Housing & Investments - Sacco Review | The Leading Newspaper for Co-operative Movement in Kenya

Machakos University hostel project resumes after construction delay

Sacco ReviewJuly 22, 2026July 22, 202604 mins

Construction of the Ksh1.2 billion Machakos University Student Village hostel has resumed after delays caused by difficult ground conditions, with the contractor implementing a recovery plan. The project will deliver three hostel blocks accommodating about 2,520 students, alongside access roads, power infrastructure and a student mini mart. The contractor will run simultaneous construction, extended working…

Skilled labour shortage drives up construction costs in Kenya

Sacco ReviewJuly 21, 202605 mins

Kenya’s construction labour costs rose by 4.38% between the first and second quarters of 2026, driven by growing demand for skilled workers. Carpenters, painters, welders, and mechanics recorded the biggest wage increases, reflecting a shortage of skilled artisans across the sector. Rising labour costs, alongside higher prices for building materials, transport, and fuel, continue to…

President Ruto launching the Affordable housing in Mukuru

Boma Yangu refunds near half of Sh5.47 billion raised as more savers pull out

Sacco ReviewJuly 20, 202603 mins

Kenyans have withdrawn Ksh2.56 billion from the Boma Yangu scheme. Refunds have increased 3.5 times since President Ruto took office. Refunds are rising faster than new savings, signalling weaker confidence. Kenyans have pulled more than Ksh2.5 billion out of the government’s Boma Yangu housing savings scheme, as growing numbers of contributors abandon the programme and…

KCB, KDF launch mortgage scheme to help 50,000 military officers own homes

Sacco ReviewJuly 17, 202604 mins

KCB, KDF and government agencies launched a mortgage scheme for over 50,000 military officers. The programme will finance home purchases, construction, renovations and affordable housing. KDF says the initiative will boost troop welfare through increased home ownership. Kenya Commercial Bank (KCB), the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF), the Civil Servants Housing Scheme Fund and the Affordable…

Property developers face years-long wait for approvals, KPDA handbook reveals

Sacco ReviewJuly 3, 202607 mins

According to KPDA, bureaucratic procedures, overlapping regulations and corruption are among the key challenges delaying projects and increasing construction costs. Nearly two in three property developers in Kenya have projects stuck in the approval process, with some waiting more than two years for permits, according to a newly launched industry handbook. The Kenya Property Developers…

Parliament summons CS Wahome over stalled housing projects nationwide

Sacco ReviewJune 27, 202606 mins

Parliament has summoned Lands and Housing Cabinet Secretary Alice Wahome to a Speaker’s Kamukunji session scheduled for Thursday, July 2, to respond to concerns over stalled projects across the country, including the Affordable Housing Programme, one of the Kenya Kwanza administration’s flagship initiatives. National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula issued the directive on Thursday, June 25,…

Transparency International flags governance gaps in affordable housing projects

Sacco ReviewJune 25, 202604 mins

The Affordable Housing Programme has come under renewed scrutiny after a new corruption risk assessment revealed significant governance weaknesses that could undermine its ability to deliver transparent and affordable homes to citizens. The study, conducted by Transparency International (TI), examined flagship infrastructure projects and found that housing developments in Vihiga and Kiambu counties face moderately…

PS Hinga: affordable housing ownership protected beyond 2027 elections

Sacco ReviewJune 19, 202603 mins

Housing Principal Secretary Charles Hinga has assured Kenyans that beneficiaries of the Affordable Housing Programme will retain ownership of their homes, regardless of which government comes into power after the next elections. On Thursday, June 18, Hinga dismissed claims from the opposition suggesting that houses acquired under the programme could be repossessed following the 2027…

Govt allocates Ksh50 billion to strengthen Affordable Housing programme

Sacco ReviewJune 12, 2026June 12, 202604 mins

Government has allocated Ksh50.6 billion for the Affordable Housing Programme in the 2026/27 financial year. Treasury CS John Mbadi said the investment is aimed at accelerating construction of affordable housing units nationwide. The programme is also expected to create jobs across the construction sector, including labour, materials supply, and related services. By Frank Mugwe The…

Gov’t plans to end zero-rated VAT for affordable housing

Sacco ReviewJune 12, 202604 mins

The government has announced plans to scrap the zero-rated Value Added Tax (VAT) status currently applied to affordable housing projects, signalling a major change in the taxation of one of its flagship development programmes. Speaking during a press briefing, National Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi said the proposed reforms will be included in the 2026…