Ichung’wah Explains Criteria for Affordable Housing Allocation

National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah has outlined the new criteria for allocating Affordable Housing units, promising Kenyans a process that is both transparent and inclusive.

Addressing Parliament on Thursday, August 14, 2025, Ichung’wah explained that the guidelines – anchored in the Affordable Housing Act of 2024 – seek to guarantee fairness while shielding the program from political interference.

“It is important to have clear criteria to determine who qualifies for affordable housing and how they are allocated. That is what these regulations aim to achieve,” he said.

The new rules introduce an automated application system with no human involvement, a deliberate step to stamp out corruption and favoritism in housing allocations.

Ichung’wah stressed that Members of Parliament cannot benefit from affordable or social housing units but may apply for market-rate units, which come at a much higher cost. Applicants will have three options: social housing for low-income earners, affordable housing for middle-income groups, and market-value housing for higher-income buyers.

“I want to invite Kenyans to register. The system is transparent. If you meet the criteria, you will qualify, and if you don’t, the regulations provide an appeal mechanism. You can get your deposit back, continue saving, or apply for a different house,” he assured.

Applicants can apply for a housing unit anywhere in the country, with no location restrictions. The regulations also cater to rural housing needs by allowing individuals to access funds to build homes in their villages.

“The procedure for accessing a loan is clearly outlined in the regulations,” Ichung’wah said, encouraging Kenyans to start saving through the Boma Yangu platform to secure their eligibility.

This provision aims to strike a balance between urban and rural housing development while helping to reduce rural-to-urban migration.

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