Kenya's government is advancing legislation that would require developers to allocate 30% of all newly constructed housing units to affordable housing initiatives. The measure aims to accelerate the completion of 500,000 housing units over four years to mitigate a nationwide deficit of 1.84 million homes.
Housing Principal Secretary Charles Hinga emphasized that the proposed law would apply to all developments, stating, "Even if you are building on your own land, 30% must be designated for low-cost and social housing." The policy seeks to prevent the proliferation of informal settlements near affluent areas like Karen, where unmet housing needs could lead to slum formation.
A previous proposal under the affordable housing program included offering a 15% corporate tax reduction to developers committing to construct at least 100 units annually.
