HFC, Athletics Kenya ink affordable home loans deal

HFC, HF Group's banking subsidiary, has entered into a new partnership with Athletics Kenya (AK) that will see the financier offer affordable home loans to local athletes at the incentivized rates of the Kenya Mortgage Refinancing Company (KMRC).

The deal will connect athletes to affordable housing developers and affordable housing projects allocated by the State, through joint application to the State Department of Housing and Urban Development.

Additionally, athletes and AK members will also receive training in responsible financial management while also gaining an understanding of the significance of planning for attainable homeownership while in their prime years.  

“As a bank, we are committed to strategic partnerships that enrich lives and believe that through this partnership, we will empower our gallant sportsmen and women to access credit and own their homes,” HF Group CEO Robert Kibaara said during the signing of the deal.

“Many Kenyans rely on financing for home purchase and as a bank, we are well-equipped to help them navigate this journey by providing relevant home ownership savings plans and end-buyer financing options."

General (Rtd) Jack Tuwei, AK's President, hailed the partnership as a welcome initiative that will ensure the long-term welfare of Kenyan athletes even after their retirement from sports.

“Many times, we have heard and read of stories of sportsmen and women living in abject poverty despite bringing glory to the country. Many of them are struggling to pay rent or find that they are incurring a lot of expenses towards the same. With this new partnership, as an athlete, you are assured that you will always have a roof over your head,” said Tuwei.

Additionally, Tuwei urged local athletes to join the initiative and invest their winnings into owning affordable homes.

"As an athlete, one of the best ways to reward yourself for all the hard work on the track, field, road or cross country is to invest in a palatial home where you will always rest easy and reflect on your glory days in peace. You will always be filled with pride and joy when you see that all your talent never went to waste,” he said.