The Essence of Affordable Housing Project in Kenya
One of the benefits of the affordable housing project is that it has created employment opportunities for people working in construction sites, the majority of whom are youth.
Elizabeth Wangechi
Shelter, being one of the basic needs fit for man’s survival, is one of the prioritized projects of the government of Kenya. This is now being implemented through the construction of settlements in line with the Affordable Housing Initiative. This comes as a solution to the common 'mwananchi’ who, to some extent, might be striving beyond their means to make both ends meet. Thus, they are unable to pay their rent arrears due to the high cost of living.
The affordable housing project has had its ups and downs, and while a fraction of people have seconded it, others have disagreed with it. A large number of people have not aired their voices due to uncertainty about which stand to take. A new political development is that President William Ruto has signed the housing bill into law, and therefore, this leaves Kenyans with no exemption to adhere to the 1.5% payment of the gross income to the affordable housing fund.
Here is a quick tour of some of the settlements constructed under the affordable housing projects. They include Parkroad Ngara in Nairobi, Soweto in Kibera, Mukuru in Nairobi, Bahati in Nakuru County, Lurambi, Vihiga, Githugu, Starehe, Homa Bay, Mavoko, Ruiru, and Pangani. Kenyans are advised to register for the allocation of houses on the website, www.bomayangu.go.ke.
The affordable housing project is beneficial to Kenyans because it has created employment opportunities for people working in construction sites, the majority of whom are youth. Moreover, it has also allowed for the supply of the required materials to facilitate the construction process.
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In addition to that, the affordable housing project has enabled people to enjoy decent homes at an affordable price. The government has also had this project as a source of revenue since Kenyans will be paying the housing fund both salaried and non-salaried.
The Kenya Kwanza government targets constructing 250,000 houses through the affordable housing initiative. We hope that the affordable housing project will have advantages that will outweigh the negative impacts.
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