The Government is committed to completing the construction of 500,000 Affordable Housing Units by December 2026.
Lands, Housing and Urban Development Cabinet Secretary (CS), Alice Wahome, says significant progress has already been made, noting that approximately 320,000 Affordable Housing Units have so far been completed in various parts of the country.
Speaking in Muruka, Kandara Constituency, the CS observed that plans were in top gear to ensure that by December 2026, 500,000 Affordable Housing Units will be complete.
The move, she says, is aimed at ensuring that every Kenyan has access to decent, safe, and dignified housing as a fundamental right.
“This initiative is about guaranteeing Kenyans the right to live in safe, affordable, and dignified homes, because housing is not a privilege but a basic necessity that contributes to social stability and economic growth,” Wahome said.
She added that the government remains committed to expanding the programme across all counties to address the growing housing deficit while also creating employment opportunities for thousands of young people.
Wahome reiterated the government’s resolve to ensure that all Kenyans live in safe and dignified housing environments, stressing that Affordable Housing remains a key pillar of the country’s development agenda.
“This is a long-term commitment, and we will continue to work closely with communities and stakeholders to ensure no Kenyan is left behind,” she said.
The Cabinet Secretary issued a stern warning to individuals engaging in land fraud, saying her Ministry is on high alert and will not hesitate to take legal action against offenders.
“We will not allow land cartels and fraudsters to sabotage government programmes. Anyone found engaging in illegal land dealings will be prosecuted in accordance with the law,” she said.
She also noted that the government is stable and “we are all beginning to witness signs of economic recovery with the focus on delivering tangible development that directly improves the lives of Kenyans.”
As Affordable Housing and modern markets continue to take shape across the country, local economies have been revitalised in an enormous way, and residents say that the Affordable Housing, modern markets, road infrastructure and other initiatives have brought meaningful change in the area.
Consequently, the projects which are underway in multiple regions across the country have significantly alleviated the burden of unemployment in the Central region.
In the Kandara, Makenji area, 220 units are nearly complete, giving hope to the residents.
Local photographer Julius Mwangi said the area has transformed significantly since the project began, leading to increased economic activity.
“Makenji has changed and grown due to the Affordable Housing and the new market that is coming up. It gives hope to residents,” he said.
Mwangi added that small businesses are already experiencing benefits.
“As a photographer I have also seen a boom in jobs and more opportunities. Once traders move into the new market here, they will have a better environment to operate in instead of working by the roadside,” he added.
“The housing projects have created jobs for many young people and improved our living standards,” said another resident, Mary Wanjiru, noting that the projects have boosted local economies and improved access to essential services, particularly for low- and middle-income earners, who previously struggled to find decent housing.
“We have seen people from the low-income areas such as the slum in Mukuru Nairobi move into the Affordable Housing units; that is nothing short of dignified living, and our hopes of owning homes have been renewed,” she added.
By Florence Kinyua
