Sessional Paper of 2002 on National Housing Policy for Kenya

Abstract

This National Housing Policy is being proposed to address the deteriorating housing condition countrywide and the housing deficit arising from demand that far outstrips supply, particularly in urban areas. This situation has been aggravated by rapid urbanization, widespread poverty, and escalating costs of providing housing. The shortage of housing is manifested in overcrowding, proliferation of slum and informal settlements in peri-urban areas as well as poor quality housing in rural areas. The policy aims at facilitating development of affordable housing, providing basic services and infrastructure necessary for a healthy living environment. It encourages increased investment by the formal and informal private sector, in the production of housing for low and middle income urban dwellers. For existing informal settlements, the policy encourages integrated, participatory approaches to upgrading, including income-generating activities that contribute towards poverty alleviation.