The Juakali sector has received Sh4.4 billion since the beginning of the Affordable Housing Programme (AHP). This was revealed by the Office of the Prime Cabinet Secretary (OPCS) Press Service in Kwale on October 14th, 2024.
Prime Cabinet Secretary (PCS) Musalia Mudavadi stated that the affordable housing projects are impacting various sectors of the economy, while also providing housing for Kenyans across the country.
“The housing project is touching many lives, apart from providing residences for Kenyans. Already, the Jua Kali sector has received over a billion through purchases from those constructing houses,” said Mudavadi.
Speaking when he launched the Affordable Housing and Urbanization Week at Mvindeni Grounds in Diani, Kwale County, where he delivered President William Ruto’s speech, Mudavadi reiterated the government’s commitment to tackling Kenya’s housing deficit.
In addition, the PCS highlighted the AHP, which was launched in 2022, as central to the government’s bottom-up economic transformation agenda.
“Our mission is not only to build houses but also to uplift communities, create jobs, and establish the foundation for a prosperous future. However, the demand is immense. While 250,000 units are needed annually, only around 50,000 are being produced,” Mudavadi’s statement, as read by the OPCS, indicated in part.
Furthermore, he added that the government is expanding mortgage access from 30,000 to 1,000,000, with monthly payments starting as low as KES 3,000.
Also Read: Explore Home Types, Prices & Payment Plans Under the Affordable Housing Plan
The AHP Benefits
The Affordable Housing Programme has also provided a lifeline for local industries, such as micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) and the Juakali sector. Mudavadi noted that the government has allocated Ksh. 4.4 billion to support these sectors in producing essential housing components, like steel doors and windows.
“This programme is driving economic recovery by empowering local industries and creating jobs,” he stated.
On the other hand, Mudavadi highlighted the growing urbanization challenge, stating that more than half of Kenya’s population is expected to live in urban areas by 2050.
Moreover, to meet this demand, the government is rolling out the second phase of the Kenya Urban Support Program (KUSP II) to strengthen urban institutions in 79 municipalities across 45 counties.
Notably, the Affordable Housing and Urbanization Week will run throughout the week, showcasing various projects and initiatives ahead of the Mashujaa Day celebrations.
Also Read: How Affordable Housing Will Benefit Police, Students, Traders & Hustlers
124,000 Affordable Housing Units Underway
Mudavadi highlighted that over 124,000 affordable housing units are currently at various stages of completion.
Furthermore, he hinted that potential buyers could access these units via the Boma Yangu platform on eCitizen. He urged all stakeholders to work together to realize the vision of providing housing for all.
“The investment in affordable housing is about securing our future. By working together, we can ensure that every Kenyan has a home they can proudly call their own,” Mudavadi concluded.
Present at the event were Host Governor Fatmah Achani of Kwale, Chair of the Council of Governors Ahmed Abdullahi, and Principal Secretary for Housing Charles Hinga.
Additionally, in attendance were the Cabinet Secretary for Lands and Housing Alice Wahome and UN-Habitat Executive Director Ms. Anaclaudia Rossbach. Several governors from across the country were also present.
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