The government is encouraging Kenyans to embrace the newly launched Deposit Assistance Initiative, a key component of the Affordable Housing Programme, aimed at supporting more citizens especially low- and middle-income earners on their journey to homeownership.
Speaking during the official launch event in South B, Nairobi, Sheila Waweru, the acting CEO of the Affordable Housing Board, highlighted the government’s renewed efforts to remove financial barriers to housing access. She described the Deposit Assistance Initiative as a “transformational tool” that will help more Kenyans move from renting to owning homes in a sustainable and dignified way.
“The dream of homeownership should not be reserved for the privileged few,” said Waweru. “With this initiative, we are bridging the gap and ensuring that every Kenyan, regardless of their income level, has a fair chance to own a decent home.”
The event also featured the presence of Nairobi South Ward MCA Waithera Chege, who joined Waweru in engaging local residents and stakeholders. Together, they toured the Mukuru Affordable Housing Project, which is among the flagship developments under the Affordable Housing Programme.
Mukuru, one of Nairobi’s most densely populated informal settlements, is undergoing a major transformation through the project, which promises modern, affordable, and well-planned housing units. The Deposit Assistance Plan is set to play a critical role in enabling residents to transition into these new homes by providing financial support for initial deposits, which are often a major hurdle for many prospective homeowners.
MCA Waithera Chege commended the initiative, urging residents to register for the housing programme and take advantage of government-backed opportunities. “This is your chance to change your living conditions and invest in your future,” she told attendees.
The Affordable Housing Programme, one of the pillars of the government’s Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA), continues to gain traction across the country. With the rollout of deposit assistance, the government hopes to accelerate uptake and foster inclusive urban development.
Applications for the Deposit Assistance Initiative can be made through the Affordable Housing Programme portal, with priority given to verified applicants living within targeted housing project zones.
