kenya, initiated by the National Government Affirmative Action Fund (NGAAF).
It is a multi-phased development that aims to construct 500,000 housing units across the country.
The State Department for Housing and Urban Development, in partnership with the private sector, launched a website, Boma Yangu, which allows all Kenyans to access information about the Affordable Housing Programme (AHP) projects currently being undertaken. Through this website, citizens can register for these projects or at Huduma centers located throughout the country.
2. Kibera Soweto Zone B Affordable Housing.
Kibera is a large informal settlement in Nairobi, Kenya, and is one of the largest slums in Africa.
In recent years, there have been several efforts to address the housing crisis in Kibera, including the development of affordable housing projects.
The first phase of the project, Zone A, was completed in 2016 as a pilot project to evaluate the feasibility of the overall plan. After completion, the government transferred ownership of 822 houses to the new residents. The next phase, Zone B, is planned to construct 4084 additional affordable housing units.
Under the tenant purchase scheme (rent to own), the one-bedroom, two-bedroom, and three-bedroom housing units will be available for Ksh2400, 4,600, and 6,500 per month respectively. This scheme will have an interest rate of 3% and after 20 years the tenant will be able to own the house
3. Mavoko Sustainable Housing program.
The Mavoko Affordable Housing Program is an initiative undertaken in partnership between the government of Kenya and the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat).
The housing project is in the Mavoko area of Machakos County, Kenya.
The project aims to construct 960 one-bedroom units, 2,400 two-bedroom units, 1,440 three-bedroom units, and 560 studio units, which sums up to a total of 5,360 units.
4. Pangani Affordable Housing.
The Pangani Affordable Housing Project is a partnership between the Nairobi City County Government and Tecnofin Kenya Limited, aimed at revitalizing the Pangani Estate by providing dignified and affordable homes.
The project aims to deliver a total of 1,562 housing units in the first phase, with plans to increase the number of houses constructed in subsequent phases.
The 1,2 and 3-bedroom units are already sold out at Ksh1, 000, 000, Ksh2, 500, 000 and Ksh3, 000, 000. There however 100 units of 3-bedroom duplexes available.
5. Buxton Affordable housing project.
Buxton Point is an innovative, affordable housing project located in Mombasa, Kenya. It is being developed through a partnership between GulfCap Real Estate and the County Government of Mombasa. The project is situated in a prime location, at the center of Mombasa, along Abdel Nasser Road. It is easily accessible through the Nyali Bridge, connecting to Mombasa North, and is just a 10-minute drive from the Moi International Airport.
The project consists of a total of 1850 units of bedsitters, one bedroom, two- bedrooms and three bedrooms going for Ksh1, 200, 000, Ksh2, 300, 000, Ksh3, 600, 000 and Ksh4, 700, 000 respectively.
6. Kitui Affordable Housing.
The Kitui County Affordable Housing Project on Kalawa Road is a collaboration between the Kitui County Government and Tecnofin Kenya Ltd, a local real estate company. The project is situated on Kalawa Road, across from the WARMA offices, in the heart of Kitui town.
It consists of a total of 509 units consisting of 1,2,3 and 3-bedroom deluxe with a provisional price of Ksh1, 500, 000, Ksh2, 500, 000, Ksh3, 500, 000, and Ksh6, 500, 000 respectively.
7. Park Road Affordable Housing.
Park Road was the inaugural development undertaken by the government under the Affordable Housing Program, consisting of 1,370 units. The one-bedroom units were offered at 1 million Kenya shillings each, two-bedroom units at 2 million Kenya shillings, and three-bedroom units at 3 million Kenya shillings. The allocation of units in the Park Road project was based on a criteria of 60% for civil servants and 40% for other eligible citizens. All units are already sold out but you can get one by purchasing from the original buyer.
8. Moke gardens affordable Housing.
Moke Gardens is an upscale-gated community situated at the base of the picturesque Lukenya hills in Machakos County. Offering luxurious and attractive surroundings, Moke Gardens Ltd has joined forces with the Government of Kenya through the Affordable Housing Projects to create affordable and sustainable apartment units. The units comprise of studio, 1, 2, and 3 bedrooms selling at Ksh1, 500, 000, Ksh2, 750, 000, Ksh4, 400, 000 and Ksh5, 705, 000 respectively.
9. NHC Stoni Athi View.
The National Housing Corporation (NHC) has initiated a housing development in Athi River, Machakos County, named Stoni Athi Waterfront City. The project will take place on a 150-acre parcel of land, comprising 10,500 housing units. 5,000 units will be designated as affordable housing, with prices ranging from Ksh1, 000, 000 to Ksh3, 000, 000, under the government's affordable housing plan. The remaining 5,500 units will be targeted at middle and upper-income households and will be sold at a range of Ksh2, 000, 000 to Ksh10, 000, 000.
10. King’s Sapphire- Bondeni project.
The King's Sapphire project is located in the Bondeni area of Nakuru Town, Kenya. It is a partnership between the State Department and Kings Sapphire Limited, a strategic partner. The project aims to construct 605 housing units set to complete in December of 2023.
The provisional pricing of 1,2 and 3-bedroom houses is Ksh1, 550, 000, Ksh3, 150, 000, and Ksh4, 250, 000 respectively.
Conclusion.
Affordable housing is a pressing issue in Kenya, as the high population density in urban areas and the limited supply of affordable housing options have led to a housing crisis in the country. The government of Kenya through the Ministry of Transport, Infrastructure, Housing, Urban Development, and Public Works, and private developers have been working together to address this crisis by launching various affordable housing projects like the ones listed above.
Have you tried applying for a house? Let us know in the comment section below and tell us what your experience was like.
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