Kenyans who prefer living in the village can now get up to Ksh 4 million government loan to build their own homes.
This follows a provision in the Affordable Housing law that allows people to access funding to construct houses on their own land in rural areas.
Many people have associated the housing programme with apartments in towns, but the law also makes room for those who want to build in the countryside.
Under the Affordable Housing Act, Kenyans can apply for a government-backed loan to put up a house on land they already own. The rural housing option is one of four categories under the programme, alongside social housing, affordable housing, and middle-class housing.
The plan was fully put into action in August 2025 after the National Assembly approved the regulations. This came after many Kenyans asked for a way to use their housing levy contributions to build homes in rural areas instead of only buying houses in urban projects.
To qualify for the loan, one must be a Kenyan aged 18 years and above and should not have already received a house under the same programme.
Applicants are also required to register on the Boma Yangu platform, either through the website or by using a USSD code.
In addition, they must show proof that they own land by providing a title deed and an official land search. They are also expected to get a development permit from the county government and a Bill of Quantities prepared by a registered quantity surveyor.
The housing board will also check whether the applicant can repay the loan before approval is given.
Applicants must also take up a life insurance policy tied to the loan. This is meant to protect their families, as the insurance will take over repayment in case the borrower dies.
Other documents needed include identification papers, proof that the land has no existing loan, and evidence of the required deposit.
Once someone applies, the law says the funds should be released within 90 days if the application is successful.
However, beneficiaries will not be allowed to sell or transfer the house until they finish paying the loan.
For those who may struggle with repayment, the law allows them to appeal to the housing board and possibly move to a more affordable option instead of defaulting.
The interest charged on the loan depends on a person’s income. Those earning below Ksh 20,000 will pay 3 percent interest, those earning up to Ksh 149,000 will pay 6 percent, while those earning above that will pay 9 percent.
The provision is expected to benefit many Kenyans who own land in rural areas but may not have known they could access government support to build homes there
