The national government has embarked on a plan to construct cheap houses in Kiambu county.
Under the Affordable Housing Project, the government is set to build 10,000 houses in Kiambu in a similar model as those being constructed in different Nairobi estates.
Speaking during the launch of the project on Wednesday, February 23, government spokesperson Cyrus Oguna, noted the cheap houses will take into consideration the financial status of different Kenyans interested in acquiring the units.
The houses will be subdivided into three categories; affordable, social, and urban depending on one's earnings.
"Any Kenyan can be able to own a house in any part of the country under this affordable housing programme," Oguna stated.
He added, " we not only building affordable houses that are cheap in terms of construction but we are providing houses that are reasonably priced and built to the expected quality ."
Kiambu County Commissioner Titus Macharia who accompanied Oguna noted that the new houses will mostly benefit civil servants who are moving away from the city.
According to HassConsult report released in February 2022, the paradigm shift in buyers' priorities and purchasing power has been informed by demand for detached units.
Another report by Knight Frank released in early 2021 detailed that homeowners were moving away from suburbs in search of more privacy, outdoor space, and areas they can acquire at lower prices.
How to Acquire Government Affordable Houses
After launching the project, Oguna detailed how interested individuals can acquire units after the construction is done.
For one to own a unit, you need to register with a recognised government website known as Boma Yangu Kenya then submit your personal details and housing preference.
Upon registration, your details are verified with relevant stakeholders for authenticity.
After verification, you will be allocated a unique identification number which you will use to make your monthly contribution to the Housing Fund.
The purpose of verification is to ensure one person can only own one house.
The allocation of houses is done in a regular, fair, and transparent manner.
For one to qualify, he/she must be a Kenyan citizen and be over 18 years of age with a valid national identity card.
