Next government urged to let private developers lead in the implementation of affordable houses

Mizizi Africa Homes is calling on the next Government administration to create an enabling environment that will make it easier for private developers to put up more affordable housing units.

The developer wants the next administration to focus on implementing fiscal, social, and economic policies that will bring down the cost of construction materials and lower rates on home loans- while allowing private developers to lead in putting up the low-cost housing units.

“We would like to see policies that promote the adoption of low-cost housing technologies, standards for building materials, and regulatory controls, such as lowering interest rates on loans to ensure more people access capital to unlock homeownership opportunities,” said Mizizi Africa Homes Chief Executive Officer, George Mburu.

Mburu said this would promote the rollout of mass affordable housing units and allow more Kenyans to move to homeownership. He spoke when he officiated the company’s third handover ceremony- to deliver Pigeon Estate- a14 units developed to individual owners over the weekend.

The 14 units – beautifully designed three-bedroom bungalows, all en suite are part of more than 69 units the company had earlier announced it would hand over to customers over the first half of 2022.

“Provision of affordable housing is key in helping Kenya attain its Vision 2030 goals, by according the citizenry clean and secure dwelling places. This will also improve the quality of life for many Kenyans by supporting the creation of jobs and boosting manufacturing output,” said Mburu.

The Government’s Affordable Housing Programme(AHP) showed that the government is keen on ensuring many more Kenyans can own homes. However, the current administration has not been able to meet its target of delivering 500,000 units within its own set five-year deadline.

“This is not failure, but rather a learning curve on implementation. Let us say that we were on a pilot stage and now we can pick crucial lessons and make it even better in the next dispensation,” said Mburu.