Habitat unveils new housing campaign to improve health and livelihoods in Kenya

Machakos Governor Wavinya Ndeti (right centre in brown), Habitat for Humanity Africa Area Vice President Abi Riak (in Ankara dress), and Habitat for Humanity Kenya National Director Dr. Eileen Mokaya (wearing a red scarf) during the launch of the “Let’s Open the Door” housing campaign in Nairobi on July 16, 2026.

 

Thousands of vulnerable Kenyan families are set to benefit from new housing interventions targeting jigger infestation, climate-related challenges and women’s empowerment as Habitat for Humanity launches two initiatives aimed at turning homes into platforms for health and economic transformation.

 

The initiatives were unveiled during the Kenyan launch of Habitat for Humanity’s global “Let’s Open the Door” campaign, which seeks to mobilise action towards addressing the housing crisis by promoting safe, affordable and resilient homes as a foundation for improved livelihoods.

 

The campaign, launched as part of Habitat for Humanity’s 50th anniversary celebrations, is being implemented in more than 60 countries to highlight the role of housing in improving health outcomes, creating economic opportunities and strengthening communities against climate challenges.

 

Speaking during the launch, Machakos Governor Wavinya Ndeti said partnerships with Habitat for Humanity had demonstrated the impact of decent housing in transforming communities through improved living conditions, access to water and enhanced learning opportunities.

 

Ndeti said the collaboration between the organisation and Machakos County had improved lives in Masinga, Mwala and Mavoko sub-counties through housing, sanitation and water initiatives.

 

She noted that the partnership had facilitated the drilling of three boreholes, rehabilitation of two others and construction of approximately 15 kilometres of water distribution pipelines, enabling communities in previously water-stressed areas to engage in income-generating activities.

 

The governor added that Habitat for Humanity, in partnership with Computers for Schools Kenya, had donated 120 computers to six schools in Machakos County, helping learners access digital resources.

 

“The transformation we have witnessed in our communities proves that this model works. However, the need remains great. Let us strengthen our partnerships so that more families waiting for safe shelter can have their doors opened to dignity and security,” Ndeti said.

 

She also welcomed the development of a housing policy by Habitat for Humanity in collaboration with the Department of Housing, saying the county government would support efforts to complete and implement the framework.

 

Habitat for Humanity Area Vice President for Africa Abi Riak said housing remains a critical driver of development, noting that millions of people across Africa continue to face challenges associated with inadequate shelter.

 

Riak said about 53 per cent of Sub-Saharan Africa’s urban population lives in informal settlements, while the continent faces a housing deficit estimated at 56 million units.

 

“Because a home is the foundation upon which people build their lives, communities build resilience and countries build prosperity,” he said.

 

He added that the “Let’s Open the Door” campaign seeks to encourage collaboration, innovation and investment in housing solutions that can reach millions of families across Africa.

Architect Shikuku Onyango showcases designs for improved Maasai manyattas aimed at creating resilient and sustainable settlements.

As part of the Kenya launch, Habitat for Humanity introduced two flagship programmes aimed at addressing interconnected social, economic, health and environmental challenges.

 

The Opening the Door to Women Building Resilient Manyattas initiative will support Maasai women to strengthen traditional manyattas through climate-resilient and healthier housing improvements while preserving cultural heritage.

 

The initiative builds on the traditional role of Maasai women in constructing manyattas and seeks to enhance their leadership, improve living conditions and promote adaptation to climate change.

 

The second programme, Opening the Door to Jigger-Free Homes, targets the improvement of 10,000 household floors in jigger-endemic communities across Kenya over five years.

 

The initiative seeks to replace unsafe mud floors with healthier and more durable flooring solutions, benefiting an estimated 50,000 people through improved health, increased school attendance, enhanced productivity and restored dignity.

 

Habitat for Humanity Kenya National Director Dr. Eileen Mokaya said the programmes demonstrate how housing can address multiple challenges facing communities.

 

“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,” she said.

 

Mokaya said Habitat for Humanity hopes the initiatives will encourage wider collaboration and investment in housing solutions that can be expanded across Kenya.

 

According to Habitat for Humanity, Kenya faces a housing deficit of about two million units, with annual demand exceeding supply by nearly 200,000 homes, leaving many households dependent on informal settlements and inadequate housing.

 

Riak said overcoming Africa’s housing challenge requires partnerships between governments, communities, development organisations and private sector players.

 

“The scale of Africa’s housing challenge requires partnerships, innovation, investment and a shared commitment to solutions that can reach millions of families,” he said.

 

The “Let’s Open the Door” campaign positions housing as a foundation for health, economic opportunity, climate resilience and sustainable community development as Habitat for Humanity marks five decades of global impact.