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How To Apply for Affordable Housing Units in Kenya
Affording housing program by the government have gone through praises and criticism in equal measures. The main bond of contention in the project is the monthly deduction of housing levy that every employee have to part with. Despites such challenges, the project is hinged towards solving housing problem in Kenya. The main issue that Kenyans asking themselves is how do one get a unit from the affordable housing project. In this article, we will learn the fundamentals of what we need to know when applying and how to apply for affordable housing project. Whether you’re a young professional, a civil servant, or a mama mboga aspiring to own your first home, understanding the step-by-step process, eligibility, and entities involved is essential.
What Is the Affordable Housing Program in Kenya?
The Affordable Housing Program (AHP) is a government-backed initiative under the Big Four Agenda, aiming to provide quality, budget-friendly homes to low- and middle-income Kenyans. The program is managed primarily through the Boma Yangu platform, which streamlines the application and allocation process for housing units.
Key Entities Involved
| Entity Name | Role in Affordable Housing |
|---|---|
| State Department of Housing & Urban Dev. | Policy, oversight, project delivery |
| National Housing Corporation (NHC) | Construction, financing, management |
| Kenya Mortgage Refinance Company (KMRC) | Mortgage financing solutions |
| Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) | Tax compliance and verification |
| National Social Security Fund (NSSF) | Member verification, contribution records |
| Boma Yangu Platform | Application and allocation portal |
Who Qualifies for Affordable Housing in Kenya?
Eligibility is strict to ensure that the program serves those who need it most. Here’s what you need to know:
Eligibility Criteria
Kenyan citizenship (must provide a national ID or passport).
Minimum age: 18 years and above.
Monthly income: Between Ksh 15,000 and Ksh 149,999.
Tax compliance: Valid KRA PIN and up-to-date tax status.
NSSF membership: Must be a registered contributor.
First-time homebuyer: Priority is given to applicants who do not already own property.
Related Questions
Can I apply if I’m self-employed?
Yes, as long as you contribute to the housing fund and meet other criteria.Are students eligible?
Only if they meet the age and income requirements, and are tax compliant.
Step-by-Step: How to Apply for Affordable Housing in Kenya
1. Register and Contribute to the Housing Fund
Start saving: Employees’ contributions are deducted from salaries; self-employed individuals contribute directly.
Register on Boma Yangu:
Visit www.bomayangu.go.ke and create an account using your National ID and KRA PIN.
2. Complete Your Profile and Upload Documents
Required documents:
Proof of income (payslips, bank statements)
Valid KRA PIN and tax compliance certificate
NSSF contribution record
Double-check all documents for accuracy to avoid delays.
3. Select Your Preferred Housing Unit
Log in to the Boma Yangu portal to browse available units (1, 2, or 3-bedroom options).
Choose a unit that fits your budget and needs.
| Unit Type | Typical Monthly Payment | Deposit Required |
|---|---|---|
| 1-bedroom | Ksh 3,000 – 7,000 | 10% of unit price |
| 2-bedroom | Ksh 8,000 – 15,000 | 10% of unit price |
| 3-bedroom | Ksh 16,000 – 20,000 | 10% of unit price |
4. Allocation and Balloting Process
Due to high demand, a transparent lottery system (balloting) is used for allocation.
Successful applicants receive an offer letter and payment instructions.
5. Payment and Ownership Transfer
Payment options include:
Mortgage financing (monthly payments)
Tenant purchase schemes (rent-to-own)
Outright purchase (full payment upfront)
Upon full payment, ownership documents are issued.
Understanding the Different Housing Segments
According to Kippra, The government targets three main income segments:
| Segment | Monthly Income Range | Financing Model | Example Product |
|---|---|---|---|
| Social Housing | Ksh 0 – 19,999 | Rental/full subsidy | Social rental units |
| Low-Cost Housing | Ksh 20,000 – 49,999 | Tenant Purchase Scheme | 1-2 bedroom units |
| Mortgage Gap | Ksh 50,000 – 149,999 | Affordable mortgage | 2-3 bedroom apartments |
Challenges and Solutions in the Application Process
Common Challenges
Long waiting periods: High demand leads to delays.
Document errors: Incomplete or inaccurate submissions slow down processing.
Limited units: Demand often exceeds supply.
Solutions
Apply early and ensure all documents are complete.
Consistently follow up through official channels.
Explore alternative projects or upcoming developments.
Key Organizations and Their Roles
| Organization | Function in Affordable Housing |
|---|---|
| National Housing Corporation (NHC) | Construction, sale, and financing |
| Kenya Mortgage Refinance Company | Affordable mortgage provision |
| State Dept. of Housing & Urban Dev. | Policy and oversight |
| Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) | Tax compliance |
| NSSF | Social security and eligibility |
| Boma Yangu | Application and allocation portal |
Related Questions
What is the difference between social and affordable housing?
Social housing targets those earning less than Ksh 15,000/month and often involves rental or full subsidies.
Affordable housing serves those earning Ksh 15,000–149,999/month, with ownership as the goal.
How much is the deposit for affordable housing?
Usually 10% of the total unit cost, but this can vary by project according to Boma yangu recent updates.
Who benefits most from affordable housing?
First-time homebuyers, young professionals, civil servants, and diaspora Kenyans seeking investment.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if I have been allocated a house?
Once the balloting process is complete, successful applicants are notified via SMS and email through the Boma Yangu portal. You can also log in to your Boma Yangu account to check your allocation status. If you’re not selected in the first round, your application remains active for future allocations.
What happens if I miss a payment?
Missing payments can result in penalties or even forfeiture of your allocation. It’s crucial to keep up with your payment schedule, whether you’re on a mortgage plan, tenant purchase scheme, or paying outright. If you anticipate challenges, contact your financier or the National Housing Corporation early to discuss possible solutions.
Can I transfer my allocation to someone else?
No, allocations are not transferable. The program is designed to ensure that only eligible, first-time homebuyers benefit. Any attempt to transfer or sell your allocation before full ownership is strictly prohibited and can lead to disqualification.
What is the role of the Kenya Mortgage Refinance Company (KMRC) in affordable housing?
KMRC provides long-term, low-interest mortgage financing to participating banks and SACCOs, making it easier for Kenyans to access affordable home loans. This is especially important for professionals and students entering the workforce who might not have significant savings.
Are there affordable housing projects outside Nairobi?
Yes! While Nairobi hosts flagship projects like Park Road Ngara, affordable housing developments are underway in major towns such as Kisumu, Mombasa, Nakuru, and Eldoret. The State Department of Housing regularly updates the Boma Yangu portal with new locations and project details.
