The government has launched new measures to speed up land approvals and title processing, aiming to tackle delays that have hindered the rollout of affordable housing projects across the country.
At the 29th Ordinary Session of the Intergovernmental Budget and Economic Council (IBEC), chaired by Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, officials stressed the need for close collaboration between the Ministry of Lands, county governments, and other relevant agencies to ensure timely delivery of the Affordable Housing Programme (AHP).
IBEC resolved that the Ministry of Lands should work alongside the Council of Governors and other institutions to fast-track development and planning approvals, facilitate the transfer of title deeds to the Affordable Housing Board, and accelerate the approval of sectional property plans for completed units.
The council highlighted that slow timelines for land documentation and planning approvals have been among the main obstacles affecting construction schedules, financing, and the handover of houses to buyers.
Chairing the meeting, Kindiki noted the critical role of land transfers in supporting project financing, contractor payments, and the issuance of individual ownership documents once homes are ready.
Progress has already been made in securing land for the programme. "Out of 26 Affordable Housing Programme sites identified nationwide, 14 have so far been issued with base title deeds," the council was informed.
The government confirmed that work is ongoing to process titles for the remaining sites, ensuring all projects have secure land tenure and meet both legal and financial requirements.
In addition to base titles, the Ministry of Lands was directed to assist with sectional property plan approvals, which enable individual units within developments to be registered and transferred to buyers. IBEC noted that delays in these approvals have previously slowed down handovers even after construction is complete.
County governments were also tasked with supporting local planning approvals, coordinating land-use requirements, and aligning with national agencies to ensure compliance with zoning and infrastructure standards.
The council stressed that closer coordination between national and county governments is essential to maintain momentum for the Affordable Housing Programme, a key initiative under the government’s social and economic agenda. The programme seeks to provide affordable and decent housing for low- and middle-income families while creating employment and stimulating local economies through construction activity.
Deputy President Kindiki highlighted that resolving land ownership and planning issues early in the project cycle is key to reducing delays and increasing investor confidence.
IBEC concluded that faster land processing will help projects finish on schedule and ensure beneficiaries receive both their homes and corresponding ownership documents without unnecessary administrative barriers. With more sites securing titles and stronger intergovernmental coordination, the government expressed optimism that the Affordable Housing Programme will continue to deliver homes to thousands of Kenyans within the intended timelines.
