Nakuru: The County Government of Nakuru has announced an initiative to expedite the issuance of sectional title deeds to homeowners under its affordable housing project. This move aims to strengthen home ownership and is facilitated through collaboration with the Affordable Housing Board (AHB).
According to Kenya News Agency, the County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Lands, Physical Planning, Housing and Urban Development, Mr. John Kihagi, highlighted that over 1,000 housing units have been completed and are ready for occupation within the county. Mr. Kihagi emphasized the partnership with AHB, which ensures that purchasers receive timely and legally compliant documents confirming their ownership.
Mr. Kihagi assured residents that measures and policies are in place to guarantee that every Kenyan acquiring a house under the programme obtains full ownership. During a meeting at the County headquarters, he underscored that the Affordable Housing agenda is focused on enabling Kenyans to own property and secure their future. He dismissed critics of the programme as propagandists, asserting that misinformation should not deter the progress of the initiative.
The CECM pointed to the transformation of slum areas like Bondeni in Nakuru Town East Sub-County and Karagita in Naivasha Sub-County as evidence of the project's positive impact. He criticized those opposing the programme, stating their arguments lack substance and should be disregarded.
Kenya's real estate laws have evolved, particularly with the Sectional Properties Act of 2020, which mandates property owners to convert long-term leases to sectional titles. This change is intended to help families build generational wealth and ensure security of tenure. Mr. Kihagi expressed confidence that projects such as Karagita Phase II and Buffalo Mall in Naivasha Sub-County will be completed by early next year, further expanding affordable housing access.
The affordable housing initiative also aims to create economic benefits, including job creation and improved health and safety, while providing low-income earners with home ownership opportunities through the National Tenant Purchase Scheme or rent-to-own options. Mr. Kihagi emphasized that the right to housing is enshrined in Kenya's Constitution, advocating for accessible and adequate homes for all citizens.
Nakuru County, which faces a significant housing shortfall, is among 23 counties that have allocated land for the affordable housing programme. The 2024 Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS) report indicates that Nakuru requires at least 10,000 housing units to meet current demand, yet only about 3,000 units are available.
The county's rapid urbanization contributes to a national housing demand of approximately 250,000 units annually, while the current supply is only 50,000 units, resulting in a deficit of about 200,000 units per year. The Government's Affordable Housing Programme aims to address this by delivering 200,000 units annually and increasing the number of mortgages with favorable terms.
Projects like the Bondeni housing project, offering various unit sizes at competitive prices, and the Naivasha development targeting specific income groups, illustrate the programme's broad reach. The affordable housing project in Bahati sub-county and another in Molo-sub-County are also progressing, marking significant strides in addressing Kenya's housing challenges.