Housing Principal Secretary Charles Hinga has assured Kenyans that any money saved under the Boma Yangu Affordable Housing Programme remains the property of the contributors and can be withdrawn if they choose to exit the scheme.
PS Hinga gave the assurance while appearing before the National Assembly’s Departmental Committee on Housing, Urban Planning and Public Works during a meeting held in Mombasa on March 26, where Members of Parliament sought clarity on the running of the affordable housing programme and the protection of contributors’ funds.
Hinga told the committee that the Department of Housing and Urban Development, in partnership with Safaricom, is developing a system that will allow contributors to access and withdraw their savings if they decide not to proceed with homeownership.
“What you are saving towards house ownership is your money. We are putting in place a platform with Safaricom to allow Kenyans to withdraw their funds,” PS Hinga said.
Concerns Over Trust and Platform Practicality
The assurance followed growing concern among contributors and Members of Parliament over trust in the Boma Yangu platform, with fears that savings could be locked in even if participants later chose to withdraw from the programme.
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Members of the committee questioned the practicality and ease of use of the online system, saying many Kenyans still find it difficult to understand how the programme works, how payments are made, and what guarantees exist on house ownership and refunds when contributors opt out.
The committee called for clear, consistent public communication on the programme, particularly on whether contributors can choose housing projects outside their counties of residence and whether their funds are secure.
Ps Hinga Clarifying Housing Ownership Rights
Committee Vice Chairperson and Acting Chairperson, Rindikiri Mugambi (Buuri), said Kenyans needed straightforward answers to build confidence in the programme.
“You have to relay accurate information to the public. For instance, can a person living in Kisumu own a house in Meru? You must assure Kenyans of ownership and the safety of their funds,” Rindikiri said.
In response, PS Hinga reaffirmed that Kenya’s Constitution guarantees the right to own property anywhere in the country, regardless of where one lives or originates from.
“Under Article 40 of the Constitution of Kenya, every person has a right to own and acquire property in any part of the country, and it does not matter where you live or come from within Kenya,” he said.
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Hinga acknowledged that the Boma Yangu platform is still experiencing early technical challenges, including the lack of a dedicated mobile application, but assured the Members of Parliament that measures are being taken to address the gaps and improve the system.
The meeting also heard that the State Department is working to improve visibility and public awareness of the programme, as many Kenyans remain unclear on how to register, save, or qualify for housing under Boma Yangu.
MPs urged the department to simplify explanations and expand outreach, warning that a lack of awareness and confusion could undermine public confidence in what is meant to be a flagship housing initiative.
Delays in Issuance of Title Deeds
Separately, the committee raised concerns over delays in the issuance of sectional title deeds to homeowners under the affordable housing programme.
PS Hinga mentioned that the delays to the lengthy legal process involved in transferring mother titles to the Affordable Housing Board, which must be completed before individual titles can be issued to homeowners.
He said progress has been made following legal guidance from the Office of the Attorney General and added that the Head of Public Service is directing discussions to fast-track the transfer process.
While welcoming the explanations, members of the committee challenged the State Department to benchmark against international best practices, citing countries such as Dubai, where property owners are issued title deeds almost instantly.
The committee told the government to fix the problems on the Boma Yangu system, explain the programme better to the public, issue title deeds faster, and make sure people can access their savings, so that Kenyans can trust the programme and actually benefit from affordable housing.
