Kenya

Box 38948-00623
Nairobi
Kenya

WebsiteA wireframe globe https://hfhkenya.org
PhoneA smartphone +254 204454380

 

Country Facts:

 

  • Capital city  Nairobi
  • Population – 54 million
  • Life expectancy – 61 years
  • Unemployment rate – 5.5%
  • Below poverty line – 29.4%

* International poverty line of US$2.15 (World Bank)

 Find more country facts on: CIA The World Factbook – KENYA

 

Habitat Facts

  • Habitat started in Kenya in 1982.
  • Individuals served in FY2023 –  15,515
  • Through new construction –  330
  • Through incremental building – 5,540
  • Through market development – 2,530
  • Volunteers hosted in FY2023 – 434

 

The housing need in Kenya

The growth of Kenya’s population, currently at about 55 million, has contributed to the country’s inadequate supply of new housing units. The annual housing demand is 250,000 units, but only an estimated 50,000 units are supplied. The proportion of the total population living below the international poverty line is 29.4%, with an unemployment rate of 5.5%, according to the World Bank. Housing affordability is a major challenge in Kenya, and many people cannot afford to buy or build their own home.
About 6.4 million people from Kenya’s urban population live in informal settlements, while an estimated 60% of the capital city Nairobi’s residents live in slums. In rural areas, the problem is characterized by poor quality housing and a lack of basic services, such as clean drinking water. In addition, 68% of Kenyans lack land documentation or tenure security. The Kenyan government has made adequate and affordable housing one of its priorities to bridge the housing deficit. However, the delivery of housing is the responsibility of county governments, which often lack adequate resources.

How Habitat addresses the need

Housing for orphans and vulnerable groups

Habitat Kenya supports marginalized and vulnerable groups such as orphans, widows, older people and people with disabilities who live on less than US$2 a day and need adequate access to housing and water and sanitation facilities We work with corporate partners and volunteers to help build affordable homes and promote home ownership for these vulnerable groups.  

Community infrastructure

Through a settlement-based approach, Habitat Kenya aims to build safe and resilient communities where families can afford quality homes with access to basic services and infrastructure. Our activities include house construction, water facility construction and rehabilitation, improved community sanitation infrastructure and systems, energy solutions, and livelihood support. In disaster prone areas, Habitat Kenya also supports communities to reduce risks and improve their ability to respond to emergencies.

Advocacy for security of tenure

Through our advocacy program, we empower women and other vulnerable groups to secure land tenure through formal and informal mechanisms of land ownership. We also support county government policymakers to promote policies, laws, systems and practices that ensure access to adequate and affordable housing and improved living standards.

Financing for owner-led home construction

We empower low-income households to access appropriate, affordable financial services for adequate housing. This involves forming and training groups of women and youth and other community groups on
financial literacy and consumer education. We also build the capacity of financial institutions such as savings and credit organizations and microfinance institutions in developing products and processes to
serve low-income households.

Building and expanding inclusive housing markets

Habitat’s Terwilliger Center for Innovation in Shelter has supported more than 10.4 million individuals in Kenya in fiscal year 2023. The Terwilliger Center is launching the Integrated Housing Support Project which aims to build strong communities and an accessible housing market in Laikipia County. Through the project, Kenyan communities will have access to improved education, increased employment opportunities and safe and sustainable housing.

 

What you can do

DONATE

Please visit habitat.org/donate and select “Designate your donation” to donate to Habitat Kenya.

VOLUNTEER

The Global Village program is resuming in select locations in Africa, Kenya being one of them until a safe and quality experience can be provided at scale worldwide. Please visit habitat.org/gv for more information and updates.

TITHE

Habitat affiliates in the U.S. support the international work through an annual tithe. For additional information, email [email protected] or contact your local Habitat organization.

 

CONTACT

Rita Munyae

Resource development and communications manager

[email protected]

 

Anthony Okoth

National Director

[email protected]

Habitat for Humanity Kenya
CVS Plaza 3rd Floor, Kasuku lane off Lenana Road, P.O. Box 38948 00623 Nairobi, Kenya
Tel.: +254 717 454 380, +254 20 257 2812
Website: www.hfhkenya.org

Stories and news

A win-win situation

April 03, 2018

Business Case for Housing Microfinance in Sub-Saharan Africa released today. It builds on a six year project in Kenya and Uganda in partnership with Mastercard Foundation.

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Independent women

Gender inequality creates obstacles for many women who want to build their houses and earn an independent living. For them, land-ownership rights are a foundation for an independent life.

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Affordable finance for emerging markets

January 11, 2018

Habitat for Humanity International and Hilti Foundation have signed a renewed partnership. They want to improve access to housing products and finances in India, Kenya, Philippines and Peru.

Read more