In a significant stride towards realizing President Ruto’s vision of affordable housing for all, Kenyans are now invited to register through the Boma Yangu platform.
To enroll in the Affordable Housing Program, interested Kenyans must submit a Ksh200 activation fee as mandated by Boma Yangu, the gateway platform for the housing Program.
Launched as part of the broader Program, Boma Yangu aims to streamline the process of home ownership and make it accessible to a wider population.
To view and select from the available housing projects, interested individuals must first register through the eCitizen platform.
This is to ensure potential homeowners seamlessly access the houses.
Upon registration, users gain the ability to peruse the various projects and add their preferred units to their wish list, setting the stage for their homeownership journey.
This activation fee represents an initiation into the affordable housing program and allows individuals to contribute to their homeownership fund at their convenience.
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“The applicant is needed to deposit a minimum of Ksh200 to activate their account and continue saving any amount at their convenience through the different payment options,” notes Boma Yangu.
Step-by-Step Guide on How to Pay the Ksh200 Registration Fee
Upon logging into the eCitizen platform, users are directed to select the Ministry of Lands, Public Works, and Urban Development tab.
From there, they proceed to the State Department of Housing and Development, where they can choose Boma Yangu.
The platform prompts users to register by completing their profiles, including personal details and housing preferences.
Once registered, the details are verified by relevant government agencies.
Upon clicking the register button, users encounter a notice urging them to make their first savings.
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The message reads, “Start your home ownership journey by making the minimum contribution to activate your account.”
Subsequently, users receive a notification on their phones to initiate the Ksh200 payment. Importantly, the system does not allow users to edit the amount, emphasizing the significance of the minimum contribution in the activation process.
Implications of Non-payment: Limited Portal Interaction
Furthermore, Boma Yangu stipulayes that failure to pay the fee will restrict users to viewing ongoing projects only.
This emphasizes the active role that this initial contribution plays in unlocking the full potential of the portal, allowing users to actively engage with the available housing projects.
Boma Yangu further asserts that the initiative has led to a substantial reduction in housing costs in Nairobi.
Before the program’s implementation, the average cost of a house in the capital was Sh11 million, with limited supply.
Under President Ruto’s Affordable Housing Program, homes costing Sh3 million and below are now available, marking a significant decrease from the previous market rates.
Also Read: Ruto Gifts Kiptum Another House Under Affordable Housing
To acquire Affordable Housing units, the platform also facilitates the process through mortgage options.
Individuals can opt for a mortgage at a 15 percent interest rate for a 10-year period. For low-cost houses, a fixed interest rate of 5 percent is available for a 30-year tenure.
Social housing, designed for those with specific economic considerations, offers an even lower interest rate of 3 percent with a tenure of 25 years.
Despite the positive strides made by the Affordable Housing Program, Kenya faces a substantial housing deficit.
The demand for new housing stands at 250,000 units annually, while the supply is estimated at only 50,000 units, reflecting an 80 percent deficit, particularly in the high-end market.
Furthermore, the qualitative housing deficit in Kenya is estimated to be a staggering 1.8 million, underscoring the pressing need for comprehensive solutions.