Owning a home no longer has to be a distant dream for many Kenyans. With the government’s Affordable Housing Programme (AHP), you now have a real chance to get a decent and affordable home.
This initiative, launched under the Big 4 Agenda, is here to ease the burden of high rent and expensive home loans. The process is simple and open to all Kenyan citizens, especially those earning low to middle incomes.
This guide will help you understand how to register, apply for the programme, and move one step closer to owning your home.
Understanding the Affordable Housing Programme
The Affordable Housing Programme (AHP) is a flagship government initiative aimed at providing quality, affordable homes to low and middle-income earners. It is different from previous schemes because it relies on public-private partnerships.
Developers finance and build the houses, while the government provides support in land, infrastructure, and tax reliefs.
Under this plan, houses are sold through the National Tenant Purchase Scheme (NTPS). Instead of paying large sums upfront, buyers make monthly payments that are affordable based on their income level. The scheme supports three key income brackets:
Social Housing: Income of up to Ksh 19,999
Low-Cost Housing: Income between Ksh 20,000 and Ksh 49,999
Mortgage Gap: Income between Ksh 50,000 and Ksh 149,999
Houses are developed on both public and private land, but access is strictly regulated through a formal registration and application process.
How to Register for the Affordable Housing Programme
Before you apply, you must register as a member of the Housing Fund through the official Boma Yangu portal:
Visit the Boma Yangu website – Go to www.bomayangu.go.ke
Create an account – Provide your ID number, email address, phone number, and password. You’ll get a verification code sent to your phone.
Fill out your profile – Add your personal details, including your employment status and income bracket. This helps determine which category of housing you qualify for.
Add dependents – If you have a family, include their details. This is important when applying for larger housing units.
Make monthly contributions – You’ll be required to contribute a minimum of Ksh 200 monthly to the Housing Fund. These contributions go towards your future house payments.
Once registered, you become eligible to express interest in specific housing units as they become available.
How to Apply for an Affordable House
After registration, follow these steps to apply for a home under the Affordable Housing Programme:
Browse available projects – Log in to your Boma Yangu account to view current housing projects across Kenya. Each listing shows the location, unit types, prices, and timelines.
Select your preferred house – Choose a house that suits your income and family size. Houses come in 1-bedroom, 2-bedroom, and 3-bedroom options.
Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) – This tells the government you’re ready to buy. It doesn’t guarantee allocation, but puts you in line for consideration.
Wait for allocation – Once a project is complete, a ballot system is used to allocate houses fairly. If selected, you’ll be notified and given instructions for the next steps.
Start your payments – Successful applicants sign a purchase agreement and begin paying through NTPS. Payments are monthly and fixed based on your income bracket.
Government Support for Affordable Housing
The government plays a big role in making the AHP possible. Here’s how it supports your home ownership journey:
Provides land – Government land is allocated for housing projects to reduce development costs.
Builds infrastructure – Roads, electricity, water, and sewer lines are provided to ensure the homes are livable.
Streamlines approvals – A one-stop shop speeds up permits and title transfers for developers.
Offers tax relief – You get up to Ksh 9,000 per month as a tax credit on your contributions.
Waives stamp duty – First-time home buyers under AHP don’t pay stamp duty, reducing overall costs.
Policy reforms – The government is constantly updating laws and frameworks to make the process smoother and more transparent.
These incentives ensure that even self-employed individuals and informal workers can access decent housing under fair terms.
Benefits of Joining the Affordable Housing Programme
Joining the AHP comes with several benefits:
Low monthly payments – No need for heavy deposits or bank loans.
Secure process – Government oversight ensures transparency and fairness.
Tax savings – Enjoy reduced tax liability through the monthly tax credit.
Guaranteed ownership – After completing payments, you receive full ownership of your home.
Most importantly, it gives thousands of Kenyans a real chance to escape rent traps and build long-term security through home ownership.
