The Architectural Association of Kenya (AAK) have raised concern over the high cost of land in Kenya and its impact to the affordable housing plan.
In its Status of Build Environment Report 2024 released in December 2024, the association noted that the high cost of land drives up the cost of houses, locking out many Kenyans in the process.
As highlighted by the experts, land prices especially in Nairobi had grown significantly with some areas witnessing a growth of over Ksh50 million per acre in the last 10 years.
"Over the past decade, urban land prices have surged due to population growth, rapid urbanization, and speculative investments," read the report in part.
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"For example, the cost of prime land in Nairobi’s Upper Hill area has risen by over Ksh50 million between 2014 and 2024."
As a solution, AAK suggested that the government ought to make public land available for housing projects.
"To mitigate this, the government needs to allocate more public land for housing developments and implement regulations to curb speculative practices that artificially drive up land prices," the association suggested.
According to the report, the Ruto administration has managed to complete 1,189 affordable housing units with, 91,882 units still under development.
"The progress of the AHP is credited to the contributions of technical experts and consultants who have supported the project’s design, planning, and financing strategies. A total of 300 professionals have been engaged through 33 consortia to oversee design, project management, and the sale of housing units," AAK added in the report
Meanwhile, the government announced plans to sell 4,888 housing units across the country.
The houses were divided into three categories targeting Kenyans with various incomes. Social Housing targets Kenyans who earn below Ksh20,000. Affordable Housing units will be sold to Kenyans who earn between Ksh20,000-Ksh149,000.
The Affordable Middle-Class Housing units target Kenyans who earn above Ksh149,000.
In terms of cost, the house prices range between Ksh640,000 to Ksh5 million depending on the class category and the house typology (studio, one bedroom, two and three bedroom houses).
