Social housing and slum upgrading in Kenya: a public policy perspective

Abstract

This study examines the effectiveness of social housing delivery and informal settlement upgrading interventions in Kenya, with particular focus on policy frameworks, implementation processes, and sustainability outcomes. The study is guided by three specific objectives: first, to critically appraise the existing social housing policy and regulatory framework in Kenya and identify key gaps affecting effective housing delivery; second, to examine the factors influencing the implementation and sustainability of social housing initiatives; and third, to identify lessons and best practices from international experiences that can inform improved social housing and informal settlement upgrading strategies in Kenya. The study is underpinned by Gentrification Theory as the primary theoretical framework, complemented by Institutional Theory. Methodologically, the study adopts a descriptive research design and is grounded in a constructivist philosophical approach. A qualitative research method is employed to generate in-depth insights into social housing delivery processes. Primary data was collected through semi-structured interviews with purposively selected key informants drawn from government institutions, housing and urban development professionals, non-governmental organisations, academia and community representatives. Secondary data was obtained from policy documents, programme reports, and relevant literature. Data was analysed using thematic analysis to identify recurring patterns related to policy effectiveness, affordability, governance, and sustainability. To ensure research rigour, validity was enhanced through triangulation of data sources and pilot testing of the research instrument, while ethical considerations were addressed through informed consent, confidentiality, and adherence to approved research protocols. Before the commencement of data collection, approval was sought from Strathmore University Ethics Department and NACOSTI. Findings reveal that Kenya has made progress in housing policy, but social housing remains constrained by affordability challenges, high land costs, weak coordination, and financing and governance inefficiencies. While global best practices offer useful models, their success depends on adaptation to Kenya’s local context. The evidence-based insights are expected to inform more effective, inclusive, and sustainable social housing policy formulation and implementation in Kenya.

Key Words: Social housing, Slum upgrading, Public policy, Informal settlements, Affordable housing, Sustainable urban development