By Jeff Kizzilah Digital Editor
Absa Bank Kenya has strengthened its commitment to expanding homeownership and accelerating affordable housing delivery by partnering with International Housing Solutions (IHS) Kenya as the title sponsor of the 2nd IHS Kenya Affordable Housing Conference.
The conference, scheduled for Thursday this week, will bring together developers, financiers, policymakers, and investors to examine the key challenges hindering affordable housing development and identify practical solutions that can be implemented at scale.
Kenya continues to face a significant housing deficit estimated at more than two million units. Annual demand is projected at between 200,000 and 250,000 units, while supply remains below 50,000 units per year, creating a growing gap in housing accessibility across the country.
Speaking ahead of the conference, Absa Bank Kenya Managing Executive for Corporate and Investment Banking, James Agin, emphasized that addressing the housing challenge requires a coordinated approach that goes beyond construction.
“Affordable housing is central to economic inclusion, productivity, and urban resilience. As cities grow, housing systems must evolve to support sustainable and inclusive development,” said Mr. Agin.
He noted that affordability challenges begin early in the development cycle due to high land acquisition costs, infrastructure requirements, financing constraints, and lengthy project timelines. These factors continue to affect both developers and aspiring homeowners.
Through its Real Estate Finance business, Absa Bank Kenya is actively supporting the housing value chain by enhancing project viability, strengthening linkages between developers and buyers, and improving mortgage readiness to enable prospective homeowners to access financing earlier.
The bank is also championing innovative financing models designed to reflect African market realities, including solutions tailored to informal and non-traditional income earners who are often excluded from conventional mortgage products.
“Delivering affordable housing at scale will depend on how effectively we connect capital, expertise, and execution across the ecosystem. Stronger collaboration will be critical to unlocking commercially viable, inclusive solutions,” Mr. Agin added.
The conference forms part of ongoing efforts by Absa Bank Kenya and IHS Kenya to foster partnerships, innovation, and investment aimed at building resilient, sustainable, and inclusive urban communities.
