Affordable housing

When Bitcoin initially surfaced in 2009, it seemed out of this world—a digital currency that couldn't be touched but could be bought, sold, and increased in value.

Industry Highlights: Month ending June Real Estate Sector IFC disburses Ksh2.6bn to Centum RE to fund construction of 2,000 affordable homes W Centum Real Estate has received Ksh 2.6 billion in funding from the International Finance Corporation (IFC), setting in motion plans to build 1,940 affordable housing units at the Two Rivers Development.

Industry Highlights: Week Ending 02.06.2025 Real Estate Sector. HF Group posts Sh327m net profit in first quarter of the year HF Group’s net profit for the first three months of trading ended March 2025 rose 2.2 times to Sh3279.3 million on the back of increased interest and non-interest income. Source: Business Daily

Industry Highlights: Week Ending 24.05.2025 Real Estate Sector Tatu City partnership with Stanbic Bank Tatu City has partnered with Stanbic Bank to enhance property ownership accessibility for Kenyans and diaspora investors. The collaboration offers up to 105% financing at a competitive flat interest rate of 9.5% for homes valued up to KES 10.5 million.

Industry HIghlights - Week ending 10.05.2025 Real Estate Sector Treasury projects housing levy flows to hit Sh95.84 billion The National Treasury projects to collect Sh 95.84 billion from the housing development levy in the financial year starting July, signalling a boost to the government’s plan to put up 200,000 subsidised houses annually for middle- and lower-income households.

Industry Highlights – Week Ending 03.05.2025 Real Estate Sector. Banks and Saccos eye affordable home KMRC loan funds The Kenya Mortgage Refinance Company (KMRC) is reviewing submissions from 42 commercial banks and SACCOs to determine their eligibility for accessing long-term funding for onwards lending to homebuyers. This follows KMRC’s move to open its doors to non-shareholding lenders. Source: Business Daily

Industry Highlights – Week Ending 27.04.2025 Real Estate Sector The Kenya Mortgage Refinance Company (KMRC) is enhancing affordable home ownership through a new strategic plan focused on financial growth and sustainability through opening up for more participating primary lenders. Source: The Business Daily

Industry Highlights - Week Ending 19.04.2025 Housing Finance Partnership with International Housing Solutions (IHS) Housing Finance Company Kenya, a leading financial institution, announced its partnership with International Housing Solutions (IHS) to support the development of the Muzi Salama green affordable housing project in Kenya. HFC will offer accessible financing solutions for purchasing eco-friendly homes within the Muzi Salama project, providing sustainable and affordable homeownership opportunities for Kenyans. Source: Housing Finance Kenya

Etta Madete, an architect and sustainable housing developer, began her journey into the field of affordable housing with a vision—one that aspired to tackle today's housing crisis while simultaneously honouring the past and embracing a sustainable fuadete,ture. After years of studying at the University of Nairobi and Harvard, Etta created Zima Homes in 2019 with a clear mission: to develop homes that not only suit today's requirements but also honour the legacy of the past and prepare for the future. Sustainable housing became especially urgent for Etta during the COVID-19 pandemic. As the world locked down, people spent more time than ever at home. Etta realised that the quality of a home goes beyond just shelter—it impacts health, well-being, and community. She often reflects, “If we get housing right, we can change lives—improve their well-being and strengthen communities.”

Kenya's dream of affordable housing has been a cornerstone of national policy since the country's independence, with successive leaders promising homes that every family can afford. Yet, decades later, the gulf between these political pledges and the everyday reality for many Kenyans remains stark. From urban workers helping to build Nairobi's gleaming skyline but living in overcrowded informal settlements to rural families facing their own daunting housing challenges, access to affordable shelter continues to elude large segments of the population. Despite the government's renewed focus on ambitious new housing programs, questions linger: will these efforts finally deliver on the long-standing promise of secure and affordable homes for all Kenyans, or will deep-rooted financial, social, and bureaucratic barriers continue to hold people back?