In Kenya, Affordable Housing Dreams Built On a Digital Platform

The Boma Yangu a digital platform where Kenyans can save for affordable housing was launched last week. The upgraded platform is among over 5,000 functions unveiled under the government digital services portal, e-Citizen.

Through Boma Yangu, Kenyans can register, save and own studio, one-bedroom, two-bedroom and three bedroom apartments from various ongoing real estate projects being developed in partnership with private real estate developers.

President William Ruto has hailed the Boma Yangu platform as a strategic move to increase homeownership among middle to low-income earners and create employment opportunities.

“The Boma Yangu is a key plank for our bottom-up agenda as it provides an easy and convenient avenue through which Kenyans own a home at an affordable price,” Mr Ruto said during the launch in Nairobi. “Already over 25,000 Kenyans are voluntarily saving on the portal and have so far contributed over Ksh1.8 billion.”

He said the Affordable Housing Program will create estimated jobs 3-5 jobs for every unit constructed. “We expect to boost productivity in key segments such as jua kali, women and youth which will increase their income levels and impact the economy positively,” the president said.

More than 38,500 housing units in various stages of development have been commissioned for development under the Kenya Kwanza administration.

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Principal Secretary for the State Department of Housing and Urban Development Charles Hinga said Boma Yangu platform is a market ecosystem that brings together various stakeholders such as developers, financiers, technology providers, land owners and home buyers to  the Affordable Housing Programme, with over 350,000 registered potential homeowners.

With a 10% down payment, one can get allocated their preferred housing unit servicing the remaining balance for a period of up to 30 years.

Boma Yangu is also accessible via the USSD platform, by dialling *832#. To register, one must be a Kenyan Citizen, above 18 years, and have a valid National Identity Card.

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