Habitat for Humanity Launches ‘Let’s Open the Door’ Campaign to Address Kenya’s Housing Crisis

From left Dr Eileen mokaya national director habitat for humanity,former chairperson habitat for humanity, Edna lenku first lady kajiado county, Dr Wycliffe omondi from ministry of health, wavinya Ndeti governor machakos county ,abi risk vice chairperson habitat for humanity, Rose sang board chairperson habitat for humanity

Habitat for Humanity Kenya has launched its global “Let’s Open the Door” campaign in Kenya, rallying governments, development partners and communities to recognize housing as a critical driver of health, economic empowerment, climate resilience and human dignity.

The launch, held as Habitat for Humanity marks 50 years of global impact, highlighted the urgent need for collaborative solutions to address the housing crisis affecting millions across Africa and Kenya.

According to Habitat for Humanity, more than half of Sub-Saharan Africa’s urban population lives in informal settlements, while the region faces a housing deficit of approximately 56 million units. In Kenya alone, the housing deficit is estimated at over two million units, with demand outstripping supply by nearly 200,000 houses annually.

Speaking during the launch, Habitat for Humanity Africa Vice President Abi Riak said housing should be viewed as more than merely providing shelter.

“Housing matters because a home is the foundation upon which people build their lives, communities build resilience and countries build prosperity. Through ‘Let’s Open the Door’, we are calling for greater collaboration, innovation and investment to help scale solutions that can reach millions of families across Africa,” said Riak.

Kajiado first lady H.E Edna Lenku noted that the organization has so far reached over 65 million people globally through partnerships with governments, communities and institutions.

“Housing is more than shelter. It influences health outcomes, education outcomes, economic opportunities and resilience to climate shocks. When we open the door to housing, we open the door to development and opportunities for communities to thrive,” Edna lenku said.

Habitat for Humanity Kenya National Director Eileen Mokaya said the Kenyan launch demonstrates how housing interventions can simultaneously address health, livelihoods and environmental challenges.

“Through these initiatives, we are not simply improving houses. We are strengthening women’s livelihoods, improving health and learning outcomes for vulnerable families, preserving cultural heritage and building resilience to future challenges,” said Mokaya.

The campaign is anchored on two flagship initiatives: the construction of climate-resilient manyattas for Maasai women and a programme aimed at replacing unsafe earthen floors in jigger-endemic communities with safer and more durable housing solutions.

The organization estimates that the jigger-free homes initiative will directly benefit approximately 50,000 people by improving health outcomes, increasing school attendance and restoring dignity to vulnerable households.

Machakos Governor Wavinya Ndeti lauded Habitat for Humanity for transforming lives in the county through housing, water and education initiatives.

“Families who once lived in despair now live in decent, secure housing. Children who faced constant health risks now play on clean and safe sanitation facilities. You did not just build structures; you restored self-worth,” said Governor Ndeti.

She noted that collaboration between the county government and Habitat for Humanity had resulted in the construction of approximately 16 kilometres of water reticulation pipelines and water kiosks in Masinga Sub-county, opening up opportunities for economic empowerment.

“Because of this water, dry lands are blooming. Local communities are no longer just surviving; they are thriving,” wavinya added.

The governor further called for expanded partnerships to ensure more vulnerable families gain access to decent housing.

“When we open the door to a decent home, we open doors to education, good health, economic power and a brighter Kenya,” wavinya said.

The event also featured moving testimonies from beneficiaries whose lives have been transformed by Habitat for Humanity interventions.

One of the beneficiaries, Mary Kanini, emotionally recounted the challenges she had endured living in inadequate housing conditions before receiving support.

“Thank you Habitat for Humanity Kenya for building me a place I can call home. During rainy season I sleep good,” said Kanini.

Habitat for Humanity Kenya Board Chair Rosa Sang underscored the importance of inclusive partnerships in addressing social challenges, drawing parallels with Kenya’s success in financial inclusion.

“Poverty was not just about income; it was about exclusion. The same spirit of innovation and partnership can help us tackle the housing challenge and ensure more families have access to safe and decent homes,” said Sang.

As Habitat for Humanity celebrates five decades of global service, stakeholders at the launch emphasized that addressing the housing crisis requires collective action involving governments, the private sector, development partners and local communities.

The ‘Let’s Open the Door’ campaign is expected to serve as a global movement advocating for increased investment in housing solutions that not only provide shelter but also improve health, education, livelihoods and climate resilience for millions of people across Africa.