Stakeholders push for innovations to address affordable housing crisis

Speaking during the Impact and Exchange Insight Forum (IIX 2025) in Nairobi, Kennedy Munyendo, Regional Director for On-Site ICF East Africa, underscored the urgent need to reduce construction costs through modern technologies. 

"We are showcasing solutions like Insulated Concrete Form (ICF) blocks, which cut construction costs by up to 30% and speed up building timelines," said Munyendo

The ICF system, which uses lightweight polyurethane blocks for walls, has been highlighted as a sustainable alternative to traditional stone and masonry. The blocks, produced locally on-site, reduce the strain on natural resources such as quarry stones and offer better insulation and durability.

Steve Ross, CEO of On-Site ICF, emphasised the importance of partnerships in scaling affordable housing. 

“Collaboration with government, private developers, and financial institutions is crucial. We need policies that encourage innovation, such as VAT exemptions for affordable housing projects,” Ross noted.

Despite the adoption of new technologies in Kenya’s 2024 Building Code, experts argue that implementation lags due to limited awareness among contractors and government agencies. Munyendo called for better dissemination of policy changes to ensure widespread adoption.

Nyanam International, an organization which works with widows in Kisumu and Siaya, has already benefited from ICF technology.

 “Thirteen homes built through this partnership have transformed lives. These houses are affordable, durable, and environmentally friendly,” said Evelyn Odhiambo, the group’s Youth and Communications Manager.

Stakeholders at the forum urged the government to provide incentives and financing models to drive the adoption of such technologies, which could help Kenya achieve its Vision 2030 target of constructing 250,000 housing units annually.

The push for affordable housing comes as Kenya faces a deficit of over 2 million homes, with low-income earners bearing the brunt of the crisis.