Affordable Housing in Kenya: A Long Way to Go

Affordable Housing in Kenya: A Long Way to Go

Kenya has been experiencing a rapid increase in population, leading to an escalating demand for housing. However, the supply of affordable housing remains extremely low, making it difficult for many Kenyans to own a decent home. Consequently, different stakeholders have invested in real estate to develop affordable houses for the low and middle-income earners.

Although some developers have made significant strides in promoting affordable housing, much remains to be done. The cost of building materials is relatively high, forcing developers to erect substandard houses, which are often not sustainable. Additionally, regulatory frameworks are complex, and corruption makes it even harder to develop affordable houses.

Moreover, the government has failed to provide enabling environments such as access to credit, land, and infrastructure, to attract investors in the sector. Thus, to increase the provision of affordable housing, governments must focus on reducing the cost of building materials, simplifying regulatory frameworks, and stamping out corruption.

In conclusion, achieving affordable housing in Kenya remains a distant dream. However, a holistic approach that entails appropriate government policies, lucrative incentives to developers, and participation from other stakeholders could help turn this around.