Pioneering Affordable Housing Solutions: Ambitious Plan to Deliver Thousands Units in Kenya, Push For Sustainable Development
As the demand for housing continues to grow in Kenya, various housing firms are stepping forward placing strategic plans set to deliver thousands of affordable housing units.
Kenyan-bred Omoh Homes in collaboration with JamiiBora Trust have joined hands in
an effort to not only to address the immediate housing deficit but also establish
long-term solutions that support sustainability and economic growth.
Emerging Housing Needs in Kenya
Kenya, like many countries in the developing world, is grappling with its rapidly
urbanizing population, a predicament that poses significant housing challenges,
particularly in urban centers such as Nairobi and Mombasa and Kisumu.
The country’s demand for affordable housing is driven by factors such as population growth, rural-to-urban migration, and socio-economic disparities.
Current market estimates show that Kenya needs an estimated 200,000 units annually
and has experienced an accumulated deficit of over 2 million units since the commencement of the implementation of Vision 2030 in 2008.
Through this joint-venture, JamiiBora Trust is set to lay the foundation stone for the much anticipated launch of the New Kaputiei Town Phase Two project with Omoh Homes Group Chief Executive Officer Mr. Nicholus Okach saying this project seeks to address the country’s burgeoning need for cost-effective and sustainable living spaces.
“This initiative is in response to what we are witnessing as a country such as rapid
urbanization, population growth, and the increasing demand for housing in major cities and rural towns alike.We are moving through a holistic approach that encompasses not just the construction of more units but ensuring accessibility and inclusivity,” said Mr Okach, Group CEO, Omoh Homes.
The project will consist of 367 units comprising 240 2 bedroom semi-detached units, 56 3 bedroom semi-detached units and 71 3 bedroom single units.
The New Kaputiei Town housing plan does prioritize social infrastructure, mixed-use
developments, and proximity to essential amenities like schools, healthcare facilities,
and public transportation.
Reducing the Cost of Construction
One of the core challenges in developing affordable housing units in Kenya is the high
cost of construction materials and methods.
To counteract this, the two firms are exploring innovative building solutions aimed at reducing overall costs while maintaining quality thus making housing projects more viable and affordable for low-to-middle-income earners.
Integrating Climate-Friendly Technology
These projects will be entrenched with climate conscious initiatives such as The Omoh Green project initiative that seeks to develop units with green-kitchens that have
pre-installed low carbon stoves in an effort to combat global warming and address the
climate change agenda across Africa and globally which in turn has a positive health,
economic and environmental impact in the long term and especially in remote regions
across Africa.
Mr Okach added saying ” These green kitchens are an example of such technologies that are being embraced in new developments being designed to be energy-efficient, utilizing energy-saving appliances”.
The Group’s CEO highlighted that the main goal is not just to build homes, but to create
communities that meet modern living standards while remaining accessible to a
majority of the population.
This anticipated increase in housing projects is expected to stimulate job creation and boost the local economy. Construction work, supply chain activities, and maintenance roles will provide employment opportunities, fostering economic growth in both urban
and rural areas.
The ripple effect of these developments could potentially contribute to poverty
alleviation and better living standards for thousands of Kenyans.
Furthermore, by collaborating with local artisans and small-scale manufacturers,
housing firms are set to empower communities through skill-building initiatives that support the broader goal of sustainable development.
Kenya At Large
As Kenya continues to position itself as a hub for innovative and sustainable housing
solutions, the success of this initiative could set a precedent for similar efforts across
sub-Saharan Africa and beyond. The journey to ensuring that every Kenyan has access
to affordable, modern, and environmentally friendly housing may just be starting, but
the commitment shown by these housing firms promises a brighter, greener future.
