KISUMU, Kenya – The government has singled out the Kenya Mortgage Refinance Company (KMRC) as a key driver in the push to expand affordable housing in the country, crediting the firm with unlocking long-term financing and enabling thousands of low- and middle-income Kenyans to own homes.
Speaking at the 4th Kenya Affordable Housing Conference (KAHC) in Kisumu, Lands and Housing Cabinet Secretary Alice Wahome described KMRC as “a critical pillar” in the implementation of the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA).
She noted that the company had so far disbursed more than Sh21.4 billion in single-digit, fixed-rate loans to primary lenders, helping to finance over 4,500 affordable mortgages across 39 counties.
“KMRC is closing the affordability gap that has kept ordinary Kenyans locked out of home ownership,” said CS Wahome at the event held at the Grand Royal Swiss Hotel. “Its model proves that affordable housing is not just a policy ambition, but an achievable reality.”
The conference—held under the theme “Revolutionizing Housing Finance: Innovation Meets Sustainability”—brought together stakeholders from across East Africa and beyond, including delegations from Uganda, Tanzania, India, Pakistan, Malaysia, and global housing finance agencies.
It comes at a time when Kenya is racing to meet ambitious housing targets amid rapid urbanization and land scarcity.
KMRC CEO Johnstone Oltetia said the company was committed to reshaping Kenya’s housing finance landscape through market-driven solutions and strong partnerships.
“We believe housing is the foundation of inclusive growth,” he said. “To transform lives, we must institutionalize innovation, unlock sustainable capital, and remove legal and demographic barriers that stand in the way of scale.”
Oltetia called for stronger public-private partnerships and emphasized the need to align national and county efforts to create a more integrated and investor-ready housing sector.
Kisumu Governor Prof. Anyang’ Nyong’o, the host of this year’s conference, pointed to ongoing projects that he said reflect the county’s leadership in delivering affordable housing on a large scale.
These include the Makasembo Estate (1,870 units), Anderson Ofafa Estate (1,200+ units), Lumumba Estate (2,384 units), Kanyakwar Project (2,600 units), and Kirembe Estate.
“In Kisumu, affordable housing is not just about bricks and mortar—it is about dignity, equity, and economic renewal,” said Nyong’o. “Counties must step up not just as facilitators, but as co-investors who are willing to provide land, infrastructure, and the legislative backing needed for success.”
He added that harmonizing policy and planning across government levels would help remove bureaucratic delays that often stall progress.
CS Wahome highlighted several reforms already underway to support housing delivery, including the digitization of land records via Ardhisasa—a secure platform meant to enhance transparency, reduce fraud, and speed up development approvals.
The system is live in Nairobi and Murang’a, with rollout underway in Mombasa, Isiolo, and Marsabit, and plans to eventually cover all 47 counties.
“Ardhisasa is a game changer. It’s more than a database—it’s the infrastructure for a modern, transparent, and efficient land market,” she said.
The Cabinet Secretary also pointed to the full implementation of the Sectional Properties Act, which enables apartment owners to receive individual title deeds.
She described the legislation as critical to unlocking housing finance in high-density urban developments where vertical construction is becoming the norm.
“Bankable, high-rise housing will define the future of our cities,” said Wahome. “This law ensures that developers and homeowners alike have the legal tools to participate in that future.”
The event also drew support from international delegates and global financial institutions, who underscored the importance of regional cooperation and knowledge exchange in tackling the continent’s housing deficit.
“Your presence here affirms that the housing challenge—and its solutions—are shared across borders,” said Wahome.
As the first day of the two-day conference concluded, the tone was clear: Kenya’s housing revolution must be driven by urgency, unity, and action.
“This cannot just be another conference,” said Oltetia. “It must mark the start of deeper collaboration and the scaling of real, practical solutions.”
Governor Nyong’o echoed the call, urging all stakeholders to commit to long-term coordination and shared responsibility.
“When we act together—through aligned policies, joint investments, and integrated systems—we don’t just build homes. We build communities that thrive,” he said.
The conference concludes on August 8.
