Nairobi South Ward MCA Waithera Chege during a public forum./HANDOUT

In a bold move to make home ownership more accessible to low-income earners, the government has launched a Deposit Assistance initiative under the Affordable Housing Programme, slashing the initial deposit from 10 per cent to just 5 per cent.

Speaking during a public engagement in South B, Nairobi, the Acting CEO of the Affordable Housing Board, Sheila Waweru, urged Kenyans to take full advantage of the initiative, which is designed to remove financial barriers and encourage more citizens to own decent homes.

"The Affordable Housing Programme continues to explore ways to increase access and affordability,"Waweru said.

"Reducing the deposit requirement allows more people-especially those at the bottom of the economic pyramid-to qualify for a home."

She made the remarks alongside Nairobi South Ward MCA Waithera Chege, during a community engagement forum on the recently launched Mukuru Affordable Housing Project, which has already delivered homes to 1,080 beneficiaries.

The Mukuru estate, built on a 41.6-acre parcel of land, features 88 apartment blocks each rising 11 storeys high.

Once complete, it will deliver 13,248 housing units, including 5,616 bedsitters targeted at low-income earners.

Under a Tenant Purchase Scheme, beneficiaries will pay as little as Sh3,800 per month for 30 years.

During the handover of the Lot 1 - Phase 1 units, President William Ruto said the project represents the government s commitment to ensuring every Kenyan, regardless of income, has access to decent and dignified housing.

The engagement also featured discussions around common challenges new homeowners face and how the programme aims to provide long-term support beyond just handing over keys.