How will govt allocate affordable houses? Criteria revealed
By Faith Lagat, August 14, 2025National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah has unveiled the criteria for allocating Affordable Housing units under newly introduced regulations, pledging transparency and inclusivity in the process.
Speaking during Thursday’s parliamentary proceedings on August 14, 2025, Ichung’wah said the guidelines, anchored in the Affordable Housing Act of 2024, are designed to ensure fairness while preventing political interference.
“It is important to have clear criteria to determine who qualifies for affordable housing and how they are allocated. That is what these regulations aim to achieve,” he said.
Application process
The regulations introduce an automated application system with no human intervention, a move aimed at eliminating corruption and favouritism in the allocation of houses.
Ichung’wah clarified that Members of Parliament are not eligible for affordable or social housing but may apply for market-rate units, which cost significantly more. Applicants can choose between three categories — social housing targeting low-income earners, affordable housing for middle-income groups, and market-value housing for higher-income buyers.
“I want to invite Kenyans to register. The system is transparent. If you meet the criteria, you will qualify, and if you don’t, the regulations provide an appeal mechanism. You can get your deposit back, continue saving, or apply for a different house,” he said.
Applicants are not restricted by location, meaning one can apply for a unit anywhere in the country.
Provision for rural housing
The rules also address rural housing needs, offering an avenue for individuals to access funds to construct homes in their villages.
“The procedure for accessing a loan is clearly outlined in the regulations,” Ichung’wah noted, urging Kenyans to start saving through the Boma Yangu platform to secure their eligibility.
This provision is seen as a way to balance urban and rural housing development while potentially curbing rural-to-urban migration.
Govt targets
According to the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics, the country faces a housing deficit exceeding 2 million units. The Affordable Housing programme aims to close this gap while creating employment opportunities for the youth.
President William Ruto, speaking in Nairobi on July 9, said more than 320,000 youths are currently working on over 200 housing projects across the country. He also cited growth in digital and overseas job placements, with 180,000 and 400,000 youths employed, respectively.
The Head of State cautioned against destruction of property, warning that unrest undermines economic progress. “When supermarkets are burnt, does that mean employment has been achieved?” he posed.
The combined efforts of Parliament and the Executive mark what leaders say is a transformative step towards equitable housing and sustainable youth employment.