A new report by Habitat for Humanity has revealed that 55% of Kenyans engage in side hustles to afford housing, placing Kenya among the top nations in a global survey. The report, titled Home at What Cost?, was released on World Habitat Day under the UN theme “Adequate Housing for All.” The survey sampled 1,400 adults across varied income levels and informal settlements in Kenya.
The survey highlights the severe financial and personal sacrifices households make to maintain shelter. Across the 22 surveyed countries, the global average for taking on extra work to meet housing expenses sits at 31%. In Kenya, 89% of respondents reported cutting back on at least one expense over the past year to manage housing costs, surpassing the global average of 75%.
Housing costs directly compromise basic necessities for many Kenyan households. Forty percent of respondents reduced food purchases, while half reported dipping into emergency savings to cover shelter costs. The pressure peaks among renters, where 65% take on side hustles and 48% cut back on food.
Abi Riak, Vice President for Habitat for Humanity in Africa, emphasized that housing is more than shelter, it can be a foundation for health, economic opportunity, climate resilience, and inclusive urban development. Riak stated that no family should have to choose between paying for housing and paying for food, education, or healthcare.
Housing pressures shape major long-term choices across the country. Sixty-two percent of Kenyans say housing costs make it difficult to consider starting a family, compared to 56% globally. Among parents, 61% report that housing expenses limit opportunities for their children, and 45% have abandoned personal aspirations due to their housing situation.
Despite current struggles, Kenyans demonstrate notable optimism for future improvements. Eighty-eight percent of respondents expect their housing situation to improve within the next three years, making Kenya one of the most optimistic nations surveyed. Additionally, 96% agree that safe, reliable housing supports mental health, while 94% believe stable housing builds stronger communities.
Kenya currently faces an estimated annual demand of 250,000 housing units against a production of roughly 50,000, creating a deficit exceeding two million homes. The country's housing rights remain anchored in its Constitution, the National Housing Policy, and the Affordable Housing Act of 2024. However, many households still struggle to benefit from policy commitments.
Key points
- 55% of Kenyans take on extra work to afford housing.
- 89% of Kenyans cut back on expenses to manage housing costs.
- 88% of Kenyans expect their housing situation to improve within the next three years.
