An Archaeology of Formal Urban Housing Problems in Kenya: Issues and Policies

Abstract

This review paper traces the origin of formal urban housing problems in Kenya. It indicates that formal urban housing problems have their origins in the colonial period where discriminatory policies led to the skewed housing provision. The problems were further compounded during the post-colonial period, where the independence government operated for a long time without an explicit policy on housing. The capacity of the government to provide formal public housing has also been limited. In addition, limited availability of public has affected the State’s effectiveness in the management of housing land uses. The housing problems are also worsened by the cumbersome and costly procedures of formal housing land acquisition, which discourage many people in need of housing to follow that route.