Kenyans planning to purchase the affordable houses being constructed by the government have a reason to smile after eligibility criteria was lowered.
Initially, an individual seeking to buy the housing units was required to pay a minimum of 10 percent of the total cost.
However, the Cabinet on Tuesday, June 24, 2025, endorsed the Affordable Housing Regulations which among others reduced the minimum deposit.
The regulations also lowered the barrier to entry for low and middle-income earners.
Other provisions include equitable housing allocation across income groups, access to low-interest or low-monthly-payment home loans, and structured deposit assistance for those unable to pay upfront.
The regulations also guide the development, design, and maintenance of affordable and institutional housing across all counties.
Additionally, they support long-term financing solutions for both development and purchase, and provide funding for maintenance and essential services within housing schemes.
Cabinet approves Railway City Central Station project
Meanwhile, in support of Nairobi’s broader urban transformation agenda, the Cabinet gave the green light to implement the Nairobi Railway City Central Station and Public Realm Project, a transformative infrastructure development designed to decongest Nairobi and revitalise the Central Business District.
“This flagship project, seen as a critical step in attracting private investment to the Railway City, will modernise the outdated Central Station into a state-of-the-art, multi-modal transport hub,” a Cabinet despatch noted.
With projected passenger demand rising to 400,000 daily by 2030 and 600,000 by 2045, the new station will feature nine platforms and improved access bridges, allowing for the efficient evacuation of up to 30,000 people per hour.
Surrounding public realm improvements will unlock underutilised land, spur economic activity, and increase foot traffic into the city centre.
The project is backed by secured funding for key transport links, including BRT Line 3, several commuter rail lines, and a Standard-Gauge Railway connection to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport.
It is expected to drive job creation, urban regeneration, and sustainable growth, establishing the station as Nairobi’s premier transport interchange and a symbol of the city’s future urban vision.
