How to Apply for Kenya’s Affordable Housing Units: A Step-by-Step Guide

Kenya’s Affordable Housing Programme (AHP) is part of the government’s Big Four Agenda, launched to bridge the gap between housing demand and supply for low- to middle-income earners. The program offers Kenyans a chance to own decent homes at subsidized rates in both urban and rural settings. With construction ongoing across the country—including in Nairobi, Kiambu, Mavoko, and Machakos—the dream of home ownership is now more attainable than ever.

This guide outlines everything you need to know about applying for Kenya’s affordable housing units—from eligibility to application and allocation.

Understanding the Affordable Housing Programme (AHP)

The AHP is managed under the State Department for Housing and Urban Development and implemented in collaboration with the Kenya Mortgage Refinance Company (KMRC), county governments, and private developers. It targets to deliver hundreds of thousands of low-cost housing units under three categories:

Social Housing – for individuals earning below KSh 20,000 per month.
Affordable Housing – for those earning between KSh 20,000 and KSh 149,000 per month.
Market Housing – for individuals earning above KSh 150,000 per month but seeking decent and secure homeownership.

Step 1: Determine Your Eligibility

Before applying, ensure you meet the following basic requirements:

Kenyan citizenship.
18 years and above.
A valid national ID (Huduma Namba is a bonus but not mandatory).
Proof of income – either employment payslips, bank statements for self-employed individuals, or any other income documentation.
NHDF contribution (explained in the next step).

Step 2: Register and Contribute to the National Housing Development Fund (NHDF)

The National Housing Development Fund is the financial backbone of the Affordable Housing Programme.

To register:

Visit the official Boma Yangu portal: www.bomayangu.go.ke
Create an account using your ID number and email address.
Update your profile with employment details and monthly income.
Choose your housing category based on income.

Once registered, begin making monthly contributions. Contributions are voluntary for now (mandatory contributions under the Housing Levy Act of 2023 are subject to employment status and salary structure). The minimum contribution is KSh 200 per month, but higher contributions increase your allocation chances.

Payments can be made via M-Pesa:

Paybill: 005500
Account number: Your national ID number

Step 3: Apply for a Specific Housing Project

After consistent NHDF contributions, you can apply for housing units in your preferred location.

Here’s how:

Log in to your Boma Yangu account.
Go to the “Housing Projects” section to view ongoing developments.
Select a housing project you’re interested in—such as Pangani, Park Road, Mavoko, Buxton, or Ngara.
Choose the house typology (e.g., 1-bedroom, 2-bedroom, or 3-bedroom).
Submit your application of interest.

Applicants are shortlisted based on income, contributions, and demand for specific units.

Step 4: Allocation and Notification

When a project nears completion, the State Department conducts a transparent balloting or vetting process to allocate units to applicants.

If you’re successful:

You’ll receive a notification via email and SMS.
You’ll be required to confirm acceptance within a set period.
Details regarding payment plans, mortgage options, or tenant purchase agreements (TPAs) will follow.

If not selected, your contributions roll over to future applications.

Step 5: Financing Options

To make ownership accessible, the AHP offers multiple payment and financing models:

Outright Purchase – pay the total price upfront.
Tenant Purchase Scheme (TPS) – pay a deposit (often 10–12%) and clear the balance in monthly installments over 15–25 years.
Mortgage Financing – through institutions like KMRC, Kenya Commercial Bank, or SACCOs with rates as low as 7% per annum.

Housing units start from KSh 600,000 for a one-bedroom, going up to KSh 3 million for larger homes in prime areas.

Step 6: Signing the Sale Agreement and Moving In

Upon successful allocation and completion of payments:

You’ll be invited to sign a sale or lease agreement.
Transfer of ownership or tenancy rights will be initiated.
You receive the keys and documents, enabling you to move into your new home.

For tenant purchase schemes, ownership is transferred after the full payment period.

Tips for a Successful Application

Contribute regularly to the NHDF to boost your allocation chances.
Choose housing projects that match your income and needs.
Keep all documentation updated—ID, KRA PIN, payslips, and contribution statements.
Consider joint applications (e.g., with a spouse) to increase eligibility.
Monitor your application status through the Boma Yangu dashboard.

How to Apply via USSD

Dial *832# on your mobile phone.
Follow the prompts to:
- Enter your National ID number.
- Provide personal details such as your full name and contact information.
- Select your preferred housing location and unit type.
Upon successful registration, you’ll receive a confirmation message with further instructions.

Making Contributions

After registration, you need to start saving towards your home deposit. Use the following details to make contributions via M-Pesa:

Paybill Number: 222222
Account Number: BOMA followed by your National ID number (e.g., BOMA12345678)

The minimum contribution is KSh 200, but you can save any amount at your convenience. Regular contributions enhance your chances during the allocation process.

Next Steps

Once you’ve registered and begun saving:

Monitor available housing projects through the USSD service or by visiting the Boma Yangu Portal
Apply for units in your preferred locations as they become available.
Await allocation notifications, which are conducted through a transparent process considering factors like your registration date, savings consistency, and housing demand.

Kenya’s Affordable Housing Programme offers a rare opportunity for ordinary citizens to own dignified homes through an inclusive, tech-driven process. While demand is high and allocation is competitive, consistent NHDF contributions, proper documentation, and active engagement through the Boma Yangu portal significantly improve your odds.

Whether you’re a young professional, public servant, or small business owner, now is the time to take a step toward homeownership. Sign up, stay updated, and secure your future—brick by brick.

For More Information:

Website: www.bomayangu.go.ke
Email: [email protected]
Call Center: 020 222 2222

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