How to Apply for Affordable Housing in Kenya

Updated 18 October 2026

Kenya’s Affordable Housing Programme aims to give low and middle income earners a chance to own a home through government backed projects in towns across the country. Applications are made online through the official Boma Yangu platform. Many people pay the housing levy every month without knowing they can apply for a unit. This guide explains how the programme works, how to register and apply, how allocation is done and how to avoid fraudsters who pretend to sell units.

How the Programme Works

The government partners with developers to build housing units in different counties. Units are offered to registered applicants, who can buy through tenant purchase schemes, mortgages or cash, depending on the project. The programme is funded partly through the Affordable Housing Levy, deducted from salaries at 1.5% of gross pay with a matching 1.5% from the employer, under the Affordable Housing Act of 2024.

Who Can Apply

• Kenyan citizens aged 18 and above with a valid ID.
• Applicants whose income falls within the bands targeted by each project. Projects are grouped for different income levels, from social housing to affordable and market rate units.
• You do not need to be a salaried worker. Informal sector workers can register and save towards a deposit.

Step by Step: Registering on Boma Yangu

1. Go to the official Boma Yangu portal from the State Department for Housing website.
2. Create an account using your ID number, phone number and email.
3. Verify your account with the code sent to your phone.
4. Complete your profile, including income details and preferred locations.
5. Log in any time to view projects and your application status.

Applying for a Unit

1. Browse available projects on the portal and read the details: location, unit types, prices and payment options.
2. Check whether you meet the eligibility rules for that project.
3. Select the unit type you want and submit your application.
4. Pay any required deposit or savings contribution through the official payment channels shown on the portal only.
5. Track allocation updates on your account and by SMS.

Saving Towards a Deposit

Boma Yangu lets registered users save towards a home deposit. Saving regularly, even small amounts, strengthens your position when units become available. Treat it like any other savings goal and set aside a fixed amount each month. Tools like money market funds can also help you build savings that you later move into your deposit.

How Allocation Works

Allocation rules are set for each project and can consider registration, savings, eligibility and the number of applicants. Announcements are made through the portal and official government channels. Being registered early and keeping your profile up to date helps.

Tips to Improve Your Chances

Register as early as possible and keep your income and contact details current. Choose more than one location if you are flexible, since popular projects in big towns attract many applicants. Save consistently, because a ready deposit makes it easier to take up a unit when it is offered. Read every project notice carefully and respond before deadlines.

Avoiding Housing Scams

• Apply only through the official Boma Yangu portal.
• Pay only through official channels listed on the portal. Never pay an individual’s M-Pesa number or a broker.
• Ignore social media adverts promising guaranteed allocation for a fee.
• Verify any letter or message by logging into your own account.

Costs to Plan For

Besides the unit price, plan for any deposit, legal fees and, for mortgages, charges linked to the loan. First time home buyers in government affordable housing have in some cases benefited from stamp duty exemptions. Read our stamp duty guide on Business Radar and confirm current rules before you commit.

Questions to Ask Before Committing to a Unit

• What is the full price, and what does the monthly payment look like over the whole term?
• Is the payment plan tenant purchase, mortgage or cash, and what happens if I miss payments?
• When is the project expected to be completed?
• What service charges will apply after I move in?
• Can I sell or transfer the unit later, and are there restrictions?

Getting clear answers in writing protects you and helps you compare projects fairly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is registration on Boma Yangu free?

Yes. Creating an account is free.

Do I need to be paying the housing levy to apply?

No. Both salaried and informal sector workers can register.

Can I choose the county I want?

Yes, you select from available projects and locations.

How do I know my application status?

Log in to Boma Yangu and check your dashboard.

Can I get my housing levy refunded?

Refund and transfer rules are set by law and regulations. Check the latest guidance from the Affordable Housing Board.