Kenya has positioned its affordable housing drive as a practical solution for Africa’s urban challenges, with Deputy President Kithure Kindiki encouraging countries to adapt the model to suit their own development needs.
Speaking at the close of the Africa Urban Forum held in Nairobi on Friday night, Kindiki said the programme has moved from policy to implementation, delivering visible progress in expanding access to decent housing and improving living conditions in informal settlements under President William Ruto’s administration.
He told delegates that Kenya’s experience reflects the impact of firm political commitment backed by sustained execution, urging leaders across the continent to prioritise delivery over prolonged policy debates.
Kindiki said Kenya had taken a decisive route in addressing its housing deficit, noting that urgency and clarity of purpose had been central to the programme’s rollout.
While acknowledging political resistance and operational challenges, he said the government had remained focused on reforms aimed at resolving long-standing bottlenecks that have historically slowed housing delivery.
He observed that for years, housing featured prominently in campaign promises but rarely translated into action, adding that a shift occurred after the 2022 transition when the administration chose to push through difficult but necessary decisions.
Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, alongside other stakeholders, during the closing ceremony of the 2nd Africa Urban Forum at the KICC on April 10, 2026.PHOTO/DPCSThe Deputy President said the programme is gaining traction, with about 270,000 units currently under construction and plans in place to significantly expand output to reach one million homes.
He also highlighted the economic ripple effects, saying hundreds of thousands of jobs have been created, particularly for young people, while local contractors have secured the bulk of multi-billion-dollar tenders tied to the initiative.
Kindiki said protecting the programme from policy uncertainty remains a priority, warning that inconsistency often undermines long-term development efforts in many countries.
He further called on African states to ensure that commitments made in continental engagements translate into real impact, emphasising the need for efficient approval systems, sound governance, and policies that enable large-scale housing development.
The forum brought together urban planners, policymakers, and development actors to examine strategies for managing rapid urban growth and closing the housing gap across African cities.
