The government has praised the significant contributions of the private sector in addressing the country's housing challenges.
Housing Secretary Said Athman said the private industry’s role has been crucial in alleviating the housing deficit, especially with the growing urban population.
“The housing demand in Kenya per year is 250,000 with the private sector contributing to a quarter of that number,” he said.
According to Athman, as of December 2023, the housing demand was at three million but the government has only managed to build 130,000 units under the affordable housing program so far.
“Construction of the 130,000 units has created demand for more than 7 million tiles, 350,000 sanitary ware, and 820 lifts,” he said while illustrating the opportunity that exists for industry players in the ongoing housing program by the government.
Athman made the remarks Thursday in Nairobi during the official launch of Binaa, Kenya’s first brand, and comprehensive hub for building and home finishing solutions.
Binaa, he said, aims to revolutionise the way Kenyans approach construction by offering a seamless and efficient one-stop solution for high-quality materials and finishes, expert advice, and reliable delivery services.
The Binaa ecosystem is designed to eliminate the frustrations traditionally associated with building fittings and finishes.
The event was graced by government officials and a panel of industry leaders, including Council of Governors chairperson Ahmed Abdullahi, National Assembly Majority Leader Majority Leader Kimani Ichungwa and Minority Leader Junet Mohamed among others.
In his keynote address, Ichung'wah lauded the alignment of the Binaa concept, through its collaborative model of the various fragments of the sector, with the government’s deliberate investment in housing.
Ichung'wah who expressed the government’s strong support for such initiatives, emphasized the broader impact the Binaa hub will have on the economy within its vast supply chain.
“Beyond the industry players, local businesses will benefit from increased opportunities, and young people from creation of jobs which will boost employment in various areas; including product manufacturing, logistics, sales, and project management among others,” Ichung'wah said.
“By supporting this establishment, we are not only addressing immediate construction challenges but also contributing to long-term, inclusive economic growth.”
While telling the Binaa story, the resident architect, Ahmed Mohamed highlighted the long-standing challenges faced by those in the construction sector when sourcing materials and finishes, which he termed as the inspiration behind the creation of Binaa.
“We’re here to make the process of construction easier, more efficient, and less frustrating. From design to delivery, fitting, and even maintenance, our goal is to walk with you every step of the way, ensuring that your vision becomes a reality,” Mohamed said.
He added that Binaa also aims to align with the efforts of the National Construction Authority in upskilling and accrediting fundis, by empowering local craftsmen through refined skills and high-end, innovative industry standards.
