International Recognition in Cape Town

Kenya's State Department for Housing and Urban Development was awarded the Certified Bronze Gigacity Award 2025 by the World Broadband Association (WBBA) in a ceremony held in Cape Town, South Africa, on Tuesday, 11th November 2025, EAT. Housing Principal Secretary Charles Hinga, who received the award, was also recognised for his role in the smart cities initiative. The WBBA Director-General, Martin Creaner, commended the department for revising Kenya's Building Code to support high-speed gigabit connectivity, which is intended to improve digital infrastructure in new housing projects. According to the organisers, the award recognises countries building modern urban centres that boost business productivity through technology.

The Government's Blueprint for Housing

The Affordable Housing Programme (AHP) is a central pillar of President William Ruto's administration, aiming to address a national housing deficit estimated at over two million units. The government's ambitious target is to construct 200,000 to 250,000 units annually. According to official statements, over 214,000 housing units are currently under construction across all 47 counties. PS Hinga stated the programme has created over 300,000 direct and indirect jobs and is projected to generate up to one million jobs over its lifecycle. Lands Cabinet Secretary Alice Wahome has reiterated the government's commitment to delivering one million units by 2027.

The Contentious Housing Levy

Funding this ambitious plan is the controversial housing levy, re-established under the Affordable Housing Act of 2024 following legal challenges. The law mandates a 1.5% deduction from the gross salaries of all employees, with a matching 1.5% contribution from employers. Despite its legal backing, which was upheld by the High Court in October 2024, the levy faces ongoing criticism and fresh legal petitions from civil society groups who argue it is an unfair tax burden on already strained salaried workers. Critics also raise concerns about transparency and the management of the collected funds. In a statement that caused public debate, CS Wahome clarified that contributing to the levy is a tax and does not guarantee the allocation of a house.

Delivery, Affordability, and Public Scrutiny

While the government reports significant progress, the actual delivery of completed homes has fallen short of annual targets. In early 2025, CS Wahome acknowledged that the 200,000-unit annual target might not be met due to initial delays, including court cases. The definition of "affordable" also remains a key point of contention. The programme targets individuals earning between KSh 15,000 and KSh 149,999 per month. However, critics, including the Architectural Association of Kenya, argue that the current pricing models do not align with the financial realities of most low-income families. There are also concerns that the programme's rollout has sidelined built-environment professionals, potentially compromising housing quality, and that the rapid development is outpacing investment in essential infrastructure like transport and sewerage.

The Path Forward for Kenya's Housing Agenda

The international award provides a moment of recognition for the government's efforts to integrate modern technology into its urban development plans. However, it arrives at a time when the domestic implementation of the Affordable Housing Programme is under intense scrutiny. The success of this cornerstone government project will ultimately be measured not by international accolades, but by its ability to navigate legal challenges, ensure financial transparency, and deliver a sufficient number of genuinely affordable, high-quality homes to the Kenyan citizens it is intended to serve. The balance between celebrating digital innovation and addressing the fundamental concerns of cost, access, and delivery remains the critical challenge for the State Department for Housing.