New partnership to unlock affordable housing finance and insurance for Kenyan families

NAIROBI, October 15, 2025 — A new initiative funded by the Swiss Capacity Building Facility (SCBF) is set to improve access to affordable housing finance and insurance solutions for low and middle income households in Kenya. The solutions propose to use home improvement as a pathway to enhance climate resilience and lower the disease burden of malaria and other climate induced health illnesses.

The project will bring together housing finance and insurance solutions to help families living around Lake Victoria to build safer, healthier and more resilient homes. These communities are among the most affected by flooding and malaria, challenges that often lead to frequent hospital visits and financial strain due to stagnant water and changing climate patterns.

Working hand in hand with communities, the initiative will design and offer affordable housing microfinance products combined with index-based flood insurance, early warning systems and malaria-linked hospital cash insurance. Together, these solutions will empower families to protect their homes, safeguard their health, and strengthen their livelihoods against future climate risks.

The initiative which will be implemented jointly by Habitat for Humanity International’s Terwilliger Centre for Innovation in Shelter (TCIS), Britam Microinsurance and VisionFund Kenya, will leverage the expertise of each organization to promote financial inclusion and build resilience for underserved communities. 

Through this collaboration:

• Habitat for Humanity International, through its Terwilliger Center for Innovation in Shelter, will lead the project and provide technical assistance, product design support, and housing market expertise to guide implementation and ensure sustainable impact.
• Britam will develop and scale innovative, affordable insurance solutions that help families safeguard their homes and assets.
• VisionFund Kenya will expand access to housing microfinance, empowering families to improve and invest in their living conditions. To compliment the microinsurance skills, Vision Fund International will support by offering technical assistance towards development of the microinsurance products
• SCBF, as the funding partner, will provide resources and technical oversight to strengthen the capacity of local financial institutions to serve underserved households and improve climate resilience through inclusive financial products.

Despite growing demand for quality housing, many low- and middle-income families remain excluded from traditional finance and insurance products due to high collateral requirements and limited financial literacy. This often leaves families vulnerable to climate and health shocks, limits their ability to improve or protect their homes, and deepens the overall housing affordability gap in Kenya.

This new initiative seeks to address these challenges by offering inclusive, sustainable financial products tailored to the needs of these underserved households

Speaking during the partnership launch, representatives from the partner organizations reaffirmed their shared commitment to bridge this gap and promote long-term stability for families in Kenya.

At SCBF, we see financial inclusion as a driver of resilience and dignity. Through this partnership, we aim to empower low- and middle-income families in Kenya with access to housing and insurance solutions that improve living conditions and protect against climate and health risks - helping build safer, healthier, and more resilient communities.” said Dana Ellis, Director of Operations.

“This partnership represents an important step toward closing the housing finance gap for low- and middle-income families,” noted Patrick McAllister, Director, Financial Policy & Regulation, TCIS. By working together, we can co-create sustainable solutions that enable families build more resilient lives.”

“At Britam, we are committed to developing inclusive insurance solutions that meet the needs of all Kenyans,” said Evah Kimani, CEO Britam Connect. “Through this collaboration, we will strengthen financial resilience and protect families from risks that threaten their homes and livelihoods.”

“Our role is to ensure that even low-income families have access to the right financial tools to improve their living conditions.” added Ms Kimani.