Why Ruto’s affordable housing risks locking in climate costs for decades- report
By Aloys Michael, May 22, 2026President William Ruto’s flagship Affordable Housing Programme could leave Kenya with decades of rising energy costs, climate vulnerability and expensive retrofitting if green building standards are not fully enforced, a new United Nations report warns.
The Global Status Report for Buildings and Construction 2025-2026, released on Thursday, May 21, 2026, by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and the Global Alliance for Buildings and Construction (GABC),says rapid urban construction in developing economies risks worsening global emissions unless governments move beyond policy promises and ensure compliance on construction sites.
The report identifies Kenya’s National Building Code 2024 as a major step forward for low- and middle-income African countries because it incorporates climate-sensitive building standards.
However, it raises concerns about whether such standards are actually being implemented as Kenya rapidly expands housing construction.
“Buildings can either lock in climate risks or deliver safer, healthier, and more affordable living conditions,” the report reads in part.
“With half of the world’s buildings yet to be built or renovated by 2050, governments have a critical opportunity to drive zero-emission, resilient construction through better policies, codes, and investment.”
The warning comes as the Kenyan government accelerates construction under the Affordable Housing Programme, with government figures showing about 230,000 housing units are currently under construction across 37 counties.
At the same time, Kenya is experiencing rapid urbanisation, increasing pressure on infrastructure, housing demand and energy consumption.
The climate risks
Housing Cabinet Secretary Alice Wahome acknowledged the growing climate risks in a statement that contributed to the UN report.
“Kenya’s rapid urbanisation demands housing and infrastructure solutions that are both resilient and inclusive,” Wahome wrote.
“Climate-responsive planning combined with evidence-based decision-making is essential to safeguarding vulnerable communities from escalating risks such as heatwaves, flooding, and other climate-related hazards.”
The National Building Code 2024 replaced regulations that had remained largely unchanged since 1968. The updated framework, operational since March 1, 2025, requires developers to incorporate environmentally sustainable features before projects receive approval.
These include passive cooling systems such as natural ventilation, insulation, shading and reflective roofing materials. Developers are also encouraged to include solar panels, rainwater harvesting systems and smart energy and water management technologies.
But questions remain over enforcement as some sustainable development provisions were optional rather than mandatory, although authorities have not publicly clarified which requirements are optional.
The UN report stresses that building codes alone are insufficient without strong enforcement systems.
“Mandatory inspections, compliance checks and penalties are essential if green construction standards are to translate into real energy savings,” the UN notes.
The report does not directly evaluate whether Kenya has adequate enforcement mechanisms to monitor compliance across hundreds of active affordable housing sites nationwide.
That gap is becoming increasingly important because buildings and construction now account for 37 per cent of global greenhouse gas emissions.
According to the report, operational emissions from buildings rose by one per cent in 2024 to 9.9 billion tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent, moving the sector further away from Paris Agreement climate targets.
The report further warns that poorly designed buildings can become long-term economic burdens for low-income households.
“Well-designed, energy-efficient housing cuts emissions while protecting households from volatile energy prices and extreme heat,” the report states.
“For low-income families, better housing delivers long-term affordability, health benefits, and energy security.”
The climate implications also carry financial consequences for Kenya.
Meanwhile, another study by the Institute for Global Environmental Strategies (IGES) identifies Kenya as one of Africa’s leading participants in emerging international carbon markets under Article 6 of the Paris Agreement.
The report says residential housing projects meeting climate standards could attract international climate finance and carbon credit investments. However, housing developments that fail to comply with Kenya’s 2024 building code risk becoming both a missed economic opportunity and a long-term emissions liability.
“The Paris Agreement sets a clear destination: reaching global net zero by 2050. Article 6 and countries’ climate action plans are crucial instruments to progress toward this goal,” the report observes.