GLOBAL – An ambitious initiative in New South Wales (NSW), Australia, is capturing global attention for its innovative approach to a universal problem: the housing affordability crisis. On Monday, 24th November 2025, the NSW government launched a new set of pre-approved architectural designs for mid-rise apartment buildings, aiming to accelerate construction and address the state's significant housing shortage. This 'pattern book' strategy, which offers developers high-quality, ready-to-use building plans at a fraction of their typical cost, presents a compelling case study for nations like Kenya, which are grappling with similar urban housing challenges.

The Australian initiative is designed to tackle what urban planners call the “missing middle”—the gap between single-family homes and high-rise towers. The government has released nine new designs for apartment blocks ranging from three to six storeys, created by leading architectural firms. Developers can purchase these plans for between A$1,500 and A$2,500 (approximately KSh 128,000 to KSh 214,000) for an initial six-month period, a cost representing about 1% of typical architectural fees, which can often exceed KSh 5 million. The government projects that this, combined with planning reforms that fast-track approvals for projects using these designs, will help deliver 112,000 new homes over the next five years.

The Kenyan Context: A Strained Housing Agenda

The parallels to Kenya's situation are stark. The Kenyan government has an ambitious goal to construct 200,000 affordable housing units annually under its 'Boma Yangu' programme. However, the pace of delivery has been slow. According to data from the Affordable Housing Board, only 1,795 houses were completed in the year ending June 2025, a figure that starkly contrasts with the high demand and the KSh 73.2 billion collected through the housing levy during the same period. By April 2025, a total of approximately 140,000 units had been completed since the program's inception.

Developers and urban planners in Kenya consistently cite systemic challenges that hinder progress. These include lengthy and complex building approval processes involving multiple agencies like county governments, the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA), and the National Construction Authority (NCA). Furthermore, disjointed and exclusionary urban planning efforts, particularly in rapidly growing cities like Nairobi, exacerbate the problem. A 2025 report from the African Centre for Cities highlighted Nairobi's struggles with inadequate infrastructure, fragmented agencies, and a failure to regulate land and shelter markets, all of which complicate large-scale housing development.

Could a 'Pattern Book' Work in Kenya?

The core appeal of the NSW model is its dual focus on reducing costs and time—two of the biggest barriers in Kenya's construction sector. A pre-approved design catalogue could significantly streamline the initial stages of development. In Kenya, architectural and structural plans must be submitted for approval, a process that can be protracted. Adopting a 'pattern book' of pre-vetted, high-quality, and contextually appropriate designs could expedite this phase, allowing developers to move more quickly to financing and construction.

This approach could also foster higher design standards and sustainability. The Australian designs are noted for being energy-efficient and promoting cross-ventilation. A Kenyan equivalent could champion locally sourced materials, climate-resilient construction techniques, and designs that reflect diverse cultural and household needs, moving beyond monolithic blocks to create more liveable communities.

While Kenya has platforms for architectural excellence, such as the Architectural Association of Kenya's Duracoat Awards and the East Africa Institute of Architects' President's Award, these focus on recognizing completed projects rather than creating a repository of replicable, low-cost designs for mass housing. A government-led design competition, similar to what NSW conducted, could generate a portfolio of plans tailored for different regions and income levels across Kenya.

Challenges and Considerations for Local Adaptation

However, implementing such a system in Kenya would require careful consideration of local complexities. The 'one-size-fits-all' critique levelled at the NSW policy by some local government bodies there would be even more pronounced in Kenya, with its diverse climatic zones, varied topography, and unique county-level planning regulations. A successful Kenyan pattern book would need a variety of designs adaptable to different contexts, from the coastal regions to the highlands.

Furthermore, the success of pre-approved plans hinges on a streamlined and predictable approval pipeline. Without significant reforms to the multi-agency approval process, simply having a pattern book might not be enough to overcome bureaucratic hurdles. Political will would be essential to ensure that county and national agencies honour the 'fast-track' promise inherent in such a system.

Ultimately, while not a panacea, the NSW pattern book offers a valuable policy lesson. By standardizing and subsidizing quality design, the government can de-risk projects for developers, lower costs, and accelerate the delivery of much-needed housing. For Kenya, as it seeks to transform its urban landscape and meet the constitutional right to adequate housing, exploring a similar path could be a crucial step in turning ambitious blueprints into tangible homes for millions.