About the Department

Learn about our history, mandate, leadership, and the milestones that have shaped Kenya's housing and urban development agenda.

Our Background

A Legacy of Service Since 1965

The State Department of Housing and Urban Development traces its origins to Kenya's post-independence era. Established in 1965, the department was created to address the acute housing shortage facing the newly independent nation and to plan Kenya's urban centres.

Over the decades, the department has evolved in mandate and scope — from managing government estates to spearheading national affordable housing programmes, slum upgrading initiatives, and urban development frameworks that shape Kenya's cities today.

The department operates under the Ministry of Lands, Public Works, Housing and Urban Development and works closely with county governments, parastatals, and international development partners to deliver its mandate.

Vision & Mission Our Functions

200,000K+

Homes Delivered

47+

Counties Reached

15+

Active Projects

1,965

Year Founded

Our Journey

Key Milestones

1965

Department Established

The State Department of Housing was created at independence to address Kenya's acute housing shortage and coordinate urban development.

1980s

Civil Servants Housing Scheme

Launch of the Civil Servants Housing Scheme Fund (CSHSF) to provide affordable housing for government employees across Kenya.

2004

KENSUP Launched

Kenya Slum Upgrading Programme launched in partnership with UN-Habitat to transform informal settlements in Nairobi and other cities.

2010

New Constitution Framework

Devolution under Kenya's new Constitution reshapes urban governance, enabling county-level housing and planning responsibilities.

2017

Big Four Agenda — Affordable Housing

Housing elevated as a national priority — targeting 500,000 affordable units by 2022 under the Big Four Agenda.

2022

Boma Yangu Platform

National digital affordable housing platform launched, enabling Kenyans to register and apply for affordable homes online.

2026

Africa Urban Forum (AUF2)

Kenya hosts the Second Africa Urban Forum in Nairobi — cementing Kenya's role as a continental leader in urban development.

Leadership

Our Leadership Team

Experienced professionals driving Kenya's housing and urban development agenda.

Cabinet Secretary

Provides overall policy direction, oversight, and ministerial leadership for the State Department and its programmes.

Principal Secretary — Housing

Oversees the housing docket, policy implementation, affordable housing programmes, and departmental administration.

Principal Secretary — Urban

Leads the urban and metropolitan development docket, including urban planning and slum upgrading.

Director-General

Coordinates day-to-day operations and implementation of the department's strategic plan.