Interlocking Stabilized Soil Blocks (ISSBs) are an innovative and eco-friendly building material gaining popularity in sustainable construction. Made from a mixture of soil, a small amount of cement or lime for stabilization, and compressed under high pressure, these blocks provide a strong, durable, and cost-effective alternative to traditional bricks. How ISSBs Work ISSBs are designed with...
Housing
Energy-saving designs in housing focus on reducing the amount of energy required for heating, cooling, lighting, and other household needs. These designs not only cut utility costs for homeowners but also help conserve natural resources and reduce environmental impact. Key Elements of Energy-Saving Designs Passive Solar Design: Orienting buildings to maximize natural sunlight for warmth and...
Efficient waste management in housing is a critical aspect of creating sustainable and healthy living environments. As urban populations grow, managing household and construction waste effectively reduces pollution, conserves resources, and improves overall community well-being. Key Components of Efficient Waste Management in Housing Waste Segregation: Separating waste at the source into categories...
The construction industry is increasingly turning to eco-friendly materials as a way to reduce environmental impact, promote sustainability, and create healthier living spaces. These materials minimize resource depletion, lower carbon emissions, and often improve energy efficiency in buildings. Common Types of Eco-Friendly Construction Materials Bamboo: Fast-growing and strong, bamboo is an...
For many Kenyans, owning a home is a long-term dream and mortgage plans are one of the most viable ways to achieve it. A mortgage is a loan specifically designed for purchasing property, where the property itself serves as collateral until the loan is fully repaid. In Kenya, mortgage plans are offered by commercial banks, microfinance institutions, SACCOs, and state-backed agencies like the Kenya...
Tenant Purchase Schemes (TPS) are innovative housing finance models that allow individuals to move into a house as tenants and gradually become homeowners by paying monthly installments, often over a long period. In Kenya, TPS has become a popular pathway to homeownership, especially for low- and middle-income earners who might not qualify for traditional mortgages or lack upfront capital. How the...
The Affordable Housing Programme (AHP) is one of the flagship initiatives under Kenya’s Vision 2030 and the government’s Big Four Agenda. Its core aim is to provide decent and affordable homes to the growing population, particularly targeting low- and middle-income earners who are often priced out of the formal housing market. Launched in 2017, the programme seeks to address the significant...
The National Housing Corporation (NHC) plays a vital role in Kenya’s housing sector. As a government agency under the Ministry of Lands, Public Works, Housing and Urban Development, its core mission is to provide and facilitate affordable housing across the country. Founded under the Housing Act Cap 117 in 1953, the NHC was created to address the growing need for decent shelter among Kenyans. Over the...