Affordable Housing in Kenya
Your complete guide to buying an affordable home in Kenya. Learn about government programmes, KMRC financing at 9.5%, and browse properties under KES 10.5 million that qualify for subsidised mortgages.
What You Need to Know
What is Affordable Housing in Kenya?
The Kenyan government defines affordable housing as residential units priced between KES 1 million and KES 10.5 million. These units are designed for low to middle-income Kenyans earning between KES 15,000 and KES 150,000 per month.
Affordable housing units are typically 1, 2, or 3 bedroom apartments or townhouses in peri-urban areas. They must meet minimum construction standards set by the National Housing Corporation (NHC) and are often built near public transport corridors.
The government's target under the Affordable Housing Programme (AHP) is to deliver 250,000 units per year to address Kenya's housing deficit, currently estimated at over 2 million units.
The Government Affordable Housing Programme
President Ruto's administration launched the Affordable Housing Programme (AHP) as one of its key pillars. The programme involves the government partnering with private developers to build subsidised housing units across Kenya.
Key features of the programme include a 1.5% housing levy deducted from employee salaries (matched by employers), land provided by county governments at subsidised rates, and streamlined approval processes for participating developers.
Active projects under this programme include developments in Shauri Moyo, Nakuru, Kisumu, and several other counties. Units are allocated through the Boma Yangu portal to registered applicants.
What is KMRC?
The Kenya Mortgage Refinance Company (KMRC) is a government-backed institution established in 2018 to make mortgages more accessible to Kenyans. KMRC provides long-term funds to banks and SACCOs at lower rates, enabling them to offer affordable mortgages to borrowers.
KMRC-backed mortgages are available at 9.5% per annum — significantly lower than the commercial bank average of 13–14.5%. Loan terms can extend up to 25 years, making monthly repayments more manageable.
To qualify, you must be purchasing a primary residence priced at KES 10.5 million or below. Participating lenders include KCB, Stanbic, NCBA, Co-operative Bank, and several SACCOs.
What is Boma Yangu?
Boma Yangu (Swahili for "My Home") is the government's official online portal for the Affordable Housing Programme. It serves as the central platform where Kenyans register their interest in affordable housing units and track their applications.
Once registered, applicants are profiled based on their income, savings, and location preference. When units in their preferred area become available, they are notified and given priority access based on their housing levy contributions.
Registration is free at bomayangu.go.ke. You will need your national ID number and KRA PIN to sign up.
Available Properties Under KES 10.5M
Eligible for KMRC financing at 9.5%
Affordable Developments
Off-plan projects with units under KES 10.5M
