Africa-Press – Kenya. The Ministry of Lands has been directed to work closely with county governments and other state agencies to expedite land approvals and title processing, supporting the timely delivery of affordable housing projects across the country.
The directive was issued during the 29th Ordinary Session of the Intergovernmental Budget and Economic Council (IBEC), chaired by Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, as the government sought to address land-related delays affecting the implementation of the Affordable Housing Programme (AHP).
IBEC resolved that the Ministry of Lands collaborate with the Council of Governors and relevant institutions to fast-track development and physical plan approvals, facilitate the execution and transfer of title deeds to the Affordable Housing Board, and accelerate approval of sectional plans for completed units.
The council noted that timelines for land documentation and planning approvals are among the factors influencing the pace of construction, financing, and the eventual handover of houses to buyers.
Kindiki, who chaired the meeting, highlighted that the timely transfer of land ownership to the Affordable Housing Board is important for project financing, contractor payments, and the issuance of individual ownership documents once units are completed.
During the meeting, IBEC acknowledged progress already made in securing land for the programme.
“Out of 26 Affordable Housing Programme sites identified nationwide, 14 have so far been issued with base title deeds,” the meeting was informed.
The government said ongoing efforts are in place to process titles for the remaining sites to ensure all projects have secure land tenure and meet legal and financing requirements.
In addition to base titles, the Ministry of Lands was tasked with supporting the approval of sectional property plans, which allow individual housing units within a development to be registered and transferred to buyers.
Timelines for sectional approvals have previously influenced the final handover process, even after construction is completed.
County governments were also asked to support the process by facilitating local planning approvals, coordinating land-use requirements, and aligning with national agencies to ensure compliance with zoning and infrastructure standards.
IBEC emphasised that stronger coordination between national and county governments is essential to maintain momentum for the Affordable Housing Programme, a key pillar of the government’s economic and social agenda.
The programme aims to increase access to decent and affordable homes for low- and middle-income households while creating jobs and stimulating local economies through large-scale construction.
According to the DP, addressing land ownership and planning considerations early in the project cycle would help reduce delays and enhance investor confidence in the housing initiative.
The council further noted that accelerated land processing will support faster project completion and ensure beneficiaries receive their units, and corresponding ownership documents, without unnecessary administrative delays.
With additional sites securing titles and intergovernmental coordination strengthened, the government expressed confidence that the Affordable Housing Programme will gain momentum and deliver homes to thousands of Kenyans within the planned timelines.
