Kenyans who have bought affordable houses under the Affordable Housing Programme will not lose their homes if President William Ruto loses power, the government has said, dismissing rising claims spread by opposition leaders.
In a notice on June 11, the State Department for Housing has moved to calm fears sparked by recent political statements, insisting that ownership of homes already purchased is fully protected by law and cannot be reversed by a change of government.
This comes after opposition figures, including former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka, warned Kenyans against buying houses under the program, suggesting that those who invest now could risk losing their money in the future.
The government said those claims are misleading and have no legal basis, stressing that Kenyans’ property rights are guaranteed by the Constitution.
The Law on Affordable Housing
According to the Housing Ministry, once a Kenyan buys a house under the Affordable Housing Programme, it becomes their private property and remains so regardless of political changes.
The ministry cited Article 40 of the Constitution, which guarantees the right to own property and protects citizens from being arbitrarily deprived of their assets.
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It explained that a house lawfully purchased cannot be taken away simply because a new administration takes power, noting that ownership is permanent and legally protected.
“A home lawfully purchased by a Kenyan is that Kenyan’s property fully, securely and permanently. It does not become less so because of who holds public office today, or who may hold it tomorrow. Title lawfully acquired is not a political favor to be withdrawn at will; it is a right that the State exists to defend,” stated John Kaplich, the Director of Public Communications, State Department for Housing and Urban Development.
He further clarified that buying affordable housing property involves legally binding agreements, and homeowners are issued with sectional title deeds in their names.
These titles, the ministry said, give full ownership rights, allowing buyers to sell, transfer, or pass on the property just like any other property in Kenya.
Difference Between Levy and Ownership
The government also addressed confusion surrounding the housing levy, which has become a major point of political criticism.
It stated that the levy is purely a financing tool to support the construction of houses and is separate from ownership of the housing units themselves.
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According to the ministry, even if a future government decides to scrap or change the housing levy, such a move would not affect homes that have already been purchased.
“Whatever debate may take place about the financing of the programme has no bearing on ownership of a home already bought,” the statement said.
Despite the government’s reassurances, affordable houses under the Affordable Housing Program have become a key political battleground ahead of the 2027 elections.
Opposition leaders have maintained that the housing levy places an unnecessary burden on workers and should be abolished.
Kalonzo Musyoka, while unveiling the opposition’s “People’s Budget” on June 10, reiterated that the levy would be scrapped if his coalition takes power, arguing that it has worsened the cost of living for many Kenyans.
At the same time, concerns have also been raised about plans to use housing levy funds as collateral to secure construction loans, with critics warning that such a move could lock future governments into maintaining the levy.
These debates have fueled public anxiety, with many Kenyans fearing that political changes could affect both the Affordable Housing program and their investments.
However, the government insists that while policies and financing models may change, ownership rights remain untouched.
In its statement, the Housing Ministry urged Kenyans to continue pursuing homeownership without fear, emphasizing that the law provides full protection.
It said claims that homeowners could lose their houses are causing unnecessary panic and misrepresent the legal reality.
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