Kenya: Could green housing bridge the affordable housing gap?

In Kenya, the challenge of delivering affordable housing has persistently plagued the government for the past four administrations, with targets falling short time and time again. However, the Deputy Chair of the Kenya Green Building Society, Ted Otieno, believes that sustainable housing may hold the key to bridging this gap. During a recent interview with CNBC Africa, Otieno emphasized the critical link between affordability and sustainability in housing. He asserted that sustainable housing is essential for unlocking affordable housing solutions, highlighting the interconnected nature of these two concepts. His argument underscores the importance of considering factors such as location, operational costs, utility bills, and overall design in ensuring that housing remains truly affordable and functional for all individuals. Otieno pointed out that green and sustainable housing initiatives encompass aspects like non-motorized transport access, health and well-being considerations, and energy-efficient designs to cater to the needs of low-income earners who make up a significant portion of the population. Despite existing perceptions, Otieno maintained that there is a growing appetite for green buildings in Kenya. The shift towards sustainable housing is not merely a trend for the elite but a necessity for all citizens in the face of rising energy costs and economic challenges. He cited the increasing number of green buildings in the country, with over 500,000 square meters of sustainable structures completed in the last year. This signifies a notable progress in promoting environmentally friendly construction practices within the real estate sector. To further debunk the notion that green buildings are reserved for a select few, the Kenya Green Building Society is actively engaged in capacity-building efforts and advocacy for sustainable construction practices at all levels. By collaborating with government agencies and standard-setting bodies, such as the Kenya Bureau of Standards, the society aims to establish clear definitions and guidelines for green buildings that can be easily understood and adopted by developers, financial institutions, and the general public. Despite the capital-intensive nature of real estate development, Otieno highlighted the financial benefits that sustainable housing offers. By reducing energy, water, and material consumption, developers can achieve significant cost savings and attract investors interested in green financing opportunities, such as green bonds. These financial incentives align with global trends towards environmental sustainability and provide a compelling case for embracing green building practices in Kenya. Addressing systemic challenges, such as policy gaps and misperceptions surrounding green buildings, remains a priority for the Kenya Green Building Society. By working closely with government officials, the society aims to influence housing policies and regulations to promote the widespread adoption of sustainable building standards across the country. In alignment with the government's affordable housing agenda, the society has developed green building guidelines for various counties and is actively collaborating with local authorities to ensure that affordable housing projects prioritize sustainability and efficiency. As the nation progresses towards meeting its housing targets, the Kenya Green Building Society stands at the forefront of driving innovation and sustainability in the real estate sector, paving the way for a more inclusive and environmentally conscious future for all Kenyans.