Habitat launches campaign to spotlight Kenya’s housing crisis

A global push to address the housing crisis has been launched in Africa, placing Kenya among countries in urgent need of safe and affordable homes.

Housing non-profit Habitat for Humanity has unveiled the “Let’s Open the Door” campaign, a worldwide initiative aimed at raising awareness and mobilising action toward closing the housing gap.

The campaign comes at a time when access to decent housing remains a major challenge in Kenya and across the continent.

Globally, one in three people lack access to safe housing, while in Africa, an estimated 62 per cent of urban dwellings are informal, exposing millions to climate risks, poor sanitation and economic vulnerability.

In Kenya, rapid urbanisation in cities such as Nairobi, Mombasa and Kisumu continues to outpace housing supply, leading to the growth of informal settlements.

Limited access to affordable mortgages and high construction costs have further locked out low- and middle-income earners from home ownership.

Habitat for Humanity International Chief Executive Officer Jonathan Reckford said the campaign seeks to rally governments, private sector players and communities to take action.

“Housing has been the core of Habitat’s work for 50 years. With the support of our partners, this campaign will create awareness of the need to increase access to affordable and sustainable housing,” he said.

The organisation is marking its 50th anniversary this year, using the milestone to amplify its call for inclusive housing solutions.

The campaign will run across more than 60 countries and feature activities such as pop-up installations; community builds and digital storytelling.

In Africa, Habitat for Humanity says the housing deficit is widening as cities absorb millions of new residents annually without matching investments in infrastructure and housing finance.

Mathabo Makuta, Habitat for Humanity Africa Senior Director for Programmes, emphasised the need for coordinated action.

“We need policy, finance and community action moving together. This is a call for everyone to get involved, whether by giving, volunteering or speaking up, to help close the housing gap,” she said.

In Kenya, the campaign is expected to complement ongoing government efforts under the Affordable Housing Programme, which aims to deliver thousands of housing units annually.

However, stakeholders have raised concerns over financing models, land availability and affordability for ordinary Kenyans.