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Kenya’s Affordable Housing Programme (AHP) has been internationally recognized for its efforts to promote urbanization and expand access to quality housing across the country.
The State Department for Housing and Urban Development was honored in Cape Town, South Africa, with the Certified Bronze Gigacity Award 2025 by the World Broadband Association (WBBA). Housing Principal Secretary Charles Hinga received the award on behalf of the government.
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Hinga was also acknowledged for advancing Kenya’s megacities through the smart cities initiative.
During the ceremony, WBBA Director General Martin Creaner praised the department for updating the Building Code to support high-speed gigabit connectivity, noting that the reforms would improve fibre networks, enhance digital services, and raise the quality of life for residents.
According to the organisers, gigacities boost local business productivity by improving access to services and fostering smart technologies, positioning Kenya among nations developing modern urban centers with strong digital infrastructure.
The Affordable Housing Programme currently has over 214,057 housing units under construction across all 47 counties.
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Hinga emphasized that the programme not only delivers decent housing but also creates employment opportunities for youth, women, and the Jua Kali sector. Billions of shillings have been allocated to Jua Kali artisans to supply doors and windows for ongoing projects, while the programme has also driven demand for materials like cement and steel, benefiting the manufacturing sector.
“Today, flagship housing projects in every major town fall under the Affordable Housing Programme. Beyond building homes, the programme is driving economic activities, fostering technological innovation, and stimulating new industries,” Hinga said.
He added that the gigacities initiative will be integrated into several AHP projects nationwide. The programme has already generated over 300,000 direct and indirect jobs and is projected to create up to one million jobs over its lifecycle.
Hinga noted that Kenya has become a continental model for smart urban development, with projects like Boma Yangu Mukuru Housing Estate and Konza Technopolis being highlighted by UN-Habitat and other partners as examples of sustainable city-building.
The gigacities and smart cities initiatives form part of Kenya’s broader urban agenda, which focuses on sustainability, climate resilience, and equity. Officials say the technologies support digital governance, enhance service delivery, and foster environments that encourage technological innovation and business growth.
