94% of Kenyans say stable housing helps build stronger communities – UN-Habitat report

A new global housing report by Habitat for Humanity International reveals that 94% of Kenyans believe that stable housing is crucial for building stronger communities, exceeding the 88% average for African countries and the 85% global average. This highlights a lesser-known aspect of Kenya's housing challenge, illustrating how having a secure place to live directly impacts relationships, community participation, and support networks.

The Global Housing Research Report 2026 surveyed over 30,000 individuals across 22 nations, focusing on housing's effects on safety, stability, dignity, health, opportunity, and belonging. Globally, 85% of respondents feel that stable housing aids community building, a statistic that climbs to 88% in African countries, with Kenya leading at 94%.

Habitat for Humanity emphasizes that housing extends beyond mere shelter, influencing whether individuals feel connected, supported, and able to engage fully in their communities. The report notes that frequent relocations, financial strain, and housing uncertainties can hinder both household finances and long-term relationships, making it harder to form local support networks.

A Kenyan respondent described how stable housing allows for settlement, welcoming family and friends, and a sense of belonging within the neighborhood. The report underscores a reciprocal relationship: while stable housing aids community development, strong community ties enhance housing stability. This two-way dynamic was echoed by 79% of global respondents who believe that thriving communities facilitate housing stability.

Habitat for Humanity stresses that housing stability does more than provide shelter; it enables people to recover, maintain well-being, and feel connected. In Kenya, this underscores the importance of housing not just for affordability or safety but for creating roots within the community. The report also connects community relationships with perceived safety, finding that globally, 61% of respondents link safety to community reliance.

In Africa, this figure rises to 67%. Habitat for Humanity advocates that housing should offer more than physical protection, encompassing privacy, security, and resilience, with community support providing additional safety nets during crises. Overall, the report argues that housing should be viewed as a foundation for life, influencing mental and physical health.

For Kenya, the 94% finding reinforces the need to consider community and belonging as key components of a home, alongside affordability, safety, and stability, in addressing the expectations of millions of Kenyans.