Kenyan President William Ruto has launched a new affordable housing project in western Kenya as part of ongoing efforts to address the country’s housing shortage.
The Nasewa housing development, located in Matayos in Busia County, is valued at 5.5 billion Kenyan shillings (about $42.5 million).
The project will provide 2,000 housing units, improving access to decent and affordable homes for Kenyan households.
It forms part of the government’s national affordable housing program, aimed at reducing the housing deficit while expanding access to lower-cost housing.
In addition to homes, the initiative is expected to create jobs, especially for young people, and support local economic activity.
According to the post on X, the new residential complex will complement the Nasewa industrial and aggregation park, strengthening the area’s economic ecosystem and supporting productive activities.
Don’t Miss This:
Kenya To Use Pipeline IPO Funds To Expand Main Airport
Affordable housing is a key part of Kenya’s economic transformation agenda. The country faces an estimated annual housing deficit of about 200,000 units, with demand reaching roughly 250,000 units per year, compared to only 50,000 units being built, mostly in the high-end segment, according to government data.
Housing-related costs continue to rise, with prices for housing, water, electricity, gas, and other fuels increasing by 1.8% between February 2025 and February 2026, according to the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics.
To address the gap, the government has introduced reforms including the 2024 Affordable Housing Act, which created a dedicated fund to finance and develop housing projects.
Authorities are also working to expand access to mortgage financing, aiming to increase the number of home loans from about 27,800 to 1 million.
The launch of the Nasewa project is part of a five-day development tour by President Ruto across western Kenya, which also includes visits to Kakamega County and Vihiga County to review ongoing public projects.
During the tour, Ruto also inaugurated several infrastructure initiatives, including a modern market in Budalangi valued at 130 million Kenyan shillings, providing traders, especially women and youth, with a safer, better-equipped space for their activities.
Don’t Miss This:
Kenya’s KCB Group Reports 11% Increase In 2025 Profit As Interest Income Strengthens
Image Credit: Daily Post Media Ltd
