Kenya’s affordable housing sector is growing, and access to affordable financing remains one of the biggest pieces of the puzzle.
At the Kenya Affordable Housing Conference (KAHC) 2026, the Kenya Mortgage Refinance Company (KMRC) recognised banks and SACCOs that have made notable contributions to expanding access to affordable home loans.
The awards were based on internal KMRC data and looked at areas including affordability, efficiency, national reach, refinancing and overall impact.
Related: Affordable Housing in Kenya
Affordable Home Loan Champion
This award recognised lenders offering some of the most affordable housing finance products to borrowers.
The assessment considered factors such as average interest rates, loan tenure, loan-to-value ratios, processing fees and other related loan costs over the two years to June 2026.
Bank winner: Stanbic Bank
SACCO winner: Qona SACCO
Innovative Primary Mortgage Lender
This category focused on efficiency in the mortgage process, from customer onboarding to accessing KMRC financing.
The award highlighted lenders with shorter turnaround times and efficient processes that make it easier for borrowers to access home loans.
Winner: Nation DT SACCO
National Reach Champion
Affordable housing finance is only useful if people across the country can access it. This award recognised lenders with the widest geographical reach, based on the number of counties where beneficiaries have received home loans.
The leading lenders had reached 35 counties.
Bank winner: KCB
SACCO winner: Unaitas
Refinancing Efficiency Champion
This category recognised lenders that demonstrated strong efficiency and responsiveness in the refinancing process.
KMRC assessed factors such as the time taken to review loan applications and complete the necessary documentation and disbursement processes.
Bank winner: Stanbic Bank
SACCO winner: Stima DT SACCO
Affordable Housing Impact Champion
The final category focused on overall impact, considering the number of homes financed and the value of loans refinanced.
The award therefore looked beyond individual loans to the wider contribution lenders are making towards increasing access to home ownership.
Bank winner: KCB
SACCO winner: Unaitas
Why the awards matter
The KAHC Awards highlight an important part of Kenya's affordable housing story. Building more homes is only one side of the equation.
Buyers also need financing that is affordable, accessible and processed efficiently.
By recognising lenders that are performing well in these areas, KMRC is also putting a spotlight on the institutions helping turn affordable housing from a policy goal into actual home ownership.
For prospective homeowners, the awards offer another useful indicator of the lenders playing a leading role in Kenya's mortgage market.
Related: Available Properties Under KES 10.5M
