The government has reaffirmed its commitment to building 200 housing units throughout the country's 290 seats.

The government has awarded 17 development contracts in Lot 1 and advertised 35 more in Lot 2.

PS Charles Hinga of the State Department of Housing and Urban Development stated that the Affordable Housing initiative is not limited to Nairobi County and its environs, thus the decision to roll it out in constituencies.

PHOTO | COURTESY Charles Hinga

Charles Hinga also stated that the government is constructing over 30,000 housing units for police officers, most of whom live in poor conditions despite having a right to quality and affordable housing.

Access to housing influences cities, and demand for housing will continue to rise due to urbanization in the country and globally.

According to the PS, Kenya has one of the world's greatest economic disparities, and as a result, most of the population cannot afford to purchase a home.

PHOTO | COURTESY Charles Hinga

As a result, the Affordable Housing Program is one of the government's efforts to reduce inequities and streamline the housing value chain.

According to Hinga, the housing initiative provides chances for adolescents, women, and the Jua Kali Sector, among other businesses.

Only 3% of the population is housed by the private sector, and with the country's high cost of land, construction, and a lack of financing, home ownership becomes a pipe dream.

PHOTO | COURTESY Charles Hinga

This has resulted in an increase in the number of informal settlements throughout the country. According to the PS, the Affordable Housing Program will alleviate inequality by allowing hustlers to acquire homes.

Simultaneously, the government is constructing 214,000 housing units for university students, despite a demand of 640,000.

PHOTO | COURTESY Charles Hinga


The PS spoke at a breakaway session of the devolution conference in Uasin Gishu titled 'The Constitutional Right to Housing; A Reflection of the Past 10 Years of Devolution.'

Kitui Governor Julius Malombe stated that counties will work with the national government to make affordable housing a reality.