Govt responds after David Ndii’s claim that affordable houses are not for the poor

The State Department of Housing held a different view from President William Ruto's economic adviser, David Ndii, regarding remarks that the Affordable Housing Programme wasn't intended for low-income Kenyans. Ndii's comments ignited a debate about the program's accessibility, especially for those earning less than Ksh20,000 monthly, who might find it challenging to meet deposit and monthly payment requirements for home ownership.

Ndii claimed the program was meant to foster a broader middle-class, rather than solely benefit the poorest households. He argued that affordable housing enabled low-income earners to achieve the same standard of living as others, including providing opportunities for their children's recreational activities. However, Boma Yangu, through the state department of housing, clarified that the program serves households across various income brackets, including those earning less than Ksh20,000 monthly.

They specified that the Social Housing category is specifically designed for this income group. The department also clarified that applicants who cannot afford the five percent deposit required for the program may seek assistance from the Affordable Housing Board. The clarification underscores the government's stance that low-income households are included in the Affordable Housing Programme.

The program categorizes households into social housing (earning up to Ksh19,999), low-cost housing (earning between Ksh20,000 and Ksh49,999), and mortgage-gap (earning between Ksh50,000 and Ksh149,999). These categories aim to cater to different financial capabilities and expand homeownership opportunities. Despite this clarification, the issue of deposit requirements and subsequent monthly payments remains a concern for low-income applicants.