Kenyans living in the diaspora can now own homes through the Affordable Housing Programme (AHP) after the government launched a portal enabling them to register and own houses in Kenya while abroad.
In a consultative meeting with Housing and Urban Development PS Charles Hinga, Diaspora Affairs PS Roseline Njogu revealed that Kenyans abroad have been expressing interest in the programme, underscoring the importance of extending the initiative to them via the Boma Yangu Initiative.
During the meeting that took place on Thursday, June 5, the leaders discussed strategies to ensure Kenyans abroad can access affordable housing units through the newly launched diaspora-specific portal.
“The discussions centred on strategies to extend the Boma Yangu initiative to the diaspora community, who have shown strong interest in investing in homes back in Kenya through the programme,” a statement by the Diaspora Affairs State Department read in part.
Already, the government has designed a portal where interested Kenyans in the diaspora can register for the houses.
The platform will allow applicants to register, select housing units, and track their investment progress remotely.
Kenyans in the diaspora have been directed to register through the portal, save through Boma Yangu, then select preferred units.
After saving an amount equal to the deposit (10 per cent of the preferred unit), they can then proceed to allocation.
According to the government, the allocation is fair and transparent, based on a “first-past-the-post " system.
“Upon successful allocation, home applicants receive a letter of offer. Upon acceptance, the home applicant makes a choice, based on the available options, on how to pay off the balance. For outright purchase (cash sale) or upon getting prequalified for a mortgage, the home applicant will sign a sale agreement,” the website read in part.
Diaspora homeowners will then receive the deed and be able to occupy their homes upon practical completion of the project.
The government is keen on its target of constructing 150,000 housing units nationwide. According to official figures, 11,000 units have been completed so far.
