AMFI-K and Habitat for Humanity International have partnered to enhance access to affordable housing finance for low-income households in Kenya. This initiative aims to address the country’s housing deficit and promote financial inclusion by introducing and scaling Housing Microfinance products through AMFI-K’s member institutions.
The partnership focuses on launching affordable Housing Microfinance products, incorporating them into financial service providers, and building the capacity of AMFI-K and its members to ensure long-term sustainability. A key component of the initiative is the implementation of the One2Many intervention model, designed to enhance scalability and replication. Additionally, emerging themes such as climate resilience, gender inclusivity, and technological advancements are being incorporated into housing finance solutions.
To facilitate the initiative, a structured implementation plan has been set in motion. AMFI-K has recruited a dedicated resource to oversee the product development process and ensure continuity. A consultant has also been engaged to provide project management support and assist in refining methodologies to align with best practices in housing finance. Two financial service providers have been selected to pilot the Housing Microfinance products, with technical support from Habitat for Humanity. Training of trainers (ToT) sessions are set to be conducted to equip financial service providers’ staff with the necessary skills to manage the new products effectively and serve low-income customers.
A key milestone in this collaboration was a co-creation workshop held at Muthu Silver Springs Hotel in Nairobi. This workshop brought together key stakeholders, including representatives from microfinance institutions and housing finance experts, to discuss innovative strategies for scaling affordable housing finance. The workshop facilitated knowledge exchange and strategic planning, ensuring that the initiative remains impactful and sustainable.
Throughout the project, AMFI-K is leading monitoring and evaluation efforts to track progress and assess the impact of the housing finance solutions. The pilot phase aims to provide affordable housing loans to at least 20,000 individuals, with plans to scale up and reach 100,000 beneficiaries in the next phase. Beyond the initial rollout, AMFI-K is developing a sustainability framework to expand the initiative to additional financial institutions.
The collaboration between AMFI-K and Habitat for Humanity is a transformative step toward making homeownership a reality for low-income earners in Kenya. By leveraging financial innovation, capacity building, and strategic partnerships, the program is set to revolutionize the housing sector and improve the livelihoods of thousands of Kenyan families.
