Shelter Afrique, a Pan-African housing financier, has called on Kenya's government and real estate stakeholders to prioritize social housing initiatives to address widespread housing shortages across all income levels.
Managing Director Andrew Chimphondah highlighted that while the Kenyan government's focus on 'decent and affordable' housing under the Big 4 Agenda is positive, many citizens remain excluded due to affordability challenges. He emphasized that social housing could ensure access for marginalized groups, particularly in areas with severe supply gaps.
Kenya faces a housing deficit of 150,000-200,000 units in urban areas and over 300,000 in rural regions, with current annual production by public and private sectors at 30,000-50,000 units. Chimphondah noted that effective demand for housing is largely limited to middle- and upper-income segments, underscoring the need for inclusive programs.
The organization is collaborating with the government and UN-Habitat on a social housing project in Mavoko Municipality under the Kenya Slum Upgrading Programme (KENSUP). Shelter Afrique has also established credit lines for private developers to support low-cost housing initiatives.
Affordable housing remains a cornerstone of President Kenyatta's Big 4 Agenda, alongside manufacturing, universal healthcare, and food security, aiming to drive economic growth and employment.
