Boma Yangu: Affordable Housing Program

In Kenya, the dream of owning a home within major urban areas has often seemed out of reach for many due to soaring property prices. However, with the government’s Boma Yangu Project, a part of the Big Four Agenda, lower and middle-income earners now have a pathway to realize their homeownership aspirations. Through this groundbreaking initiative, Kenyans can purchase apartments for as little as KSh 1 million in cities like Nairobi, Mombasa, and Nakuru.

How to Apply & Eligibility Process:

To participate in the Boma Yangu Project, individuals must be Kenyan citizens aged 18 or above, holding a valid national identity card. Registration is straightforward and can be completed via the www.bomayangu.go.ke website or the e-citizen government services portal. Following registration, participants can contribute to their savings fund through a USSD code, with a mandatory monthly contribution capped at KSh 2,500.

How to own a house under the government’s affordable:

The Boma Yangu Project offers two primary purchasing avenues. Firstly, buyers can contribute a 12.5% deposit and settle the remaining balance over 25 years through a rent-to-own arrangement, free of interest charges. Alternatively, purchasers have the option to buy a unit outright or utilize an affordable mortgage facilitated by the Kenya Mortgage Refinance Company.

Strategic Locations and Value Appreciation:

One of the project’s key advantages lies in the strategic placement of its developments within major cities and metropolitan regions. With projects in prime areas like Pangani, Starehe, Mowlem, and Ngara in Nairobi, there exists substantial potential for value appreciation, making these apartments an attractive investment prospect. Additionally, the proximity to central business districts ensures convenience for daily commuters.

Ongoing and Upcoming Projects:

The Boma Yangu Project boasts ongoing developments across various regions, including Nairobi, Rongai, Mombasa, Ruiru, Nakuru, and Athi River. Notable projects include Moko Gardens in Athi River, Kings Boma Estate in Ruiru, Lurambi Affordable Housing Project in Kakamega, and Fairvalley Heights in Athi River, Nairobi. Furthermore, plans for upcoming projects in Nanyuki, Gichugu, and Machakos signal continued expansion and accessibility.

Challenges and Solutions:

Despite its noble intentions, the Boma Yangu Project is not without its challenges. One major hurdle is the lack of awareness among the target demographic, particularly in rural areas where internet access and digital literacy may be limited. Additionally, bureaucratic red tape and delays in project implementation have hindered progress in some instances. However, the government is actively working to address these issues by streamlining the application process, increasing outreach efforts, and incentivizing developers to expedite construction timelines.

Impact on Economic Development:

Beyond providing shelter, the Boma Yangu Project has broader implications for economic development in Kenya. By increasing access to affordable housing, the initiative stimulates demand for construction materials, labor, and related services, thereby creating jobs and driving growth in the housing sector. Moreover, homeownership promotes stability and social cohesion within communities, laying the groundwork for sustainable development and prosperity.

Community Engagement and Empowerment:

A crucial aspect of the Boma Yangu Project is its emphasis on community engagement and empowerment. Through participatory planning processes and stakeholder consultations, local residents have a voice in shaping the design and implementation of housing projects. Furthermore, initiatives such as skills training programs and microfinance schemes empower individuals to take ownership of their housing journey, fostering a sense of pride and self-reliance.

Environmental Sustainability:

In line with global efforts to combat climate change, the Boma Yangu Project incorporates principles of environmental sustainability into its design and construction practices. From energy-efficient building materials to green infrastructure and waste management systems, developers are encouraged to adopt eco-friendly solutions that minimize environmental impact and promote resilience to climate-related risks. By prioritizing sustainability, the project not only reduces carbon emissions but also creates healthier, more resilient communities for future generations.

Full List of affordable housing projects in Kenya:

  1. Kings Orchid Thika Location: Kiambu, Thika Town Price: Starting from KES 1,000,000 Unit Types: 3 Bedroom, 2 Bedroom, 1 Bedroom, Studio Apartments Status: Ongoing
  2. Kings Sapphire Location: Nakuru, Bondeni Price: Starting from KES 1,550,000 Unit Types: 3 Bedroom, 2 Bedroom, 1 Bedroom, Studio Apartments Status: Ongoing
  3. Starehe Point 1 Location: Nairobi, Starehe Constituency Price: Starting from KES 1,650,000 Unit Types: 3 Bedroom, 2 Bedroom, 1 Bedroom, Studio Apartments Status: Ongoing
  4. Mabera Affordable Housing Project, Migori Location: Migori, Mabera Price: Starting from KES 1,440,000 Unit Types: 3 Bedroom, 2 Bedroom, 1 Bedroom, Studio Apartments Status: Ongoing
  5. Machakos Township Affordable Housing Project, Machakos County Location: Machakos, Machakos Price: Starting from KES 960,000 Unit Types: 3 Bedroom, 2 Bedroom, 1 Bedroom, Studio Apartments Status: Ongoing
  6. Gichugu Affordable Housing Project Location: Kirinyaga, Gichugu Price: Starting from KES 960,000 Unit Types: 3 Bedroom, 2 Bedroom, 1 Bedroom, Studio Apartments Status: Ongoing
  7. Pangani Affordable Housing Project Location: Nairobi, Next To Pangani Police Station Price: Starting from KES 1,000,000 Unit Types: 3 Bedroom, 2 Bedroom, 1 Bedroom, Studio Apartments Status: Ongoing
  8. Wajir Township Affordable Housing Project, Wajir County Location: Wajir, Wajir Township Ward (Skanska) Price: Starting from KES 960,000 Unit Types: 3 Bedroom, 2 Bedroom, 1 Bedroom, Studio Apartments Status: Ongoing
  9. Makenji Affordable Housing Project, Murang’a County Location: Murang’a, Makenji Price: Starting from KES 960,000 Unit Types: 3 Bedroom, 2 Bedroom, 1 Bedroom, Studio Apartments Status: Pending
  10. Isiolo Township Affordable Housing Project, Isiolo County Location: Isiolo, Isiolo Township Ward Price: Starting from KES 960,000 Unit Types: 3 Bedroom, 2 Bedroom, 1 Bedroom, Studio Apartments Status: Ongoing
  11. Moke Gardens Affordable Housing Development Location: Machakos, Athi River Town Price: Starting from KES 1,500,000 Unit Types: 3 Bedroom, 2 Bedroom, 1 Bedroom, Studio Apartments Status: Ongoing
  12. Chepalungu Affordable Housing Project, Bomet Location: Bomet, Chepalungu Price: Starting from KES 960,000 Unit Types: 3 Bedroom, 2 Bedroom, 1 Bedroom, Studio Apartments Status: Ongoing
  13. Kings Boma Estate Location: Kiambu, Ruiru Price: Starting from KES 1,250,000 Unit Types: 3 Bedroom, 2 Bedroom, 1 Bedroom, Studio Apartments Status: Ongoing
  14. Lurambi Affordable Housing Project, Kakamega County Location: Kakamega, Kakamega Price: Starting from KES 960,000 Unit Types: 3 Bedroom, 2 Bedroom, 1 Bedroom, Studio Apartments Status: Ongoing
  15. Fairvalley Heights Location: Nairobi, Athi River Price: Starting from KES 2,150,000 Unit Types: 3 Bedroom, 2 Bedroom, 1 Bedroom, Studio Apartments Status: Ongoing
  16. Bahati Affordable Housing Project, Nakuru County Location: Nakuru, Bahati Price: Starting from KES 960,000 Unit Types: 3 Bedroom, 2 Bedroom, 1 Bedroom, Studio Apartments Status: Ongoing
  17. Kapsuswa Affordable Housing Project, Uasin Gishu Location: Uasin Gishu, Eldoret Price: Starting from KES 960,000 Unit Types: 3 Bedroom, 2 Bedroom, 1 Bedroom, Studio Apartments Status: Pending
  18. Emgwen Affordable Housing Project, Nandi County Location: Nandi, Chesumei Price: Starting from KES 960,000 Unit Types: 3 Bedroom, 2 Bedroom, 1 Bedroom, Studio Apartments Status: Ongoing
  19. Seven Star Apartments Mtwapa Location: Kilifi, Mtwapa Price: Starting from KES 1,250,000 Unit Types: 3 Bedroom, 2 Bedroom, 1 Bedroom, Studio Apartments Status: Ongoing
  20. Kings Serenity Location: Kajiado, Rongai Price: Starting from KES 3,800,000 Unit Types: 3 Bedroom, 2 Bedroom, 1 Bedroom, Studio Apartments Status: Completed
  21. Buxton Point Location: Mombasa, Mvita Constituency, Tononoka Ward Price: Starting from KES 2,900,000 Unit Types: 3 Bedroom, 2 Bedroom, 1 Bedroom, Studio Apartments Status: Ongoing
  22. Nanyuki Affordable Housing Project, Laikipia County Location: Laikipia, Nanyuki Price: Starting from KES 960,000 Unit Types: 3 Bedroom, 2 Bedroom, 1 Bedroom, Studio Apartments Status: Ongoing
  23. Elburgon Affordable Housing Project, Nakuru Location: Nakuru, Elburgon Price: Starting from KES 960,000 Unit Types: 3 Bedroom, 2 Bedroom, 1 Bedroom, Studio Apartments Status: Ongoing
  24. University View Flats Location: Narok, Narok Town Price: Starting from KES 950,000 Unit Types: 3 Bedroom, 2 Bedroom, 1 Bedroom, Studio Apartments Status: Pending

Conclusion:

In conclusion, the Boma Yangu Project represents a bold and innovative approach to addressing Kenya’s affordable housing crisis. By leveraging public-private partnerships, innovative financing mechanisms, and community engagement strategies, the initiative has the potential to transform the lives of millions of Kenyans, empowering them to achieve their dreams of homeownership. As the project continues to evolve and expand, it is essential to maintain momentum, address challenges, and uphold principles of equity, sustainability, and social inclusion. With collective effort and commitment, we can build a brighter future where every Kenyan has a place to call home. Kenyans invited to buy gov’t affordable housing unit.