Report: Kenyans pushed to unsafe homes as housing insecurity grows

Members of Habitat for Humanity construct a wall using interlocking blocks as part of the organisation's efforts to promote affordable, safe and climate-resilient housing. [Amos Kiarie, Standard]

More than half of Kenyans are accepting housing-related safety risks because safer homes are either too expensive or unavailable, exposing households to insecure structures and increasing vulnerability to extreme weather, a new study shows.

The situation is more difficult among people living in informal housing arrangements, where concerns over insecure doors and windows and the impact of extreme weather are significantly higher, highlighting the risks faced by households with limited access to safe and adequate shelter.

The findings are contained in Habitat for Humanity’s Home at What Cost? Global Housing Research 2026, which surveyed 30,758 people across 22 countries, including 1,400 respondents in Kenya.

The study found that 55 per cent of Kenyans accept housing-related safety risks because safer options are unaffordable or unavailable, compared with 40 per cent globally.

Another 44 per cent said insecure doors, windows or boundaries make it difficult to feel safe where they live, compared with 32 per cent globally.

The concerns are more pronounced among people living in informal housing arrangements. Sixty-six per cent reported insecure doors or windows, while 52 per cent said extreme weather affects their sense of safety.

The findings come as rapid urbanisation, housing shortages and climate-related risks continue to place pressure on low-income households across Africa.

“Across Africa, families are demonstrating incredible resilience, but no family should have to choose between paying for housing and paying for food, education or healthcare.

Housing is more than shelter. It can be a foundation for health, economic opportunity, climate resilience and inclusive urban development. As African cities continue to grow, investing in decent and adequate housing must be recognised as a critical driver of sustainable development and shared prosperity,” said Abi Riak, Area Vice President for Habitat for Humanity in Africa.

Riak said the importance of housing goes beyond simply providing shelter.

“Housing is more than shelter. It can be a foundation for health, economic opportunity, climate resilience and inclusive urban development. As African cities continue to grow, investing in decent and adequate housing must be recognised as a critical driver of sustainable development and shared prosperity,” he said.

In Kenya, the pressure is compounded by a persistent shortage of homes, with annual demand estimated at 250,000 units against production of roughly 50,000. The resulting deficit has surpassed two million homes.

For households already struggling to secure accommodation, the shortage means the challenge is not only finding a place to live but also finding one that provides adequate safety and stability.

The research found that 55 per cent of Kenyans worry that an unexpected problem could threaten their ability to remain housed. Among people living in informal housing arrangements, the proportion rises to 71 per cent.

Only 72 per cent of Kenyan respondents said they feel secure in their right to remain where they live, compared with 86 per cent globally.

Housing insecurity is also taking a toll on wellbeing, with 41 per cent of Kenyans identifying housing as one of their biggest sources of stress, compared with a global average of 35 per cent.

The findings point to a housing challenge that goes beyond the number of units available, extending to the quality, safety and resilience of homes.

Low-income households and marginalised communities face additional risks from flooding, unstable soils, poor drainage, inadequate sanitation, overcrowding and homes that may not withstand climate shocks.

The study found that 96 per cent of Kenyans agree that safe and reliable housing supports mental health, while 94 per cent believe stable housing helps build stronger communities.

Despite the insecurity, Kenyans remain optimistic about their housing future. Eighty-eight per cent expect their housing situation to improve within the next three years, while 92 per cent expect to own a home during their lifetime, compared with 76 per cent globally.

However, 44 per cent of Kenyans said they were dissatisfied with their current housing situation, compared with 35 per cent globally.

The findings have increased attention on the need for housing that is not only available but also safe and capable of withstanding environmental risks.

Habitat for Humanity Kenya is implementing its Building Resilient and Habitable Housing through the climate-smart construction technologies and habitability standardising housing systems initiative to address some of these challenges.

The initiative combines climate-smart construction technologies, resilient foundation systems, improved sanitation and accessible designs, while involving homeowners and communities in construction.

The approach seeks to adapt housing designs, construction methods and materials to local risks and conditions rather than focusing only on putting up structures.

Habitat for Humanity Kenya National Director Eileen Mokaya said families should be able to access housing without compromising their safety.

“Access to housing should mean more than simply having a roof over one’s head. Families need homes that are safe, decent and within their means, but many Kenyans continue to struggle with housing costs and are forced to make difficult choices between paying for shelter and meeting other basic needs,” she said.

The study was conducted between April and June 2026. In Kenya, researchers surveyed 1,000 adults nationally, supplemented by 300 low-income respondents and 100 people living in informal housing arrangements in Nairobi, Mombasa and Kisumu.