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 high corruption risks linked to gaps in documentation, procurement, public participation, and oversight.
According to the assessment, the Vihiga Affordable Housing Project scored 3.56 out of 5.0 on the corruption risk scale, while the Kiambu Civil Servants Housing Scheme recorded 3.24. Both housing initiatives were flagged for vulnerabilities that could compromise accountability, transparency, and value for money.
The report highlighted missing critical project documentation, including Environmental Impact Assessments, feasibility studies, and Bills of Quantities.
TI warned that such gaps raise questions about whether housing projects are being implemented with sufficient technical, financial, and environmental assessments, while also limiting public scrutiny of costs and expected outcomes.
Concerns were also raised over the programme’s financing model and whether it adequately addresses Kenya’s most pressing housing challenges. Researchers noted that community engagement often takes place after projects have already commenced rather than during planning and design stages, weakening citizen oversight and limiting opportunities for local communities to influence projects intended to serve them.
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The assessment further identified potential conflicts of interest in procurement, including restricted supply chains and the possibility of vested interests influencing contractor selection. Combined with limited oversight and unclear project selection criteria, these weaknesses contributed to the elevated risk ratings.
TI Kenya Executive Director Sheila Masinde underscored the urgency of reforms, noting that the high corruption risks identified in projects such as the SGR highlight the need for transparency, accountability, and public participation at every stage of infrastructure planning and implementation. “Without urgent reforms, we risk losing billions of public resources while failing to deliver meaningful benefits to citizens,” she said.
The report recommended greater disclosure of contracts and project information, stronger public participation frameworks, stricter procurement standards, independent oversight mechanisms, and full compliance with environmental and social safeguard requirements.
The report argued that such reforms will be essential if major infrastructure projects, including affordable housing, are to deliver meaningful benefits and restore public confidence.
By Masaki Enock
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