The government’s affordable housing initiative faces criticism after stakeholders at a national conference claimed Kenya’s homeless population could be as high as 500,000, far exceeding the official figure of 18,000.
During the National Conference on the State of Homelessness and Street-Connectedness held in Nairobi on July 29, 2026, experts, policymakers, county officials, and civil society groups highlighted the urgent need to address homelessness, which they say is a neglected crisis.
Discrepancy in Homelessness Data
Eric Mukoya, Executive Director of the Undugu Society of Kenya, questioned the government's statistics, noting the official count dropped from about 46,000 in 2019 to 18,000 currently. Based on his organisation’s work, he estimates between 300,000 and 500,000 Kenyans are homeless or lack stable housing.
Mukoya emphasized that homelessness extends beyond lack of shelter, describing it as a denial of dignity, belonging, and equal citizenship. He attributed the rising crisis to rapid urbanisation, displacement, gentrification, and growing inequality, which restrict access to employment and essential services.
Calls for Policy Reforms and Collaboration
Constitutional lawyer and former Anti-Corruption Commission Director PLO Lumumba urged the government to develop a comprehensive national homelessness policy. He stressed the importance of cooperation between national and county governments, alongside partnerships with the private sector and civil society.
"Homelessness affects broader social issues such as crime and early pregnancies, which must be addressed to achieve poverty reduction and sustainable development," Lumumba said.
The Undugu Society called for full implementation of constitutional provisions on the right to accessible and adequate housing, human dignity, and security of the person. They advocated for more inclusive housing policies, enhanced social protection, and active participation of those with lived experience in policy formulation.
Government Response and Next Steps
Wangalwa Kizito, Director of Programmes and Committees at the Council of Governors, acknowledged homelessness as an inclusion challenge that requires greater government focus. He emphasized supporting counties to tackle homelessness locally.
The wide gap between official and stakeholder estimates raises questions about whether Kenya’s affordable housing programme effectively reaches the most vulnerable populations or primarily serves low- and middle-income earners able to afford housing.
