(Ebook) The Role of Changing Housing Policies in Housing Affordability and Accessibility in Developing Countries: The Case of Kenya by MSc. Collins Ouma Agayi , Dr. Özer Karakayacı

(Ebook) The Role of Changing Housing Policies in Housing Affordability and Accessibility in Developing Countries: The Case of Kenya by MSc. Collins Ouma Agayi , Dr. Özer Karakayacı

Rapid urbanization has led to the influx of people into urban areas as people seek better
life opportunities. This migration has however largely not been planned, resulting in
population explosions in the cities. Relying on existing research on the topic and
government reports, this study finds that many middle and low-income families in Kenya
have ended up living in informal settlements in urban areas due to housing unaffordability.
The study further determines that the problem of housing is more pronounced in developing
countries. Studies related to this issue establish that the housing crisis cannot only be
attributed to rural-urban migration but also other factors like failed housing policies, poor
housing financial systems, too much interference in the running of housing by the
government and complex land tenure systems among others. This research, therefore,
identifies the critical housing crisis issues, housing policy gaps in Kenya and proposes
policy actions and the potential role of governments in a housing market to address
affordability challenges. The study establishes the role of government and other institutions
in the housing sector and proposes the land and housing reforms which can add knowledge
to future research in similar areas.
JOURNAL OF CONTEMPORARY URBAN AFFAIRS (2020), 4(2), 49-58.
https://doi.org/10.25034/ijcua.2020.v4n2-5