Complete guide to affordable housing programs, subsidized loans, and government-backed mortgages. Find the right scheme for your home buying journey.
Government housing schemes offer affordable home ownership options for Kenyans who might not qualify for traditional bank mortgages. Benefits include:
💰 Affordable Housing Levy (AHL): Since 2024, employees and employers each contribute 1.5% of gross salary to the Affordable Housing Fund. This levy funds the AHP and helps you build your housing benefit.
| Scheme | Target Audience | Interest Rate | Deposit | Term |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AHP Affordable Housing Programme |
First-time buyers, general public | Subsidized (market-linked) | 5% | Up to 30 years |
| CSHSF Civil Servants Scheme |
National government civil servants only | 4% | None (job as collateral) | 20 years or retirement |
| NHC TPS Tenant Purchase Scheme |
General public | Affordable rates | 10% | Up to 14 years |
| KMRC Mortgage Refinance |
Indirect (via banks/SACCOs) | Single-digit (9-12%) | Standard bank rate | Standard bank term |
| KMGT Mortgage Guarantee |
Informal sector, irregular income | Market rate (risk-shared) | Reduced requirements | Variable |
Managed by: State Department for Housing and Urban Development
Target: Low and middle-income Kenyans, first-time home buyers
💡 Pro Tip: Register on Boma Yangu even before you're ready to buy. Your housing levy contributions accumulate and improve your eligibility for future units.
Managed by: State Department for Housing
Target: National government civil servants ONLY
💰 Savings Example: On a KES 4.5M loan over 20 years, a 4% rate saves you over KES 5,000,000 in interest compared to a 14% bank mortgage!
⚠️ Important: This scheme is ONLY for national government civil servants. County government employees do NOT qualify.
Managed by: National Housing Corporation
Target: General public
💡 Pro Tip: NHC properties are often priced below market rates. Check their website regularly for new project announcements.
Role: Refinances mortgages issued by primary lenders (banks, SACCOs, microfinance institutions)
Impact: Enables lenders to offer single-digit interest rates to end-borrowers
📌 Tip: Ask your bank or SACCO if they are KMRC-accredited. If they are, you may qualify for single-digit interest rates (9-12%) instead of standard rates (13-15%).
Purpose: Risk-sharing facility to de-risk lending to underserved groups
Target: Informal sector workers, small business owners, irregular income earners
💡 Pro Tip: If you're self-employed or work in the informal sector, ask participating banks about KMGT-backed mortgages. You may qualify with alternative proof of income (mobile money statements, savings records, business receipts).
The SACCO Housing Guarantee Bill was published to support SACCOs in providing housing loans to their members.
⚠️ Status Update: While the bill aims to strengthen SACCO housing lending, typical SACCO loan amounts remain relatively small (KES 5-20M) compared to direct bank mortgages.
💡 Pro Tip: For AHP, register on Boma Yangu immediately — your levy contributions and registration duration improve your ballot priority.
Since 2024, employees and employers each contribute 1.5% of gross salary to the Affordable Housing Fund. This levy funds the AHP and helps you build housing benefit credits.
No. CSHSF is strictly for national government civil servants only. County employees should explore county-level schemes or AHP.
Log into your Boma Yangu account. Results are published on the portal and via SMS notification.
KMRC doesn't lend directly to individuals. However, any customer of a KMRC-accredited bank or SACCO may benefit from the single-digit rates passed down by the lender.
Yes. The KMGT is specifically designed for informal sector workers and self-employed individuals. Some AHP units also accept self-employed applicants with alternative income proof.
Compare all mortgage options and find the right path to home ownership.