Shelter Afrique, a Pan-African housing financier, has warned that Kenya's housing programs risk excluding most citizens due to affordability challenges. The organization emphasized the urgent need for social housing projects to address a nationwide shortage estimated at 150,000-200,000 units in urban areas and over 300,000 in rural regions.
Andrew Chimphondah, Shelter Afrique's Managing Director, stated that current government and private sector efforts produce only 30,000-50,000 housing units annually—far below demand. He argued that while high-income groups dominate real estate demand, social housing must be integrated into national programs to ensure access for low-income populations.
Chimphondah noted the organization is prioritizing social housing through partnerships like the Kenya Slum Upgrading Programme (KENSUP) in Mavoko Municipality. Shelter Afrique has also provided credit lines to developers for low-cost housing projects. These initiatives align with President Kenyatta's Big Four Agenda, which includes affordable housing as a key pillar alongside manufacturing, healthcare, and food security.
