This archive report was first published on 15 August 2019.
Published on August 15, 2019, a report by Shelter Afrique revealed that Kenya is among African countries with a growing affordable housing deficit, with a staggering 2 million units needed across the continent.
According to Shelter Afrique CEO Andrew Chimphondah, Kenya requires in excess of $50 billion (Sh5.1 trillion) to adequately address the issue of affordable housing. This is part of a larger African housing crisis, with a total shortage of 56 million housing units, with over 90% (or 45 million units) falling within the affordable housing bracket.
Chimphondah noted that a majority of African countries are already facing a housing crisis due to high population growth, increased urbanisation, poor urban planning, dysfunctional land markets, rising construction costs, proliferation of informal settlements, and underdeveloped financial systems.
Shelter Afrique has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Habitat for Humanity International to mobilise capital for affordable housing. The company's Centre of Excellence has conducted research showing that the overall shortage of housing in Africa is estimated to be 56 million housing units.
Chimphondah emphasized the need for a well-coordinated and collaborative effort among all stakeholders, including governments, multilateral institutions, non-profit organisations, and the private sector, to address the housing crisis.
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