Modern Construction Technologies in Kenya: Innovative Solutions to Address the Housing Crisis and Reduce Costs
Calls to strengthen partnerships to provide affordable housing
Written by: Mohamed Ragab
Kenya is moving towards enhancing the use of modern construction technologies as one of the main solutions to address the housing crisis the country is facing, amid rising construction costs and rapid urbanization. In this context, “Habitat for Humanity - Kenya” has called for the expansion of cooperation between the government, the private sector, and development partners to adopt innovative construction technologies that rely on local materials, contributing to the provision of safe and affordable housing.
The call came during the Housing Innovation Forum and Exhibition hosted by Nanyuki town in Laikipia County. The organization emphasized that millions of Kenyans, both in urban and rural areas, continue to live in housing lacking basic services such as water and sanitation.
New technologies reduce construction costs
Eileen Mukaya, National Director of Habitat for Humanity—Kenya, said that the use of alternative construction techniques can reduce housing construction costs by up to 25%, explaining that relying on locally available materials reduces expenses associated with transporting building materials, which often exceed the cost of the materials themselves.
She added that prominent among these techniques are Compressed Stabilized Earth Blocks (CSEB) and Interlocking Stabilized Soil Blocks (ISSB), which are techniques that allow for the production of building materials within the project site, thereby reducing costs and increasing construction efficiency.
Solutions that support the economy and preserve the environment
Mokaya explained that the benefits of these technologies are not limited to reducing construction costs, but also extend to supporting environmental conservation efforts by reducing the use of traditional materials and limiting emissions from transportation processes, in addition to providing new job opportunities for youth and women in the local manufacturing and marketing of building materials.
The national and provincial governments have also called for greater involvement of youth and women in the implementation of housing projects, considering them essential elements in addressing the housing deficit and achieving community development.
Land ownership remains a challenge.
For his part, Laikipia County Deputy Governor, Rubu Ndirangu Kamore, affirmed that Kenya's housing crisis is not only linked to the rising cost of construction but also to challenges related to land ownership, which hinder the implementation of many housing projects.
He pointed out that the provincial government is working in cooperation with the organization «Habitat for Humanity» to facilitate land titling procedures and surveying work, with the aim of enabling citizens to obtain ownership deeds and encouraging investment in the sector.
Growing housing deficit in Kenya
Kenya faces a significant housing deficit due to rapid population growth, rising construction material prices, and weak mortgage financing.
2019 census data indicates a deficit of approximately 14.7 million habitable rooms.
The 2023/2024 Housing Survey also showed that the homeownership rate is only 22.8% in urban areas, compared to 85.5% in rural areas, which underscores the need to accelerate the implementation of innovative solutions that ensure the provision of decent and sustainable housing for citizens.
