Parliament Lowers Affordable Housing Deposit to 5% — Adds Rural Access and Appeals via Boma Yangu

Nairobi, August 15, 2025 — The National Assembly has approved sweeping revisions to the Affordable Housing Regulations of 2025, aiming to make government-built homes more accessible. Key reforms include:

• Deposit Cut to 5%: The required down payment for housing units has been slashed from 10% to 5%, easing the financial burden on low-income families. 

• Clearer Eligibility Criteria: The updated rules specify who qualifies for affordable versus market-rate housing, ensuring transparency and fairness. 

• Rural Building Option: Kenyans can now access affordable housing loans to build homes in their rural areas, expanding the programme beyond urban centres. 

• Boma Yangu Savings Mechanism: Applicants will use the Boma Yangu app to save, apply, and access loans within a transparent platform. 

• Appeals and Deposit Refunds: Individuals who are unsuccessful in the initial allocation can appeal, claim refunds, and reapply for units that suit their needs. 

Political Oversight and Transparency

Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah urged citizens to register on the platform, emphasizing that Members of Parliament cannot qualify for social or affordable housing, though they may apply for market-rate housing. 

Ichung’wah reassured the nation that the allocation process would be transparent and accountable to restore public trust in housing delivery. 

At a Glance: Overview of the New Affordable Housing Framework

Why This Matters

These reforms address longstanding challenges in Kenya’s housing sector by lowering entry barriers, enhancing transparency, and empowering rural homeowners. The inclusion of the Boma Yangu platform ensures digitized accountability, while deposit refunds and appeal mechanisms offer recourse for failed applicants.